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3 Answers

How early is Mediacal Certificate needed by Student Pilot?

Asked by: 4505 views
Student Pilot

I know FAR 61.23(a)(3) says you must have a third-class medical to exercise the privileges of a student pilot, but at what point is a student exercising privileges?  Does the student need a medical to take the first lesson?  I think I have heard that the medical only really becomes necessary for solo.

Is a person allowed to receive and log instruction towards a PPL prior to obtaining the 3rd class medical, or would that be "exercising the privileges of a student pilot"?

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3 Answers



  1. JamesCFI on Nov 08, 2011

    You only need the medical for SOLO flight as a student pilot. 
     
    , However a smart person would spend the $150 and get the medical before they spent much money on flight training, as it would be unfortunate to spend thousands on flight training only to get stopped in your tracks because you have some condition that precludes you from being able to hold an 3rd class (or 1st class for a CPL candidate) medical

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  2. Matthew Waugh on Nov 08, 2011

    Until solo flight the student is exercising the privileges of passenger – for which no medical is required.
     
    The general advice (repeated above) is to go and get a medical ASAP – because if you have some condition that prevents an immediate issuance you’ll still have time to deal with the FAA, or if you have some permanent condition that prevents an issuance you can abandon your dreams of being a pilot early on and focus on your second love, pigeon racing.

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  3. Dave on Nov 08, 2011

    My advice do NOT just rush in and get your medical. I cannot stress this enough.

    If you haven’t already, join AOPA and do their Turbomedical form. If you find any red flags, schedule a consultation with an AME and talk to them about the red flags you found. There are also forums at AOPA and Pilots of America where you can ask questions, anonymously if you so choose.

    Doing your homework before hand insures that you won’t face any unnecessary deferral or denial. Remember if you are denied, you’ll take yourself out of the game for Sport pilot. Deferrals can also add lots of costs on to your medical.

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