FAA Extends Medical Durations

The FAA has extended the duration of third-class medicals from 36 calendar months to 60 calendar months (five years) and first-class medicals from six calendar months to 12 calendar months for pilots under age 40. According to AOPA, current and expired medical certificates are grandfathered under this rule. The second-class medical duration remains at 12 calendar months, regardless of pilot age. For pilots over age 40, the first- and third-class medicals are still valid for only six and 24 calendar months, respectively.