The EASA Class 2 medical certificate is required for Private Pilot License (PPL) holders flying recreationally in Europe. With less stringent requirements than Class 1 and longer validity periods (up to 60 months for pilots under 40), it's the standard medical for non-commercial flying. Examinations cost €150-€250 and can be conducted by any authorized AME—no need for an AeMC.
Class 2 Medical Overview
Class 2 medical certification permits private flying without compensation. The examination standards are less stringent than Class 1 while still ensuring pilots maintain adequate health for safe flight operations. Most student pilots begin with Class 2 during PPL training.
Who Needs Class 2
- • Private Pilot License (PPL) holders
- • Flight instructors (FI) without CPL
- • Balloon pilots (BPL)
- • Sailplane pilots flying outside EASA
- • PPL students from first solo
Privileges
- • Fly aircraft up to 5,700 kg MTOW
- • Carry passengers (non-commercial)
- • Add Instrument Rating (IR)
- • Foundation for CPL progression
- • Valid in all 31 EASA states
Student Pilots
You need a valid Class 2 medical before your first solo flight. Many instructors recommend getting your medical before starting training—if a condition prevents certification, you'll know before investing in lessons.
Medical Requirements
Vision Requirements
Class 2 vision standards are more relaxed than Class 1. The refractive criteria (prescription limits) have been abandoned under EASA for Class 2—only visual acuity standards apply.
| Parameter | Class 2 | Class 1 (comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Distant Vision (each eye) | 6/12 or better | 6/9 or better |
| Distant Vision (both eyes) | 6/9 or better | 6/6 or better |
| Near Vision | N5 at 30-50cm | N5 at 30-50cm |
| Color Vision | Ishihara at initial | Ishihara + lantern |
| Refractive Limits | No limit* | +5/-6 diopters |
*Corrected vision must still meet acuity standards. Bring optician prescription to initial examination.
Hearing Requirements
Standard Test
- • Conversational voice at 2 meters
- • Tested with back to examiner
- • Each ear separately
- • Audiometry only if indicated
- • Less strict than Class 1
With Instrument Rating
- • Audiometry required if adding IR
- • Same frequency limits as Class 1
- • 35 dB max loss at 500-2000 Hz
- • 50 dB max loss at 3000 Hz
- • Annual audiometry thereafter
Cardiovascular & Other Requirements
| Assessment | Class 2 | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Pressure | Max 160/95 mmHg | Every examination |
| ECG | Required | Initial only (unless indicated) |
| Urinalysis | Glucose, protein | Every examination |
| Hemoglobin | Finger prick test | If indicated |
| Physical Exam | General health check | Every examination |
| Mental Health | Clinical assessment | Every exam (referral if indicated) |
Mental Health Note
Class 2 is more accommodating for pilots with mild, well-managed mental health conditions. While Class 1 commercial operations may be restricted, PPL flying with Class 2 is often possible with appropriate documentation and AME assessment.
Class 2 vs LAPL Medical
Choosing between Class 2 and LAPL medical is a critical first decision. The medical certificate determines which license you can hold—this is not about personal preference but about your flying goals.
| Factor | Class 2 (PPL) | LAPL |
|---|---|---|
| License Type | PPL (ICAO-compliant) | LAPL (sub-ICAO) |
| Geographic Validity | Worldwide (with validation) | EASA states only |
| Aircraft Weight | Up to 5,700 kg MTOW | Up to 2,000 kg MTOW |
| Passengers | Unlimited | Maximum 3 |
| Add IR Rating | Yes | No |
| Progress to CPL | Yes | No (must convert) |
| Medical Standards | More strict | Less strict |
| Examiner | AME or AeMC | AME, AeMC, or GMP* |
| Typical Cost | €150-€250 | €100-€200 |
*GMP (General Medical Practitioner) for LAPL depends on national provisions.
Critical Warning
If you hold LAPL and later want PPL, you must pass Class 2 medical before converting. A condition acceptable for LAPL may not meet Class 2 standards. Get Class 2 first if you have any commercial or international flying ambitions.
Examination Process
Class 2 examinations are shorter and simpler than Class 1. Initial examinations typically take 1-1.5 hours; renewals are faster at around 45-60 minutes.
