For pilots over 40 years old, how long is a first-class medical certificate valid?

A first-class medical certificate for pilots over 40 years old is valid for 6 months. This specific duration reflects the increased medical assessments required for older pilots to ensure they meet safety standards. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) outlines these requirements to help maintain aviation safety, particularly since the likelihood of health issues can increase with age.

For pilots under 40, the first-class medical certificate is valid for 12 months, recognizing the generally lower risk associated with younger pilots. This difference establishes a clear regulatory framework to account for the varying risks and health considerations inherent to different age groups among pilots.