Commercial Pilot
DOT RegulatedAlso known as: Helicopter Pilot, Charter Pilot, Cargo Pilot, Crop Duster Pilot, Flight Instructor
Commercial pilots holding CPL certificates require FAA Class 2 medical certification. Requirements are less stringent than Class 1 but still include thorough cardiovascular, vision, and hearing evaluation. Subject to DOT drug/alcohol testing when working for Part 135 or Part 121 operators.
Required Health Screenings & Tests
| Requirement | Frequency | Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| FAA Class 2 Medical Examination Comprehensive FAA medical exam evaluating vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and neurological fitness. | Annual | 14 CFR Part 67 |
| DOT Drug Test (Pre-Employment) Required for commercial operations under FAA anti-drug regulations. | One-Time | 14 CFR Part 120 |
| Random Drug & Alcohol Testing Applicable for pilots employed by Part 121 or Part 135 operators. | Varies | 14 CFR Part 120 |
Required Certifications
FAA Class 2 Medical Certificate
- Issued by
- FAA-designated AME
- Valid for
- 12 months
- Renewal
- Complete FAA Class 2 medical examination with AME.
Compliance Timeline
Pre-Hire
— Before Employment- FAA Class 2 medical
- Pre-employment drug test
Onboarding
— First 30 Days- Random testing enrollment
- Operator-specific orientation
Ongoing
— Throughout Employment- Random drug/alcohol testing
Periodic Renewal
— Regular Renewals- Class 2 medical every 12 months
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 medical?
Class 2 has slightly relaxed cardiovascular and vision standards compared to Class 1. Class 2 requires 20/20 distant vision (corrected) and 20/40 near vision, same as Class 1, but the EKG and cardiovascular requirements are less frequent.
What Employers Should Know
- All screenings must be conducted at certified, compliant facilities.
- Maintain documentation of all completed requirements for audit readiness.
- Track renewal dates proactively — expired certifications can result in non-compliance penalties.
- DOT-regulated roles have strict federal testing requirements — random testing programs must be maintained.
Why BlueHive for Commercial Pilot
BlueHive connects employers to 20,000+ certified clinics nationwide, simplifying compliance management for commercial pilot health requirements.
- Same-day scheduling for urgent screenings
- Automated renewal tracking and compliance alerts
- Transparent, competitive pricing — no hidden fees
Simplify Compliance for Your Workforce
BlueHive manages occupational health requirements across 10,000+ clinic locations.