What type of medical certificate must a commercial pilot at least hold?

A commercial pilot is required to hold at least a second-class medical certificate to ensure they meet the necessary health standards to perform the duties of their role safely. The second-class medical certificate is specifically intended for pilots who are flying for compensation or hire, which is a distinguishing factor of commercial aviation.

The second-class medical standards are designed to ensure that the pilot has sufficient physical and mental capabilities to operate an aircraft reliably and respond appropriately in various aviation scenarios. A first-class medical certificate, while higher in standards, is not a requirement for all commercial pilots, as it is primarily designed for airline transport pilots. A third-class medical certificate is the minimum requirement for private pilots, not for those commercially flying. Therefore, holding at least a second-class medical certificate is essential for a commercial pilot to comply with regulatory requirements and ensure safety in their aviation operations.