Does the time period for a CAT 1 Medical begin on the exam date or the issuance date?

The correct answer is that the time period for a CAT I Medical begins on the exam date. This is important for pilots to understand because the validity of the medical certificate is typically linked to the date when the examination is conducted.

When a pilot undergoes a medical exam, the results and the subsequent issuance of the certificate indicate that the pilot has met the required health standards as of that exam date. Therefore, the time period for which the medical certificate is valid counts from the day the exam is completed.

This means that if a pilot is evaluated and found fit to fly on a certain date, that date marks the beginning of the duration for which the pilot must renew the medical certificate. Knowing this helps pilots keep track of when they need to undergo their next medical evaluation to ensure they maintain their flying privileges without interruptions.