Occupational health

What’s involved in a CAA class 1 medical?

CAA Class 1 Medical
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If you are training to become a commercial pilot or airline transport pilot, or hold a CPL or ATPL in the UK then your licence will only be valid if you also hold a CAA Class 1 Medical certificate.  This certificate can only be provided by a doctor specialising in aviation, following the successful completion of a medical examination. If you have not had a pilot’s medical examination before, or you want to remind yourself what is involved, here is a little more info about what to expect. 

What are the CAA Class 1 Medical Requirements? 

As being a pilot comes with much responsibility, it is only natural that the medical examination that declares you fit to fly should be a comprehensive one.  The Civil Aviation Authority therefore has a list of stringent requirements that all candidates must meet in order to pass the Class 1 Medical. 

When attending your medical assessment, you will be asked a lot of questions and undergo a number of different tests and examinations to establish your health and fitness levels against all of these standards. This will include: 

  • ECG (electrocardiogram) – to show any heart rhythm abnormalities that may need to be followed up. 
  • Urine test – to check for the presence of sugar, blood or protein in the urine as these could signify underlying diseases. 
  • Lung function test – to ensure you can breathe normally and easily expel air rapidly from your lungs. 
  • Eyesight and colour vision test – to ensure that your vision meets the strict requirements as laid out in the Class 1 Visual Standards. 
  • Hearing test – to ensure you do not have any significant hearing loss in either or both ears. 
  • Blood tests – to make sure your blood can carry oxygen adequately and to check your lipids and cholesterol levels as these can indicate the risk of future heart or blood vessel disease. 

You will also need to undergo a physical examination to check that everything is functioning as it should be. This will include checking the limbs, spine, skin and reflexes for any signs of abnormality. 

Prior to attending you will probably be asked to bring along any medical history notes or details of any past procedures, illnesses, surgeries or pregnancies so it is a good idea to note these down beforehand in case you can’t recall the details on the day. You will be asked to give a full medical history, or if it is a renewal/revalidation medical, then you will be asked about any changes since your last examination. It is also important to bring along any glasses or contact lenses you wear so these can be taken into account when undergoing the eye test. 

When you apply for a medical certificate you will also be asked whether you have had one before and if so, when and where, and whether you have ever been assessed as unfit or had your medical certificate revoked. 

How long is a Class 1 Medical valid? 

If the medical examiner deems you to be fit and healthy as per the required standards then you will be issued with your Class 1 Medical certificate. This will be valid for one year, unless one of the following circumstances apply: 

  • You are aged 40+ and carry out single pilot commercial air transport operations carrying passengers. 
  • You are aged 60+ 

In either of these cases the validity period is 6 months. As you reach the end of your medical certificate validity period, you can book in for your medical revalidation up to 45 days before your current certificate expires. If you miss this window, you’ll need to apply for a renewal medical so that you can continue to fly. 

What does an Initial Class 1 CAA Medical cost? 

The cost of your Initial Class 1 CAA Medical will depend upon whether you need any additional referral tests or casework to determine your fitness. There is also a CAA fee that will need to be paid before you can book in for your medical. 

Where can you book a Class 1 Medical? 

You will need to contact an AeroMedical Centre (AeMC) to book your Initial Class 1 CAA Medical. These centres have specially approved medical facilities and are authorised to issue medical certificates to pilots. When attending your appointment, if it is for an initial certificate, you should allow up to 4 hours and bring everything you need with you – such as medical history, eyewear, proof of identity and method of payment. 

Heathrow Medical Services is an approved AeMC for aviation medical examinations. For more information or to book your CAA Class 1 Medical please click here. 

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