Changes Apply For Pilots Under 40

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association applauds a change in FAA rules regarding medical certificates, which appears to acknowledge the nigh-infinitesimal role played by pilot incapacitation in accidents.

The new rule took effect Thursday. Pilots under 40, who were previously required to get a third-class medical renewed every 36 months, now have 60 calendar months, or five years. First-class medicals now last 12 calendar months, up from six months.

This means that some pilots under 40 who'd let their medicals lapse will find themselves suddenly eligible again to act as pilots-in-command. Younger pilots who got their last first-class medicals between six and 12 calendar months ago will find them back in effect. If the exam was between 12 and 60 months ago, the first-class automatically reverts to a third-class.

There is no change for pilots over 40.

Organization president Phil Boyer welcomed the news. "AOPA supported the FAA’s move that makes it easier and more affordable for younger pilots to fly," he said.

AOPA says its medical certification staff handles about 20,000 pilot medical inquiries each year, and has been able to advance and streamline the medical certification process for pilots.

More detailed information on the rule change, and help available from AOPA, can be found at the FMI link below.

FMI: Read The Final Rule (.pdf), www.aopa.org, www.faa.gov