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  1. #1
    Matt Gonitzke's Avatar
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    3rd class medical expiration question

    After not flying since 2008, I am finally going to be able to start again. My last 3rd class medical was issued in May 2007, shortly before the 3rd class medical was made valid for 60 months instead of 36 months for those of us under 40. Am I correct in assuming this is retroactive for medicals issued before the switch, and my medical is good until the end of May, 2012, and did not expire at the end of May 2010? A quick search of Part 61 didn't really help me determine an answer. I'd like to know for sure rather than assume.

  2. #2
    Not having seen your side of 40 for more than 20 years, I don't get the benefit of the 60 and didn't get the benefit of the 36 either. But I would caution you regarding the assumption of retroactivity, unless the regulation specifically states that the extension of time applies to all medical certificates valid on the date of effectiveness of the new regulation. If yes, The question then becomes was your medical current on the date of the change. If no, Then the answer is presume expiration in 2010. Remember it does not have to say retroactive, but it must apply to all medical certificates in force at the time of the change.

  3. #3

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    Here's a link from the Federal Air Surgeon on the topic (I got it from the FAA.GOV site by searching for "duration of medical certificates"):

    http://www.faa.gov/library/reports/m.../FAS200803.pdf

    See the portion titled "Previously Issued Certificates".
    Last edited by Bob Meder; 08-24-2011 at 05:24 AM. Reason: Added ye olde CRLF's because this site doesn't like iOS...
    Anxiety is nature's way of telling you that you've already goofed up.

  4. #4
    Matt Gonitzke's Avatar
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    Bill-

    My medical was roughly a year old when the rule was changed in 2008; if it was expired before the date of the change, it would still be expired now, regardless, as it has been more than two years since the change occurred.

    Bob-

    Thanks for the link! I didn't expect to find such thing on the FAA website. I hadn't had good luck searching for things on there before. Anyway, looks like I'm set until May 2012 since my medical was current when the switch occurred.

  5. #5

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    I wish the aviation alphabet groups would start pushing for doing away with the 3rd class medical and have similar rules as the Sport Pilot regulations. I don't understand their hesitancy to do so.

  6. #6

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    Quote Originally Posted by fixedwing2 View Post
    I wish the aviation alphabet groups would start pushing for doing away with the 3rd class medical and have similar rules as the Sport Pilot regulations. I don't understand their hesitancy to do so.
    I spoke with Phil Boyer formerly of AOPA at OSH (I think it was 2002) about that very topic. When my buddy asked him that very same question he looked at him and said (I am mildly paraphrasing), that "it" was no going to happen. AOPA had brought the topic up and was promptly shut down because of lack of statistics proving that the lack of a medical would not be an issue. That being said I would surely think that our groups are building the information needed. Sport pilot is the test. Will it be enough to remove the requirements for a third class medical? Probably not, as the third class allows too much leeway in what you can fly. Will it allow the expansion of Sport Pilot regs? Probably, just not in the near future. I for one do not see the corolation between a fixed and constant speed prop with regards to having a medical or not. I do see an issue between a J-3 and the complexity of say a Navajo on a night IFR to minimums. I am completely with you on this, I am a 6000 hour pilot typed in Citations, that can no longer obtain a medical without alot of hassle. I danced and (actually cried a little) the day I found out I could get back in a cockpit when sport pilot was passed. I have faith in those that represent us (not that they do not need some guidance from time to time) and I am optimistic that regs will be relaxed as time passes and more information comes available.
    Rick

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