Find an AME
Locate authorized Aeromedical Examiner via national aviation authority website. Any AME can perform Class 2—no need for AeMC.
Book Appointment
Schedule examination. Initial appointments may require 1-2 weeks lead time. Bring required documentation.
Medical History Review
Complete questionnaire, discuss any conditions, medications, or surgeries with the AME. Full disclosure is essential.
Clinical Examination
Vision, hearing, physical exam, urinalysis, ECG (initial only). Blood pressure and general health assessment.
Certificate Issue
If fit, certificate issued same day. Note validity period. Schedule renewal before expiry.
What to Bring
Photo ID
Passport or national identity card
Previous medical certificate
If renewal/revalidation
Optician prescription
Required at initial exam if you wear glasses
Medication list
All current medications with dosages
Medical records
For any declared conditions
Payment
€150-€250 depending on country
Validity Periods
Class 2 validity periods are significantly longer than Class 1, reflecting the lower-risk nature of private flying operations.
| Age at Examination | Validity | Special Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40 | 60 months (5 years) | Expires at age 42 if issued before 40 |
| Ages 40-50 | 24 months (2 years) | Expires at age 51 if issued before 50 |
| Over 50 | 12 months (1 year) | Annual renewals from age 50 |
Revalidation Window
You can revalidate your Class 2 medical up to 45 days before the expiry date. The new validity period starts from your original expiry date, not the examination date. This maintains continuous certification.
Revalidation Benefits
- • Maintains original expiry date
- • No gap in certification
- • Standard examination process
- • Can use any AME
- • Same cost as renewal
Renewal Rules
- • After expiry: New start date
- • <2 years expired: Normal renewal
- • 2-5 years expired: Records review
- • >5 years expired: Full initial exam
- • Creates gap in certification
Flying with Expired Medical
Flying with an expired medical certificate is illegal and invalidates your insurance. Even one day expired means you cannot act as PIC. Set calendar reminders for renewal well in advance.
Costs by Country (2025)
Class 2 examinations are significantly cheaper than Class 1. Eastern European countries offer the best value, though travel costs may offset savings for routine renewals.
| Country | Initial | Renewal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romania | €70-€100 | €50-€80 | Lowest in Europe |
| Poland | €80-€120 | €60-€100 | Many AMEs available |
| Czech Republic | €100-€150 | €80-€120 | English-speaking AMEs |
| Netherlands | €185 | €185 | Fixed pricing |
| Germany | €180-€250 | €150-€200 | High standards |
| Spain | €150-€200 | €120-€180 | Good availability |
| UK | £180-£220 | £150-£200 | Many local AMEs |
Cost Saving
With 60-month validity under age 40, your Class 2 medical costs under €2.50/month even in Western Europe. Consider convenience over savings for routine renewals—local AMEs save travel time and costs.
Common Questions
Can I fly with corrected vision?
Yes. Glasses and contact lenses are acceptable if corrected vision meets the acuity standards (6/12 each eye, 6/9 combined). Carry a spare pair when flying. There are no prescription limits for Class 2.
What about color blindness?
Color vision is tested with Ishihara plates at initial examination. If you fail Ishihara, you may still be certified but with an OML (Operational Multi-pilot Limitation) restricting night flying. Lantern tests can sometimes remove restrictions.
Can I get Class 2 with diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes controlled with diet or oral medication is often certifiable with appropriate monitoring. Type 1 diabetes is more complex but certification is possible under specific protocols. Bring HbA1c results and specialist reports.
What if I'm on antidepressants?
Many pilots fly with well-managed depression on approved medications. SSRI medications are often acceptable after a stability period. Bring psychiatrist reports documenting your condition and treatment. This is more straightforward for Class 2 than Class 1.
Bottom Line
Class 2 medical standards are achievable for most healthy adults. Even with some medical conditions, certification is often possible with proper documentation. Be honest with your AME, disclose everything, and many issues that seem concerning can be addressed successfully.
Find Aeromedical Examiners
Browse AMEs across Europe for your Class 2 medical examination
Frequently Asked Questions
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Class 1 Medical Certificate Guide • Color Vision Requirements for Pilots • Pilot Vision Requirements