What is the expiration duration for a 1st Class Medical certificate for pilots under 40?

The expiration duration for a First-Class Medical certificate for pilots under the age of 40 is indeed 12 months. This duration is established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, which stipulate that a First-Class Medical certificate must be renewed annually for pilots who are under 40 years of age.

This certification is essential for those operating as airline transport pilots and includes assessments of vision, hearing, and overall medical fitness to ensure that pilots can perform effectively and safely in the cockpit. After reaching the age of 40, the renewal period for the First-Class Medical certificate changes to 6 months, reflecting the increased health monitoring needed as one ages. Therefore, for pilots who are not yet 40, a 12-month validity period aligns with the FAA's medical standards designed to maintain aviation safety.