54 yr old wanting to be a CFI w/ a limited Class II medical

[JohnD-CA-509]

Jason,

Just in my title line, I'm 54 with a limited class II medical. Flying for the airlines is pretty much out of the question. However, I would like to look a becoming a CFI, CFII and MEI. I hold a commerical single and multi, instrument. I would also like to be the co-pilot in a King Air op or other charter. With the Limited Class II I can only fly for hire as a crew member. By the way, I'm a realist, so real advise, not pie in the sky is most welcome.

Thanks

JohnD CA-509

[SkyWest JJ]

Hi John--

I'm pretty sure you should be fine. To exercise the privileges of a CFI you generally only need to be able to hold a 3rd class medical (or even no medical at all)--if am remembering back correctly.

§ 61.23 Medical certificates: Requirement and duration.
(a) Operations requiring a medical certificate. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a person:

(1) Must hold a first-class medical certificate when exercising the privileges of an airline transport pilot certificate;

(2) Must hold at least a second-class medical certificate when exercising the privileges of a commercial pilot certificate or

(3) Must hold at least a third-class medical certificate— ;

(i) When exercising the privileges of a private pilot certificate;

(ii) When exercising the privileges of a recreational pilot certificate;

(iii) Except as specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, when exercising the privileges of a student pilot certificate;

(iv) When exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate, ;except for a flight instructor certificate with a glider category rating, if the person is acting as the pilot in command or is serving as a required pilot flight crewmember;

So--you only need a 3rd class if you are acting as PIC (or as a required crewmember) while instructor. You do not need any medical if you are just teaching, or if your student is already rated and current in the aircraft in which you are instructing.

It comes down to a CFI giving flight instruction is not exercising "commercial privileges." The CFI is being paid for teaching not for "transporting persons or property for hire"

Hope that helps,

JJ