Federal Aviation Regulations Practice Test

How long will a Third-Class Medical Certificate issued to a 51-year-old pilot on May 3 be valid for exercising Private Pilot privileges?

1. Until midnight on May 31, 2 years later

2. Until midnight on June 1, 2 years later

3. For 5 years from the date of issue

4. Until the pilot turns 53

The correct answer is: Until midnight on May 31, 2 years later

A Third-Class Medical Certificate for a pilot aged 51 is valid for a specific duration in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. For a pilot who is 50 years or older, a Third-Class Medical Certificate is issued with a validity period of 24-calendar months. The certificate becomes valid from the date of issue, which in this case is May 3. Therefore, it remains effective until the last day of the 24th month following its issuance, which would be May 31, two years later. The certificate's validity is calculated based on the calendar month, meaning it is effective until the end of that month, which aligns with the definition provided by the FAA regulations. This means that the correct timeframe for flying under Private Pilot privileges with the issued certificate extends until midnight on May 31, two years from the date of issue.