Class 3 vs class 2

[benyflyguy]

I'm 42. Healthy. Have a class 3 that is expiring at end of month. I called for my medical exam and the nurse asked if it was a class 1 - 2- or 3. I said well I have a three but I guess maybe I’ll go for the class 2.
I have ppl with instrument rating and had thoughts of going for commercial in year perhaps because, why not. I like to take lessons and learn more.
Is there any disadvantage to going for a 2? What about exam is more stringent??

 

[AggieMike88]

 

[Dean V]

You do not need a Class II to get a commercial certificate and the Class II privileges are only good for 12 months. The eye sight standard is the biggest difference. As a general rule, you you never apply for a Class higher than you need.

 

[AggieMike88]

And no disadvantage to obtain a higher class than you need at the moment. If you don't renew the class 2 in 12 months, it auto downgrades to the class three privileges for the remaining 12 months of the "over 40" time frame.

But to maintain the class 2 privileges, renewing every 12 months is the requirement.

 

[AggieMike88]

And Dean is correct that the Class 2 isn't a requirement to do the CPL ride. You can even do that with BasicMed.

But to exercise and benefit from the CPL privileges (as in get paid to fly), you must have at least a Class 2.

There is an exception for CFI's in BasicMed. See Q24 in this FAQ on BasicMed.

https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/basic_med/media/basicmed_faq.pdf

 

[benyflyguy]

I’ll just go for the class 3 then. Thanks. I’m not sure if I’ll meet the vision requirements for class 2 anyway. My left eye is a bit wonky!

 

[IK04]

Due to my job, I've been getting first class physicals up until a couple of years ago. Now that I don't fly for a living, I see the same AME and get a second class every year.

If I had any suspicion that I could not pass a class two, I would probably give up flying until I got healthy again.

That should work until I get super old and start falling apart.

 

[PiperW]

U can get a 2nd class and after a year if not renewed becomes like a third class that u can fly under for another year per your stated age of 42..check with your AME to be sure.


Other than some bragging rights, no use getting one unless u really need it.