If you want to fly, you must be allowed to fly — and that starts with health. The aviation medical certificate is mandatory for every licensed pilot. There are different classes, different requirements, and a clear process — which for many aspiring pilots remains a black box.

Three Classes, Three Requirements

EASA Medical Classes Overview

ClassForValidityCost
Class 1CPL, ATPL, IR (commercial)12 months (under 40); 6 months (over 40, airline)EUR 300–600
Class 2PPL, LAPL (with restrictions), Night Rating60 months under 40; 24 months 40–50; 12 months over 50EUR 150–300
LAPL MedicalLAPL (Light Aircraft Pilot Licence)60 months under 40; 24 months over 40EUR 80–150

What Is Examined in a Class 1 Medical?

The Class 1 examination is the most comprehensive and is conducted exclusively by EASA-approved Aeromedical Centers (AeMC) — in Germany, for example, at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Hamburg or the Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Cologne.

  • Internal medicine examination: ECG (resting, exercise), blood panel, urinalysis, blood pressure
  • Eyes: Visual acuity, color vision, visual field, depth perception, contrast sensitivity
  • ENT: Hearing test (audiogram), balance, nose, throat
  • Basic neurological examination
  • Psychiatric assessment
  • Chest X-ray (at initial examination)
  • Pulmonary function test
Class 2 is conducted by approved Aviation Medical Examiners (AME) — licensed physicians with EASA AME authorization. The examination scope is similar but less extensive than Class 1. Many general practitioners or internists are authorized as AMEs.

Common Exclusion and Restriction Reasons

Not every medical finding automatically leads to unfitness. EASA distinguishes between absolute exclusion criteria (very rare) and assessable findings:

  • Visual acuity: Corrected visual acuity must reach at least 6/6 (1.0) in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye for Class 1. Glasses and contact lenses are permitted.
  • Color vision: Certain color vision deficiencies exclude Class 1 (failed color discrimination test). For Class 2, exceptions exist (with restrictions).
  • Heart conditions: Many cardiovascular conditions can still be certified with restrictions (OSL — "Operational Safety Limitations"). E.g.: hypertension with medication is often not an exclusion criterion.
  • Diabetes: Insulin-treated diabetes was formerly an exclusion criterion — today it's often possible under strict conditions (monitoring, no solo flight).
  • Psychiatric conditions: Depression or anxiety disorders do not automatically exclude — but transparency is mandatory.
Never lie on the medical form. A false statement on the medical form is not only unethical — it's punishable and leads to immediate license revocation and potentially criminal consequences upon discovery. Many conditions that pilots assume are disqualifying are actually not — speak with an AME first before concealing anything.

What Happens If Declared Unfit?

An unfitness decision is not a final verdict. EASA has a structured appeals process:

  • Appeal to the national aviation authority (LBA, Austro Control, FOCA) within 30 days
  • Request a second opinion from another AeMC
  • EASA Medical Appeals Board as the last instance

Alternatively: those who are unfit under an EASA license may under certain circumstances obtain an FAA Third-Class Medical — since FAA and EASA have different standards. This then permits flying N-registered aircraft in the US at minimum (BasicMed since 2017 is particularly relevant here).

The aviation medical is not an obstacle — it's a safety system protecting everyone. The vast majority of aspiring pilots pass without any issues. Those with pre-existing conditions should obtain an informal preliminary assessment from an AME before investing in training — it costs little and provides clarity.

For Airvalon customers who are planning their entry into aviation: we recommend getting the medical sorted first — before choosing a flight school or purchasing an aircraft. It's the prerequisite for everything else.