Intructing and Medicals

[jaybird]

Exactly what's the deal with instructing and medicals? I know you need at least a third class if the instructor will be the PIC ie primary or initial multi. What about if instructing commercial or CFI's? At least a second class. Right?

 

[Bluto]

Technically, no. Part 61 only requires a 3rd class medical to instruct, regardless of the certification or rating sought. Now, what kind of medical do you need to get paid as an instructor? You'd think at least a second class, right? This was my understanding until recently. Apparently, the FAA feels that you, as an instructor, are being paid to instruct, not to fly. Now keep in mind, if you operated as a CFI with only a 3rd class medical, you would be limited as to what you could do (ie. no scenic flights, no photo flights, etc.) Lastly, to muddy the waters even further, if the student can act as PIC, you don't need a medical at all to instruct.

 

[newmei]

You need a medical anytime the person you are instructing can't act as legal PIC, IE student pilots. Giving a biannual to a person whos biannual has run out. However you could give instrument instruction to a person that is current and and has a medical as long as you did'nt file (assuming he does'nt have his ticket yet). So there are a few instances where you can instruct without a medical, not many though.
Thanks

 

[Pilotadjuster]

Instrument

Are you sure about giving Instrument instruction w/o a medical? I was under the impression that you needed a current medical whenever you were instructing someone under the hood or acting as safety pilot. At that point arent you PIC/required crewmember?

 

[sdpilot]

You cannot act as PIC with an expired medical. Remember, to even act as Safety Pilot, you need to posses a current medical and be appropriately rated in the aircraft.

As stated above, you can Instruct with an expired medical as long as you aren't PIC. Every pilot you fly with needs to be current.
You can....

Perform BFR's with pilots that are still current
Instruct commercial students

You can't do...

Any primary instruction, single / multi
Complex or high performance endorsements

This covers most of the scenerios

My 2 Cents...