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What is the minimum medical certificate class to exercise commercial pilot privileges in an airplane?

Second class.

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  1. Second class ✔
  2. Third class
  3. First class

Why: Section 61.23(a)(2) requires at least a second class medical when exercising commercial pilot privileges in an aircraft other than a balloon or glider. First class is needed for airline transport pilot PIC privileges.

Huh, didn't know that: A third class medical is enough for private pilot privileges and flight instructor PIC work.

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Why did the doctor and the pilot get along? They both cared about a clean bill of health.
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References

Answer: Second class. Section 61.23(a)(2) requires at least a second class medical when exercising commercial pilot privileges in an aircraft other than a balloon or glider. First class is needed for airline transport pilot PIC privileges.

  1. 14 CFR 61.23 Medical certificates: Requirement and duration (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/api/renderer/v1/content/enhanced/current/title-14?part=61&section=61.23
    Must hold at least a second class medical certificate when exercising
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. 14 CFR 61.23 Medical certificates: Requirement and duration (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/api/renderer/v1/content/enhanced/current/title-14?part=61&section=61.23
    Privileges of a commercial pilot certificate in an aircraft other than a balloon or glider
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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