If you have always dreamt of a career as a pilot, you want to make sure that meet all required standards by obtaining a Class 1 medical certificate.

How does it work?

If this is only the beginning of your career, this is probably your first pilot medical. You will need to book it in advance and it must be carried out at an Aeromedical Centre (AEMC). You can find all the centres on AESA website and see which one is within your area.

During the examination they will check your medical history, your eyesight and hearing, an overall physical check, heart rhythm, lung function and blood and urine tests.

How long is it going to take?

The examination can take up to 4 hours and you will receive your certificate on the same day if you meet all the requirements. If you don’t meet these requirements, further investigation will be carried out in order to make a decision, which can take longer.

What is the minimum age?

If you wish to apply for a Commercial or Multi-Crew Pilots Licence you need to be at least 16 years old.

I wear glasses – Can I fly?

Many people believe that wearing glasses won’t allow you to fly, but that’s a myth.

“You can fly Commercial Aircraft by wearing either glasses or contact lenses if your vision is correctable to 20/20”

If you wear either of those, you will need to take your newest optician’s report to the examination. A specialist will examine you sight during the examination. There is a vision standards guidance provided by the AESA for those who wear glasses or contact lenses.

What do they test?

You will be asked about your medical history and if you had any previous illness. In the case of suffering a major illness in your past, you need to bring reports about it from your family doctor or specialist.

“Don’t worry if you have a broken arm or had appendicitis, these are not considered as major illnesses”

The physical exam will check the functioning of your lungs, heart, blood pressure, stomach, limbs and your nervous system. Your hearing capabilities will also be examined, as well as an Electrocardiogram (ECG) which will measure the electrical impulses passing through your heart.

Remember that you will be asked to provide a sample of urine, so make sure you come prepared with a full bladder!

If you wish to learn more about the requirements, visit the AESA website.

What now?

That’s it! When you receive your EASA Class 1 medical, you will need to revalidate it every 12 months up until you are 60 years old. From that age onwards, you will need to do it every 6 months.