Do I need a medical certificate to get a Private License?
Part of the process of receiving a pilot certificate, the applicant must hold and carry a valid, current medical certificate. To obtain a medical certificate, the applicant must be examined and pass a physical performed by an FAA-approved physician. These physicians have established medical criteria set forth by the FAA for issuing the three different medical certificates: First Class, Second Class, and Third Class.

What criteria is used for each medical certificate class?
If you are concerned about drug interactions or any other medical conditions, check the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association website.

What class of medical certificate must I hold and how long is it valid?
A FIRST CLASS airman medical certificate is required to exercise the privileges of an airline transport pilot certificate.  If the holder of the first-class medical is an airline transport pilot, the medical is valid for 6 calendar months.  If the airmen is age 40 or over on or before the date of examination, the medical is valid for 6 calendar months. If the holder of the first-class medical is NOT an airline transport pilot and has not reached age 40 on or before the date of examination, the first-class medical is valid for 12 calendar months.

A SECOND CLASS airman medical certificate is required for commercial, non-airline duties (e.g., for crop dusters, corporate pilots) and is valid for 1 year plus the remainder of the days in the month of examination (12 calendar months). Those exercising the privileges of a flight engineer certificate, a flight navigator certificate, or acting as air traffic control tower operator must hold a second-class airman medical certificate.

What Class of medical certificate do I need if I am a student pilot?
Upon successful completion of your medical exam, the doctor will issue you a medical certificate. If you are a student pilot seeking their private certificate, you will need to ask for and receive a "student pilot's" medical copy. A "student pilot" medical can be a First, Second or Third Class medical. This slip of paper is your medical certificate on one side and on the other side is your student pilots certificate.   The student pilot certificate side has a designated area for your flight instructor to give FAA required solo endorsements.  It is necessary that a student pilot must obtain a student pilot medical otherwise a flight instructor cannot endorse you for solo operations according to the FAA.

What happens to my "Student Pilot" medical once I receive my private pilot's license?
Upon completion of your FAA Private Checkride, your medical certificate will remain only your medical certificate. The FAA Examiner will issue you a temporary pilot's license. Your permanent pilot's license will arrive in the mail within 90 days (if not contact your local FAA office). As a new private pilot, you will have to carry your medical certificate and your pilot's license while acting as a pilot-in-command (PIC).

Ohio FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiners
Doctors are sorted by city name
http://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/
Last updated: November 14, 2009

Dr. Donald A Dahlen