Private Pilot Private Exam

When will a third class medical certificate issued to a 19-year-old pilot on August 10 expire?

1. August 31, five years later

2. August 10, five years later

3. August 31, two years later

4. August 10, two years later

The correct answer is: August 31, five years later

A third class medical certificate for a pilot under the age of 40 is valid for a period of five years. The expiration date is determined by the last day of the month in which the certificate was issued, rather than the exact date. In this case, if the 19-year-old pilot is issued the medical certificate on August 10, 2023, the certificate will expire on August 31, 2028. This reflects the standard regulation that the certificate remains valid until the end of the month five years from the date of issue, specifically highlighting that it extends to the last day of that month, which aligns with the choice that states August 31, five years later. The other options do not align with the regulatory rules governing aviation medical certificates and are based on either incorrect durations or misinterpretations of the expiration date. It's crucial for pilots to understand these timelines to ensure they maintain valid medical certification for the safety and legality of their flying activities.