What class of medical do I need?

FAA medicals come in three classes. The short answer for a student pilot: third class is all you need.

The three classes

• •Third class — private flying: student, recreational, and private pilot privileges. Valid 60 months if you're under 40 at the exam (24 months if 40+).
• •Second class — commercial flying: required when you fly for compensation, like a working commercial pilot or many CFI situations. Valid 12 months for commercial privileges, then downgrades to third-class privileges.
• •First class — airline flying: required for airline transport pilots. The most involved exam (includes an EKG at certain ages).

Which to get as a student

Get the third class unless you already know you're headed for professional flying soon and want the higher exam out of the way. Some career-track students take a first-class exam once, early, purely to confirm they can hold one before spending serious training money — not required, but a reasonable de-risking move.

Timing rule of thumb: you need the medical before solo, not before lessons. Aim to have it in hand within your first month of training.