Maintaining a valid medical certificate is essential for exercising pilot privileges. EASA allows revalidation up to 45 days before expiry without losing validity time. Understanding renewal timing, validity periods, and the process ensures uninterrupted certification throughout your aviation career.
Revalidation vs Renewal
| Aspect | Revalidation | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| When | Within 45 days before expiry | After certificate has expired |
| New Validity Starts | From old expiry date | From examination date |
| Cycle Preserved | Yes | No - resets |
| Flying Allowed | Yes, until expiry | No flying until renewed |
| Expired 5+ Years | N/A | Requires initial exam at AeMC |
45-Day Rule
Always revalidate within the 45-day window. If your medical expires June 15th, book your exam anytime from May 1st to June 15th to preserve your renewal cycle.
Validity Periods by Class & Age
| Age | Class 1 | Class 2 | LAPL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 40 | 12 months | 60 months | 60 months |
| 40-49 | 12 months* | 24 months | 24 months |
| 50-59 | 12 months* | 12 months | 24 months |
| 60+ | 6 months | 12 months | 24 months |
*Class 1 reduces to 6 months for single-pilot commercial air transport operations carrying passengers if pilot is 40+
Age Milestone
If issued a medical before turning 40, it ceases validity at age 42 for Class 2/LAPL (not the full 60-month period). Plan renewal timing around birthday milestones.
Renewal Process
Book Appointment
Contact AeMC or AME. Provide certificate class, expiry date, any medical changes since last exam.
Prepare Documents
Gather current medical certificate, ID, glasses/contacts if worn, any specialist reports.
Examination
Physical exam, vision, hearing, ECG (if required), urine test. 1-3 hours depending on class.
Certificate Issue
If fit, certificate usually issued same day. Complex cases may require authority review.
Class 1 Renewal
- • AeMC or AME with Class 1 privileges
- • Full physical examination
- • ECG: annual if 40+, every 2 years 30-39
- • Audiometry required
- • Usually 2-3 hours
Class 2 / LAPL Renewal
- • Any AME or AeMC
- • Standard physical examination
- • ECG only if clinically indicated
- • Hearing: conversational test
- • Usually 1-1.5 hours
Timing Strategies
Set calendar reminder
45 days before expiry to start booking
Book 4-6 weeks ahead
Popular AMEs fill quickly, especially in summer
Avoid last-minute
Buffer for follow-up tests if needed
Same examiner
Build relationship, they know your history
Declare everything
New conditions, medications, surgeries since last exam
Bring previous cert
Required for revalidation/renewal examination
If You Miss the Window
Life happens. If your medical expires, you simply cannot fly until renewed. There's no penalty—just book a renewal exam. If expired over 2 years, AeMC reviews records first. Over 5 years requires full initial examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
Class 1 Medical Certificate Guide • Color Vision Requirements for Pilots • Pilot Vision Requirements