FAA Second Class Medical Exam Requirements: What Pilots Need to Know (2025 Guide) 

What Is the FAA Second Class Medical Certificate? 

The FAA Second Class Medical Certificate is required for pilots who fly commercially but are not acting as captains of scheduled airline flights. At Colorado Occupational Medical Partners, we help pilots meet this requirement with fast, professional FAA medical exams. 

This certificate is mandatory for: 

✈️ Commercial pilots operating under Part 91 or Part 135 

🚁 Helicopter pilots, including tours and utility operations 

🌾 Agricultural pilots, banner towers, survey pilots, and more 

🧑‍✈️ Flight instructors who are paid to act as pilot in command 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your commercial career, a Second Class Medical is a key step. 

How Long Is a Second Class Medical Valid? 

Your Second Class Medical Certificate remains valid for: 

  • 12 months for commercial privileges (regardless of age) 

  • After that, it reverts to a Third Class Medical Certificate, allowing for non-commercial flying privileges if still within that window 

FAA Second Class Medical Exam Requirements (2025) 

At Colorado Occupational Medical Partners, we follow all current FAA guidelines. Here’s what you’ll need to meet: 

✅ Vision 

  • Distant vision: 20/20 or better in each eye (glasses or contacts allowed) 

  • Near vision: 20/40 or better at 16 inches 

  • Color vision: Must accurately perceive aviation-relevant colors 

✅ Hearing 

  • Able to hear a normal spoken conversation in a quiet room 

  • Optional audiometric testing as needed 

✅ Cardiovascular Health 

  • No history of untreated or disqualifying heart conditions 

  • ECG/EKG not required by age alone—only based on medical history or AME discretion 

✅ Neurological & Mental Health 

  • No disqualifying neurological disorders like epilepsy, stroke, or unexplained loss of consciousness 

  • No active mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder, psychosis, or substance abuse without FAA clearance 

✅ General Medical Fitness 

  • Your height, weight, blood pressure, and general health will be evaluated 

  • Chronic conditions must be under control and may require FAA Special Issuance 

What to Expect During the Second Class Medical Exam 

At Colorado Occupational Medical Partners, your exam experience is efficient, respectful, and aviation-focused. 

You can expect: 

  1. 📝 Online MedXPress Form 8500-8 – complete before your appointment 

  1. 📋 Detailed health history review 

  1. 🩺 Physical exam – including blood pressure, heart rate, and reflexes 

  1. 👓 Vision and hearing testing 

  1. 💧 Urine test – screens for glucose, protein, and hydration (not a drug test) 

  1. 💬 Review of medications or health concerns 

  1. 🫀 EKG if medically indicated 

Can You Still Be Certified With a Medical Condition? 

Yes—many pilots successfully fly under FAA Special Issuance approvals. We’ve helped hundreds of Colorado pilots navigate this process for conditions like: 

  • Controlled high blood pressure 

  • Diabetes (including insulin-treated, with FAA approval) 

  • Heart disease (stents, arrhythmias, etc.) 

  • Sleep apnea (CPAP compliant) 

  • Treated mental health issues 

Our FAA-certified Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) can help you gather the correct documentation and work directly with the FAA when needed. 

How to Prepare for Your Second Class Medical Exam 

To streamline your visit: 

📝 Complete MedXPress online at https://medxpress.faa.gov(opens in a new tab) before your appointment 

💊 Bring a list of all current medications and medical conditions 

👓 Don’t forget your glasses, contacts, or backup pair 

📑 If applicable, bring past test results, treatment records, or specialist notes 

💧 Stay hydrated and relaxed – it helps with blood pressure and testing 

Why Choose Colorado Occupational Medical Partners? 

At Colorado Occupational Medical Partners, we proudly serve pilots across the Front Range and beyond with: 

✅ FAA-certified AMEs on staff 

✅ Same-day and next-day appointments available 

✅ Onsite EKG/ECG testing if needed 

✅ Expert help with FAA Special Issuance cases 

✅ Convenient Denver-area locations and free parking 

✅ Pilots-first focus: we understand aviation careers 

Whether you’re pursuing a new commercial flying opportunity or renewing your certificate, we make the medical exam process smooth, fast, and professional. 

✈️ Ready to Schedule Your FAA Second Class Medical Exam? 

📞 Call us at (303-214-0000) 

📅 Or Click here to book your appointment online(opens in a new tab)

We proudly serve commercial and private pilots from Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and throughout Colorado. 

Final Thoughts 

If you plan to fly professionally outside of airline transport, the FAA Second Class Medical Certificate is essential. With the right preparation and a supportive AME team, you’ll stay in the air and on track. 

Let Colorado Occupational Medical Partners be your trusted aviation medical provider.