The FAA Medical, Explained: Get It Done Before Your First Solo

Getting Started
Written By Jacob Henderson

Before you can fly solo, you'll need an FAA medical certificate. For most people it's a quick, routine exam. It's also the step new students put off the most, and it's the one I tell everyone to do first. Here's what you need to know.

Why get it early

You can start lessons without a medical, but you can't solo without one. If something comes up at your exam that needs extra paperwork, you want to find out before you've put months into training, not the week of your first solo. Getting your medical early takes the biggest question mark off your plan.

When to get your FAA medical: ideally before your first lesson, and you must have it, along with your student pilot certificate, before your first soloWhen to get your medicalEarly is easy. Waiting until solo week is stressful.1Day oneGet your medicalBest time: before youinvest in training2First lessonsFly with your CFIApply for your studentpilot certificatetogether3First soloBoth requiredMedical + student pilotcertificate in hand4CheckrideBring it alongYour examiner checks itwith your logbookWhen to get your FAA medical: ideally before your first lesson, and you must have it, along with your student pilot certificate, before your first soloWhen to get your medicalEarly is easy. Waiting until soloweek is stressful.1Day oneGet your medicalBest time: before you investin training2First lessonsFly with your CFIApply for your student pilotcertificate together3First soloBoth requiredMedical + student pilotcertificate in hand4CheckrideBring it alongYour examiner checks it withyour logbook

The three classes

FAA medical certificate classes
Medical classWho needs it
Third classWhat student and private pilots need. Most new students get this one.
Second classNeeded to fly for pay, like charter or corporate flying.
First classNeeded to fly as an airline captain.

Any class works for training, and a higher class covers everything below it. Thinking about a flying career? Many instructors, me included, suggest getting a first class medical up front. It tells you right away whether anything could stand between you and that goal.

How long it lasts

For private flying, a medical issued before you turn 40 is good for 60 calendar months. If you're 40 or older at your exam, it's good for 24 calendar months. The time limits for professional flying are shorter. When those run out, the certificate still covers private flying until its third class time is up.

FAA medical classes and how long they last for their own privileges: third class for student and private pilots, 60 months if under 40 or 24 months if 40 or older; second class for commercial flying, 12 months; first class for airline pilots, 12 months if under 40 or 6 months if 40 or olderWhich medical, and how long it lastsValidity for that class's own privileges, based on your age at the exam3rdThird classStudent and private pilotsUnder 4060 months40 or older24 months2ndSecond classCommercial flying, likecharter or corporateUnder 4012 months40 or older12 months1stFirst classAirline pilots (ATPprivileges)Under 4012 months40 or older6 monthsA higher class covers everything below it. When its top privileges expire, it still works for lower classes.FAA medical classes and how long they last for their own privileges: third class for student and private pilots, 60 months if under 40 or 24 months if 40 or older; second class for commercial flying, 12 months; first class for airline pilots, 12 months if under 40 or 6 months if 40 or olderWhich medical, andhow long it lastsFor that class's own privileges, byyour age at the exam3rdThird classStudent and private pilotsUnder 4060 months40+24 months2ndSecond classCommercial flying, like charter orcorporateUnder 4012 months40+12 months1stFirst classAirline pilots (ATP privileges)Under 4012 months40+6 monthsA higher class covers everything belowit, and keeps working for lower classes.

Step by step

How to get your FAA medical, step by step
StepWhat to do
1. Fill out the application onlineThe FAA's MedXPress website walks you through it, including your medical history. Answer every question honestly and completely. You'll get a confirmation number to bring to your exam.
2. Find an AMEThat's an aviation medical examiner, a doctor the FAA has approved to do these exams. The FAA has an online search tool, and we've listed some around Tampa Bay below.
3. Take the examExpect a vision test, a hearing check, blood pressure, a urine sample and a general physical. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them, plus any medical records that apply.
4. Walk out with your certificateIn most cases, the AME issues it right there.

The exam typically runs about $100 to $200, paid to the doctor. Health insurance usually doesn't cover it.

AMEs around Tampa Bay

Here are aviation medical examiners listed in Tampa, close to the airport, and across the bay in Pinellas County. We're not affiliated with any of them. AMEs move, retire and change what they offer, so double-check the FAA's AME locator and call ahead to confirm they'll do the class of medical you need.

Tampa

Aviation medical examiners in Tampa
ExaminerPracticeAddress
Dr. Eniola OwiWorkHealth Occupational Medicine607 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Suite 102, Tampa
Dr. Colin BeachFamily Care at Tampa Palms15285 Amberly Dr, Tampa
Dr. Colleen CampbellAlly Healthcare9740 N 56th St, Suite B, Temple Terrace

Clearwater, Largo and Dunedin

Aviation medical examiners in Clearwater, Largo and Dunedin
ExaminerPracticeAddress
Dr. Auren WeinbergAviation Medicine14004 Roosevelt Blvd, Suite 604, Clearwater
Dr. Beth Hanrahan—1831 N Belcher Rd, Suite G1, Clearwater
Dr. Thomas Beaman—1290 S Missouri Ave, Suite B, Clearwater
Dr. Joseph Laguna—2725 Park Dr, Suite 5, Clearwater
Dr. Edward KasperAviation Medical PLLC7527 Ulmerton Rd, Largo
Dr. Richard JohnsonLakeside Aviation7527 Ulmerton Rd, Largo
Dr. Bobby HaleyAviation Medicine180 Patricia Ave, Dunedin

St. Petersburg

Aviation medical examiners in St. Petersburg
ExaminerPracticeAddress
Dr. Cheryl Lowry and Dr. Brian PinkstonKinetic Medical Consultants214 Pasadena Ave S, St. Petersburg
Dr. Christopher NewmanD.O2299 9th Ave N, Suite 1B, St. Petersburg

List last checked October 2026.

If you have a medical history

Plenty of conditions and medications work just fine with flying, sometimes with extra paperwork. If there's something in your history you're unsure about, talk to an AME before you submit your MedXPress application. Many examiners offer a consultation first, so you know what records to bring.

If the AME can't issue your certificate on the spot, your application may be deferred, which means sent to the FAA for review. That's not a denial. The FAA wants more information, and many deferred applications end with a certificate. Some come with follow-up requirements. It just takes longer, which is one more reason to start early.

What about BasicMed?

BasicMed is an alternative that lets some private pilots fly without a traditional FAA medical. It's built for pilots who've held an FAA medical before, though, so it isn't a starting point for new students. Plan on a standard medical to begin your training.

Your student pilot certificate

Your medical and your student pilot certificate are two different things. The student pilot certificate is an online application you complete with your instructor through the FAA's IACRA website. We'll knock it out together in your first few lessons. You'll need both before you solo.

The bottom line

For most people, the FAA medical is a 30-to-60-minute appointment and a piece of paper in your wallet. Book it early, answer honestly, and you'll have one less thing on your mind while you learn to fly.

I'm a flight instructor, not a doctor, so always confirm the details with an AME. Just getting started? Book a discovery flight, and we'll build your training plan together, medical included.

Jacob Henderson
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