New Medical Rules

The FAA has recently updated the duration of a Third Class Medical Certificate. See the official page here. In short, if your exam was completed before your 40th birthday, you retain third class privileges for 60 months. If you have a first class medical, it is good for 6 months (over 40) or 12 months (under 40) before it is downgraded to the next lower class. Second class medicals are still valid for 12 months.

Remember, it's still your responsibility to ground yourself should you develop a disqualifying medical condition. If you ever have any question, call up AOPA's Aeromedical division.