FAA Third Class Medical Exam Requirements: What Recreational and Private Pilots Need to Know (2025 Guide) 

What Is the FAA Third Class Medical Certificate? 

The FAA Third Class Medical Certificate is the most common and entry-level medical certification required by the Federal Aviation Administration. It's typically needed for: 

You’ll need a Third Class Medical if you’re: 

  • 🛩️ A private pilot or recreational pilot 

  • ✈️ A student pilot working toward a private pilot license 

  • 🧑‍🏫 A flight instructor who serves as PIC (Pilot in Command) 

  • 🚁 A sport pilot who wants to move into higher certificate levels 

If your flying goals are recreational, instructional, or non-commercial, the Third Class Medical is likely all you need. 

At Colorado Occupational Medical Partners, our FAA-certified Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) help pilots at every level get and keep their medicals—safely and efficiently. 

How Long Is a Third Class Medical Certificate Valid? 

Certificate validity depends on your age at the time of the exam: 

  • Under age 40: Valid for 60 months (5 years) 

  • Age 40 and over: Valid for 24 months (2 years) 

After it expires, you’ll need a new medical exam to continue exercising pilot privileges. 

FAA Third Class Medical Exam Requirements (2025) 

To receive a Third Class Medical Certificate, you must meet basic FAA health standards appropriate for recreational and private flying. Our AMEs will guide you through the process. 

✅ Vision 

  • Distant Vision: 20/40 or better in each eye (with or without correction) 

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

  • Color Vision: Ability to perceive aviation-significant colors (e.g., signal lights, cockpit indicators) 

✅ Hearing 

  • Must be able to hear a normal conversation in a quiet room 

  • Audiometry may be used if needed 

✅ Cardiovascular Health 

  • No history of disqualifying conditions (e.g., recent heart attack, untreated arrhythmias) 

  • ECG/EKG not typically required unless indicated by history or medications 

✅ Neurological & Mental Health 

  • No history of disqualifying neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, stroke) 

  • Must be free of serious psychiatric conditions, unless evaluated and cleared by the FAA 

✅ General Medical Health 

  • Evaluation of height, weight, blood pressure, and complete health history 

  • Any ongoing health conditions must be stable and/or managed 

  • Some conditions may require FAA Special Issuance Authorization 

What to Expect During the FAA Third Class Medical Exam 

We’ve designed our exam process to be pilot-friendly and efficient. 

Your exam includes: 

  1. 📝 FAA MedXPress Application – Fill out Form 8500-8 online before your appointment 

  1. 📋 Medical History Review – Past conditions, surgeries, medications 

  1. 🩺 Basic Physical Exam – Includes vitals, reflexes, and general wellness 

  1. 👓 Vision and Hearing Tests 

  1. 💧 Urinalysis – Screens for kidney function and blood sugar levels 

  1. 💬 Discussion – Review of any ongoing treatments, medications, or questions 

Can You Still Get Certified With a Medical Condition? 

Yes. Many pilots with medical histories qualify through the FAA’s Special Issuance process—and we’re here to help. 

Common conditions we work with: 

  • Hypertension (controlled with medication) 

  • High cholesterol 

  • Sleep apnea (with CPAP compliance) 

  • History of depression or anxiety (if stable and under care) 

  • Diabetes (Type 2) – if controlled with oral medications 

  • Past surgeries or injuries – as long as there are no functional impairments 

Our team helps prepare the documentation, consults with the FAA, and assists in managing Special Issuance or renewal requests. 

How to Prepare for Your Third Class Medical Exam 

A little preparation goes a long way in making your exam smooth and stress-free. 

Tips for success: 

  • 💊 Bring a list of current medications and medical conditions 

  • 👓 Bring your glasses or contact lenses (and prescription, if available) 

  • 📑 Bring relevant medical documents (e.g., lab reports, specialist letters) 

  • 💧 Stay hydrated and rested – especially if you're concerned about blood pressure 

Why Pilots Choose Colorado Occupational Medical Partners 

We specialize in aviation medical exams—and we know what pilots need. 

What sets us apart: 

  • 🩺 FAA-certified Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) 

  • ⏱️ Fast scheduling – Same-day or next-day appointments available 

  • 📍 Convenient Denver-area locations with free parking 

  • ✈️ Aviation-focused care – we speak your language 

  • 📑 Expert Special Issuance support – from paperwork to FAA liaison 

Whether you're flying a Cessna for fun or training for your next rating, we’re here to keep you healthy and certified. 

✈️ Ready to Schedule Your FAA Third Class Medical Exam? 

📞 Call us at (303) 214-0000 

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

We proudly serve pilots from Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, and across the Front Range. 

Final Thoughts 

A valid Third Class Medical Certificate is the first step toward a lifetime of flying enjoyment. At Colorado Occupational Medical Partners, we make it easy, efficient, and tailored to your aviation goals. 

Let us help you stay in the cockpit—healthy, certified, and confident.