Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

Who is required to hold a second class medical certificate?

1. Private pilots

2. Commercial pilots

3. Student pilots

4. Flight instructors

The correct answer is: Commercial pilots

A second-class medical certificate is specifically required for commercial pilots because it ensures that these individuals meet the necessary health and fitness standards to operate aircraft for hire or compensation. This level of medical certification assesses a higher standard of cognitive and physical ability since commercial pilots are responsible for not only their own safety but also the safety of their passengers and cargo. The requirements for other pilot certificates differ. For instance, private pilots can operate aircraft for personal purposes with a third-class medical certificate, which has less stringent requirements. Student pilots can begin flying under the supervision of a flight instructor with a third-class certificate as well. Flight instructors, depending on the type of instruction they provide, often need at least a second-class medical certificate as well, but this is not universally required unless they are conducting commercial operations. Thus, the correct answer highlights the importance of holding a second-class medical certificate specifically for commercial pilots, reflecting the higher level of responsibility and operational capacity associated with this certificate.