Which class of medical certificate must an Air Transport Pilot possess?

An Air Transport Pilot must possess a 1st Class Medical certificate to ensure they meet the highest level of medical standards required for the responsibility of commanding large commercial aircraft and transporting passengers or cargo for compensation or hire. The 1st Class Medical certification includes stringent requirements regarding vision, hearing, and overall health that are essential for the safety of flight operations where the pilot may be in complex situations and need to make critical decisions.

The higher medical requirements reflect the demands and responsibilities associated with this level of flying, which typically involves operating under instrument flight rules (IFR) in diverse flight environments. Other medical certificate classes, such as the 2nd and 3rd Class, may suffice for less demanding flying roles, like private or commercial pilots, but do not meet the standards necessary for an Air Transport Pilot. The Recreational Pilot Certificate is not applicable to those seeking to fly commercially.