Top Tips for obtaining your Medical Certificate

For more detailed and up-to-date information go directly to your governing aviation authority's website. 

Obtaining your medical is one of the major hurdles before starting your training. The process can seem intimidating, but this blog will give a short overview of the options available and the exam process. There are currently four classes of medicals recognised by the CAA. Three for pilots and a separate class for air traffic controllers. 

For pilots, a higher class of medical includes the privileges of any lower class. The validity period of each medical will decrease past the age of 40. 

Commonly used abbreviations 

AeMC- Aeromedical Centre 

AME- Aeromedical examiner 

GP- General practitioner 

Class 1 

The Class 1 medical is the highest class of pilot medical. It is required for Commercial (CPL), Multi-crew (MPL) and Airline Transport (ATPL) pilots' licenses. This is the medical you will need if you want to fly as a career. 

An initial class 1 must be completed by an AeMC, for revalidation you may go through an AME. It must be revalidated every year if under 40 years old. 

Class 2  

Class 2 medical is required for a Private Pilot's license (PPL) and can be completed by an AeMC or AME. 

It is valid for 60 months (about 5 years) until you are 40. 

LAPL 

A LAPL is the cheapest and most accessible option. It can be completed by an AeMC, AME or GP. 

It is only valid for a light aircraft (LAPL), sailplane (SPL), and balloon (BPL) pilot's license. 

It is valid for 60 months until you are 40. 

Class 3 

This is a separate medical requirement for applicants and holders of an air traffic controller licence or student air traffic controller licence. 

It is valid for 24 months until you are 40. 

Booking your medical 

Once you have decided which class of medical best fits your goals it’s time to choose an AeMC/AME/GP. CAA AMEs can be found using this link.

Depending on where you live, demand for appointments can be high so it’s best to book well in advance. It’s advisable to obtain the relevant medical before investing money into training. Your chosen training organisation may also require you to hold a Medical Certificate as part of the application requirements. 

If you’re aware of any underlying health conditions, it’s best to have these checked over with your GP before the assessment. Previous medical conditions that required hospitalisation or a specialist consultation will normally require a written doctor's report, even if these occurred in childhood. 

Many GPs offer a free blood pressure and BMI service. It’s also recommended to have your eyes tested before your examination; most optometrists will also complete a colour blindness test upon request. It’s best to catch any issues before the aeromedical exam to expedite the process and save money. 

Ensure you read the clinics information carefully, fill out any forms before arrival and make note of which documents you will need with you on the day. 

The Process 

Allow all day for your medical, be sure to arrive in good time, you don’t want to be stressed. Bear this in mind when booking transport.  Ensure you have all the required documents with you. If you wear glasses bring them with you, along with your most recent prescription. You’ll be asked to complete a questionnaire on your family history, your medical history and your basic information. This may be done in advance or on the day depending on the clinic. 

Your examiner will run a series of tests; these may differ depending on the medical you are applying for but normally include: 

· Full optometry (eye assessment check with colour vision testing) 

· Physical examination

· Electrocardiogram (ECG) 

· Lung function test 

· Haemoglobin blood test 

· Urine test 

· Height and weight measurement 

· Drug and alcohol screening 

· Psychological assessment 

· Physical examination. 

The Results 

On the day of your medical, you will get a result of issued, refused, or differed. 

· If issued you will now hold the medical until the expiry date. 

· If differed, you will be directed to get additional tests and consultations by a specialist. 

· If refused, you have the right of appeal via the issuing aviation authority. 

Don’t be discouraged if your medical isn’t issued on the day of assessment; for a class 1 medical around half of applicants will receive a refused or differed result. 

This additional testing can take weeks or sometimes months, it’s important to keep this in mind if you have a specific start date in mind for your training. 

Any extra costs incurred by the additional tests are your responsibility. This should be considered when budgeting for your medical as the additional tests can be expensive. 

Key points to takeaway 

·  Book your medical early to allow time for appointment waitlists, deferrals and appeals. 

·  If possible, address any underlying or previous conditions before your assessment.

·  Ensure you have all the correct paperwork and documents on the day.

·  Don’t be discouraged if your medical isn’t issued straight away.

·  If your medical is refused there are many other amazing careers in aviation don’t require one.