For a first class medical certificate, what is the duration of the certificate validity for a pilot under 40 years old after the third examination?

For a first-class medical certificate, the validity period for pilots under 40 years old is indeed 60 months, or five years, after the third examination. This duration reflects the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) guidelines stating that a first-class medical certificate remains valid for a longer period for younger pilots, recognizing the lower risk associated with the health of individuals in that age group.

After turning 40, the validity period changes and becomes shorter, specifically to 24 months for first-class certificates. This policy is based on the statistical assessment of health risks as age increases, which plays a significant role in ensuring safety in aviation. Thus, for pilots under 40, the 60-month duration provides a reasonable balance between medical oversight and operational readiness.