Key Takeaways
- Three Certificate Types: Class 1 (commercial), Class 2 (private), LAPL (light aircraft)
- Costs: Class 1 €300-€450, Class 2 €150-€250, LAPL €100-€200
- Validity: 6-60 months depending on class, age, and operations
- Requirements: Vision, hearing, cardiovascular, neurological, psychological assessments
- Approved Examiners: Must use EASA-authorized AeMCs or AMEs only
Understanding EASA Medical Certificates
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) mandates medical certification for all pilots operating aircraft within its jurisdiction. Part-MED regulations define three distinct medical certificate classes, each corresponding to specific pilot license privileges and operational requirements. Understanding which certificate you need and maintaining its validity are fundamental to your aviation career.
Class 1 medical certificates are required for commercial operations—any flying where you receive compensation. This includes airline transport pilots (ATPL), commercial pilots (CPL), and multi-crew pilots (MPL). Class 2 certificates suffice for private pilot license (PPL) holders flying recreationally without compensation. LAPL medical certificates, the least restrictive, permit flying light aircraft up to 2,000kg maximum takeoff weight.
Medical examinations must be conducted by EASA-approved Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs) or Aeromedical Centers (AeMCs). Only these authorized medical professionals can issue valid EASA medical certificates. National aviation authorities maintain lists of approved examiners, and you may visit any examiner within EASA member states regardless of your country of license issue.
Class 1 Medical Certificate: Commercial Operations
Class 1 medical certificates represent the highest standard of aviation medical fitness, required for all commercial pilot operations. The examination is comprehensive, assessing cardiovascular health, vision, hearing, neurological function, and psychological stability to ensure pilots can safely operate commercial aircraft carrying passengers or cargo.
Class 1 Requirements
Medical Standards
Initial Examination Cost
Renewal Examination
Class 2 Medical Certificate: Private Flying
Class 2 medical certificates permit private pilot license (PPL) holders to fly non-commercially. 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 medical certificates during training.
Class 2 Requirements
Medical Standards
Initial Examination Cost
Renewal Examination
LAPL Medical Certificate: Light Aircraft
The Light Aircraft Pilot License (LAPL) medical certificate offers the most accessible entry to flying. Designed for recreational pilots flying single-engine aircraft up to 2,000kg with maximum 4 occupants, LAPL medical requirements balance safety with reasonable health standards, enabling more people to pursue aviation.
LAPL Requirements
Medical Standards
LAPL Medical Costs
Initial examination: €100-€150. Renewal examination: €80-€120. LAPL medicals can often be conducted by authorized general practitioners, reducing costs compared to Class 1 and Class 2 which require specialist aviation medical examiners or aeromedical centers.
Medical Certificate Comparison
| Requirement | Class 1 | Class 2 | LAPL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required For | CPL, ATPL, MPL | PPL | LAPL |
| Vision Distant | 6/9 each, 6/6 both | 6/9 each, 6/6 both | 6/12 each |
| Color Vision | Strict requirement | Required | Not mandatory |
| Hearing Test | Audiometry required | If indicated | Conversation only |
| ECG Required | Yes, mandatory | If indicated | No |
| Initial Cost | €300-€450 | €150-€250 | €100-€150 |
| Examiner Type | AME or AeMC | AME or AeMC | AME or GP |
Medical Examination Process
Understanding the examination process helps you prepare adequately and ensures smooth certification. Plan your medical examination well before license expiry or training start dates to allow time for any additional testing or documentation if required.
Find Approved Examiner
Locate EASA-authorized AME or AeMC in your area. Verify examiner authorization on national aviation authority website.
Schedule Appointment
Book examination appointment. Request initial or renewal exam. Provide previous medical certificate number if renewal.
Prepare Documentation
Bring identification, previous medical certificates, glasses/contacts if used, medication list, and relevant medical records.
Complete Examination
Physical exam, vision testing, hearing assessment, ECG if required. Disclose all medical history accurately and completely.
Certificate Issuance
If fit, certificate issued immediately or within days. If additional assessment needed, referred to AeMC or authority.
Track Validity
Note expiry date. Schedule renewal 4-6 weeks before expiration. Flying with expired medical is illegal.
Important Preparation Tips
- Schedule morning appointments for better blood pressure readings
- Avoid alcohol 24 hours and caffeine 4 hours before examination
- Bring all current medications and prescriptions to appointment
- If you wear contacts, bring glasses as backup for examination
- Disclose all medical conditions honestly—omissions can result in license revocation
Medical Certificate Validity Periods
Class 1 Medical Validity
- Under Age 40: 12 months for multi-crew operations, 6 months for single-pilot commercial
- Age 40-60: 6 months validity for all commercial operations
- Over Age 60: 6 months validity with additional requirements and assessments
Class 2 Medical Validity
- Under Age 40: 60 months (5 years) validity
- Age 40-50: 24 months (2 years) validity
- Over Age 50: 12 months (1 year) validity
LAPL Medical Validity
- Under Age 40: 60 months (5 years) validity
- Over Age 40: 24 months (2 years) validity
- Note: LAPL validity tied to license restrictions, not operational complexity
Common Medical Disqualifiers and Limitations
Many medical conditions can be assessed individually with possible waivers or operational limitations granted. Always consult with an aviation medical examiner about your specific situation before assuming disqualification. Early disclosure and proper documentation often enable certification where conditions are well-controlled.
Typically Disqualifying Conditions
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Psychosis or bipolar disorder
- Complete hearing loss
- Severe visual impairment
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Recent cardiac events
- Substance dependency
- Certain neurological conditions
May Require Limitations
- Controlled diabetes (Type 1 or 2)
- Hypertension (if well-controlled)
- Depression (stable on medication)
- ADHD (case-by-case assessment)
- Kidney stones (history documented)
- Sleep apnea (treated effectively)
- Previous cancer (in remission)
- Corrective eye surgery (healed)
Waiver and Appeal Process
If initially denied medical certification, pilots can request evaluation by national aviation medical authority. Submit detailed medical records, specialist assessments, and functional demonstrations. Many conditions deemed initially disqualifying can be certified with appropriate documentation showing stability and adequate management. The appeal process typically takes 2-6 months depending on complexity.
Maintaining Your Medical Certificate
Your medical certificate represents more than regulatory compliance—it demonstrates your commitment to aviation safety and professional responsibility. Schedule renewals well before expiration, maintain honest communication with your AME about all health changes, and address medical issues promptly with proper documentation. Understanding Part-MED requirements and preparing thoroughly for examinations ensures continuous certification throughout your flying career. Remember that flying with an expired medical certificate violates regulations and invalidates insurance coverage.