<P> Flying has the potential for serious consequences if not done properly and carefully . Just as it would be unwise to fly in an aircraft that is not airworthy, it is unsafe to fly as, or with, a pilot who is medically compromised . Annual inspections are performed on all aircraft to assure that they meet minimum safety standards . Routine medical exams accomplish the same goal for pilots . When an aircraft successfully completes an annual inspection, the inspector endorses in the logbooks to signify the aircraft is airworthy . Similarly, when a pilot successfully passes the flight physical, the physician endorses the Airmen Medical Certificate which the pilot then carries when performing flight duties . This is then evidence that the pilot has met the medical standards for aircraft operation . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs to be updated . Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information . (November 2016) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs to be updated . Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information . (November 2016) </Td> </Tr> <P> Federal Aviation Regulations in the U.S. require pilots and air traffic controllers to have periodic flight physicals in order to perform their aviation related duties . Authority for these laws comes from the CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) parts 61 and 67 . Federal regulations describe three classes of medical certificates: Class 3 medical certificates are for private pilot duties only . They have the least restrictive medical requirements and the certificates are good for 5 years for applicants under age 40 and 2 years for those 40 and over . Class 2 medical certificates are for commercial, non-airline duties as well as private pilot duties . This certificate would be required of crop dusters, charter pilots, corporate pilots, and anyone else who flies commercially . The certificate is good for 1 year for commercial activities and 2 or 5 years for private pilot use based on age . Class 1 medical certificates are required for airline transport pilots who fly scheduled airliners . These are the most complex examinations and include electrocardiograms (EKGs). EKGs are required at the first Class 1 medical after the applicant turns 35 and then the first medical after age 40 and yearly thereafter . Class 1 certificates are good for airliner duties for 1 year for applicants under age 40 and 6 months for those 40 and over . Like the Class 2 certificate, however, these remain good for a full year for other commercial activities and 2 or 5 years for private pilot duties . Detailed medical requirements for each class of pilot exam are described in Code of Federal Regulations Part 67 . </P>

What is a faa third class medical certificate