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First-Class Medical Eligibility

FAR 67.101 — First-Class Medical Eligibility

FAR 67.101 sets eligibility for a first-class airman medical certificate. Learn what pilots need to qualify and stay qualified under Part 67 Subpart B.

In Plain English

FAR 67.101 is the gateway rule for the first-class airman medical certificate — the highest level of medical certification, required primarily for airline transport pilot (ATP) privileges and airline captains.

The rule itself is short and simple: to obtain and keep a first-class medical, you must meet all of the requirements in Subpart B of Part 67. Those requirements include standards for:

  • Eyesight (distant, near, and intermediate vision; color vision)
  • Ear, nose, throat, and equilibrium (hearing and balance)
  • Mental condition (no disqualifying psychiatric history)
  • Neurologic condition (no disqualifying disorders such as epilepsy)
  • Cardiovascular condition
  • General medical condition (no other disqualifying conditions)

Why it matters operationally: a first-class medical is what allows a pilot to exercise ATP privileges. If you fail to continue meeting these standards at any time, your certificate is no longer valid for first-class privileges, even before its expiration date. Knowing this section helps you understand why the FAA Aeromedical process is so thorough and why pilots must self-report changes in health.

Regulation Text
14 CFR § 67.101
§ 67.101 Eligibility. To be eligible for a first-class airman medical certificate, and to remain eligible for a first-class airman medical certificate, a person must meet the requirements of this subpart.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Who needs a first-class medical certificate, and where are the eligibility standards found?
Pilots exercising ATP privileges need a first-class medical. Per FAR 67.101, applicants must meet the requirements of Subpart B of Part 67 to both obtain and retain the certificate.
Q2If a pilot develops a disqualifying medical condition, can they still operate under their first-class medical until it expires?
No. FAR 67.101 requires a person to both be eligible and remain eligible by continuing to meet Subpart B standards; failing to meet them invalidates first-class eligibility.
Q3What general categories of medical standards must a first-class applicant meet?
Under FAR 67.101 and the rest of Subpart B, applicants must meet standards for eye, ear/nose/throat/equilibrium, mental, neurologic, cardiovascular, and general medical conditions.
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Private Pilot Requirements
Including medical certificates
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Medical class explained
Related Sections in Part 67
§ 67.1
Medical Certificate Applicability
§ 67.103
First-Class Medical Eye Standards
§ 67.105
First-Class Medical ENT Standards
§ 67.107
First-Class Medical Mental Standards
§ 67.109
First-Class Medical Neurologic Standards
§ 67.111
First-Class Medical Cardiovascular
§ 67.113
First-Class Medical Standards
§ 67.115
Discretionary Medical Issuance
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FAR 67.101 — First-Class Medical Certificate Eligibility