What type of medical certificate is required to obtain a commercial pilot's license?

To obtain a commercial pilot's license, a second-class medical certificate is required. This type of certificate ensures that the pilot meets the necessary physical and mental standards to exercise the privileges associated with a commercial license. The second-class certificate has specific requirements related to vision, hearing, and general health, ensuring that the pilot can safely operate an aircraft for compensation or hire.

While a first-class medical certificate is the highest level usually required for airline transport pilots, it is not necessary for a commercial pilot license. Similarly, a third-class medical certificate, which is sufficient for private pilots, does not meet the requirements for commercial operations. A private pilot medical certificate is essentially the same as a third-class certificate, further affirming that it does not fulfill the criteria necessary for commercial flight activities. Thus, the second-class certificate is the appropriate requirement for aspiring commercial pilots.