FAR 67.405 — Medical Examiner Authority

FAR 67.405 identifies which Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) are authorized to perform the physical examinations required for FAA pilot medical certificates. Not every AME can issue every class of medical — the FAA limits first-class exams to a smaller group of specifically designated examiners.

Here is how the rule breaks down:

• First-class medical certificate: Only an AME who has been specifically designated by the FAA for that purpose may perform the exam. First-class is required for ATP privileges, so the FAA holds these examiners to a higher standard.
• Second- or third-class medical certificate: Any AME may perform the exam. Third-class is the standard for private and recreational pilots; second-class is required for commercial operations.

Why it matters operationally: Before scheduling your medical, confirm the AME is authorized for the class you need. Showing up to a non-designated AME for a first-class exam wastes time and money. You can find a properly designated AME using the FAA's online AME locator and filtering by certificate class.