What’s the difference between a first-class and third-class medical?
A third-class medical is the minimum for private pilots. A first-class medical is required to fly as an airline captain and has stricter standards. Career-track students often get a first-class medical from the start to confirm eligibility early.
The classes correspond to the privileges you exercise.
Third-class covers private and recreational flying.
Second-class is for commercial operations, and first-class is required for airline transport pilot privileges.
The exams are similar, but the standards tighten as the class rises.
Anyone serious about an airline career benefits from getting a first-class medical early, so any potential issues surface before significant time and money are invested.
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