What type of medical certificate is required for private pilot duties?

To perform private pilot duties, a Class 3 medical certificate is required. This certificate ensures that the pilot meets specific health and fitness standards to operate an aircraft safely without jeopardizing their own health or that of others. The Class 3 medical certification process includes a physical examination by an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner who assesses various health factors such as vision, hearing, and medical history.

While Class 1 and Class 2 medical certificates are necessary for airline transport and commercial pilot operations, respectively, a Class 3 certificate is adequate for private pilot duties. BasicMed allows pilots to fly certain aircraft under specific conditions without the need for a traditional medical certificate, but it is not applicable to all private pilot activities and does not replace the requirement for a Class 3 certificate. Therefore, for standard private pilot operations, a Class 3 medical certificate is the appropriate choice.