This chart explains the specific medical certificate requirements for each pilot type:
| Medical Certificate | Class III |
|---|---|
| Type Pilot |
Private, Student, Recreational |
| Duration |
2 years if age 40 or older; 5years if less than 40 at exam |
| Distant Vision | 20/40 in each eye with or without correction |
| Near Vision 16 inches | 20/40 in each eye with or without correction |
| Color Vision | Colors necessary for safe performance of airman duties |
| Hearing | Conversational voice at 6 feet with both ears, or audiometry |
| Blood Pressure | No standard. If medication required, will need cardiovascular workup. Current guideline maximum is 155/95. |
| ENT | No disease causing vertigo or disturbance of speech or equilibrium. |
*Updated March 2017
AOPA’s Medical Certification specialists are available to assist you with questions regarding obtaining medicals or waivers. Call 800-USA-AOPA or log on to the AOPA website to chat with a representative. AOPA also provides up-to-date information on allowed/disallowed medications for pilots who hold FAA-issued medical certificates.
Learn more about the medical certificate process as well as your options in the case of a revoked, suspended, or denied medical certificate.
Once you have obtained medical clearance to fly, you can begin your actual flight training.