Do you need a first-class physical to be F/O?

Question

Since you don't need your ATP until you become captain, do you need a first-class physical to become a F/O?

Answer 1

The regulations say you need a second class medical certificate to exercise the privileges of a commercial certificate and a first class medical to exercise the privileges of an ATP certificate.  So regulation-wise, 1st class required for captain, 2nd class required for F/O.  Company policies may differ, though.  Some companies may require all pilots to hold a first class medical certificate, regardless of assigned position.  Every airline that I'm aware of requires a current first class medical as an application prerequisite.

And yes, 23 is the minimum age to be issued an ATP certificate.

Answer 2

Second Class Medical Certificate to be FO.

23 to be certified as ATP.

Answer 3

Legally, you only need a second class to be a First Officer at a regional airline. (Just like you only need a Commercial Pilot certificate).

However, every airline that I can think of requires to you be able to obtain a first class medical (it can lapse to a second class, ie you only need to go to the medical examiner every 12 months for a 1st class exam).

To upgrade to captain, you'll need to keep a current first class medical (ie go to the doc every 6 months for a 1st class exam). In order to upgrade to captain you also need to be an ATP, which means that you need to be 23. I know of people who have had their checkrides and/or oral exams on their 23rd birthday.

<Edit to add>

It's worth noting that the posts above are in reference to US/FAA regulations. The US has three classes of medical certificates:

In the US/per FAA regs, you need a valid 1st class any time that you exercise the rights of an ATP certificate (air carrier PIC). You need a valid 1st or 2nd class if you are flying for pay (commercial pilot, excluding ATP privileges) or are an Air Traffic Controller. You need a 3rd class if you are flying an aircraft (non-sport category) recreationally.

1st class- 1st class privileges for 6 months, then 2nd class privileges for 6 more months, then 3rd class privileges for 12 - 24 months after that (depending on if you are older or younger than 40 years old). A 1st class medical is required any time that you need

2nd class - 2nd class privileges for 12 months, then 3rd class for an additional 12-24 months (depending on if you are older or younger than 40 years old).

3rd class - 3rd class privileges for 24-36 months (depending on if you are older or younger than 40 years old).

In some ICAO countries, they have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class, but they are different. 1st class is for professional pilots, 2nd is for private pilots, and 3rd is for ATC. This might be where some of the confusion comes from.

~J

Answer 4

No airline is going to take a pilot without a first class medical. Simple fact right there. I have never seen any 121 opertation take anyone who does not have a first class. Maybe a 135 opertation but not a 121 airline type operation all pilots need a First class FAA medical cerfticate.

Answer 5

Yes first class medical for a regional airline...not nessicarily true that you only need a ATP when captain , some airlines would like it when you a F/O. you will get hired with a commercial license which requieres a 2 class medical but you will have to get a 1st even though you dont have the ATP yet.

Answer 6

The LEGAL requirement to fly as an FO is a 2nd class certificate, but in reality to get hired you need the 1st class. Obviously they want to know that you can pass it because you'll never make captain otherwise and professional FO's are not what they're looking for.

Answer 7

Yes and Yes