FAA Helicopter Medical Certificates :

• Distant vision: 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction
• Near vision: 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction, as measured at a distance of 16 inches (410 mm)
• Color vision: Demonstrate the ability to perceive the colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties
• Hearing: Demonstrate the ability to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room, using both ears, at a distance of six feet, with their back turned to the examiner, or pass an approved audiometric test
• Ear, Nose, and Throat: Exhibit no ear disease or condition manifested by, or that may reasonably be expected to be manifested by, vertigo or a disturbance of speech or equilibrium
• Blood Pressure: Under 155/95
• Mental Status: No diagnosis of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe personality disorders
• Substance Dependence: No dependence on alcohol or any pharmacological substance in the previous two years

For pilots under 40 years of age, third class medical certificates expire on the last day of the month they were issued, five years from the date of issue. The FAA changed this rule from three to five years on July 24, 2008.For all others, they expire on the last day of the month they were issued, two years from the date of issue.

• To qualify for a second class medical certificate, pilots must meet the requirements for the third class certificate plus:

  • Distant vision: 20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction
  • Intermediate vision: 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction, at age 50 and over, as measured at 32 inches

  Second class certificates are valid until the last day of the month, twelve months after they were issued. The certificate holder may then only exercise the privileges of a third class medical certificate.

• To qualify for the first class medical certificate, pilots must meet the requirements for the third and second class certificates plus:

  • Heart Function: Electrocardiogram must show normal heart function once at age 35 and annually for those age 40 and over

  For pilots under 40 years of age, first class medical certificates expire on the last day of the month they were issued, one year from the date of issue. The FAA introduced this rule on July 24, 2008.For all others, they are valid until the last day of the month, six months after they were issued. The certificate holder may then only exercise the privileges of a second class medical certificate until the last day of the month, twelve months after the certificate was issued, thereafter the privileges of a third class medical until the last day of the month, twenty four months after the medical was issued,