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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/pilot-third-class-medical-under-40

For private pilot privileges, how long does a third class medical last if you were under 40 at the exam?

Until the end of the 60th month after the exam month.

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  1. 60 months ✔
  2. 24 months
  3. 12 months

Why: Rule 61.23(d) says a third class medical for a pilot under 40 lasts through the 60th month after the exam month. At 40 or older, it lasts through the 24th month.

Huh, didn't know that: Medical durations count from the end of the exam month, so an exam on the 2nd and one on the 30th expire on the same day.

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What goes up and never comes down? Your age.
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References

Answer: 60 months. Rule 61.23(d) says a third class medical for a pilot under 40 lasts through the 60th month after the exam month. At 40 or older, it lasts through the 24th month.

  1. 14 CFR 61.23 Medical certificates (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-A/section-61.23
    60th month after the month of the date of examination shown on the medical certificate.
    Checked 2026-10-07.

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