T182T wrote

I have always had a First-Class medical, not because my aviation
activity (PPL/IR) requires it, but mostly in case I don’t get in to see
the doctor in time, so it derates to a second class instead of leaving
me grounded.

Waste of both time and money. For Private Pilot operations, 1st, 2nd, and
3rd class medical certificates all have exactly the same total valid time.

Bob Moore ATP/CFI (with a 3rd class medical)