EASA Medical Certificates: Class 1 vs Class 2

Medical fitness is a fundamental requirement for every pilot licence in Europe. Before you invest in training, you need to confirm you can pass the appropriate medical examination. This guide covers everything you need to know about EASA Class 1 and Class 2 medicals — requirements, validity, costs, and what happens if something doesn't go to plan.

Class 2 Medical (PPL)

What It Covers

The Class 2 medical is required for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and covers:

• Private, non-commercial flying
• Recreational operations
• Some flight instruction roles (with CAA approval)
• LAPL holders may use a lighter LAPL medical instead

Requirements

Validity Periods

Cost

• Examination fee: €100–200 (varies by country and examiner)
• Find an approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) via the EASA AME locator(opens in new tab)
• Examination typically takes 30–60 minutes

Renewal Process

1. Book your appointment 2–3 months before expiry — popular AMEs book up fast!
2. Bring your previous medical certificate and other relevant documents
3. Bring your logbook (shows recent flight activity)
4. Complete the examination (30–60 minutes)
5. Results are usually issued the same day

Class 1 Medical (Commercial)

What It Covers

The Class 1 medical is required for all commercial pilot operations under EASA regulations:

• CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence)
• ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence)
• MPL (Multi-Crew Pilot Licence)
• Airlines, charter, cargo, and aerial work
• Any operation where you are paid to fly

Requirements

The Class 1 examination includes everything in the Class 2, plus significantly more:

Validity Periods

Cost

Common Medical Issues

Temporary Disqualifications (Fixable)

These conditions may cause a deferral but can usually be resolved with treatment or time:

• High blood pressure — treat medically, demonstrate stable control, then retest
• Uncorrected vision — glasses and contact lenses are fully accepted
• Minor infections — wait until fully recovered
• Recent surgery — a mandatory healing period is required before flying
• Elevated blood glucose — may require dietary adjustment and retest
• Borderline hearing loss — audiometry may be repeated or specialist referral made

Permanent Challenges

Some conditions are likely to lead to permanent disqualification for a Class 1:

• Insulin-dependent diabetes (Type 1)
• Epilepsy or any seizure disorder
• Severe colour blindness (unable to pass operational colour vision test)
• Significant structural heart disease
• Psychotic disorders

Grey Areas (Case-by-Case Decisions)

Preparing for Your Medical

3 Days Before

• Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night
• Avoid alcohol completely
• Stay well hydrated (water, not caffeinated drinks)
• Eat normally — do not fast
• Avoid caffeine on the morning of the examination

What to Bring

• Previous medical certificate (if renewing)
• Prescription glasses and/or contact lenses
• A complete list of all current medications (including supplements)
• Relevant medical history documents (hospital letters, test results)
• Your logbook
• Photo ID

During the Examination

• Be honest. Concealing a medical condition is grounds for immediate revocation if discovered later — and it will be.
• Disclose all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
• Mention any ongoing symptoms, even if mild
• Ask questions — AMEs are there to help, not to catch you out
• Try to stay relaxed. Anxiety genuinely raises blood pressure (white coat syndrome is real and very common)

If You Fail

Appeal Process

A deferral or refusal is not necessarily the end. The EASA system includes a structured appeal pathway:

1. Request a detailed written report from your AME
2. Consult the relevant specialist (cardiologist, ophthalmologist, neurologist, etc.)
3. Gather supporting medical evidence and test results
4. Submit a formal appeal to your National Aviation Authority (NAA) medical department
5. Timeline: Allow 2–6 months for the process

Alternative Aviation Careers

If a Class 1 is not possible, aviation still has a great deal to offer:

• LAPL (Light Aircraft Pilot Licence) — requires only an LAPL medical (less stringent than Class 2)
• Recreational flying — microlights and ultralights operate without medical requirements in many countries
• Flight simulation instruction — no medical certificate required
• Air Traffic Control — different medical standards apply
• Aviation operations and management — ground-based careers in airline and airport operations

Maintaining Medical Fitness

Your long-term medical fitness is an asset worth protecting. Small lifestyle choices compound over decades of a flying career.

Daily Habits

• Regular cardiovascular exercise (30 minutes, 5 days per week)
• Balanced diet — moderate sodium, controlled sugar
• Limit alcohol to within recommended weekly guidelines
• Do not smoke — respiratory and cardiovascular implications are significant
• Manage stress actively (sleep, exercise, social connection)
• Monitor blood pressure at home between examinations

Before Each Renewal

• Schedule your appointment 3–4 months before expiry (not 2 weeks before)
• Complete any dental work well in advance — some medications used in dentistry can affect flying fitness temporarily
• Update any prescriptions; bring all current medications to the examination
• Address minor GP-level issues before they become AME-level problems

Medical Costs Over a Career

For perspective, here is an estimate of Class 1 medical costs over a 30-year airline career:

Spread over 30 years, this is roughly €500–800 per year — a manageable and predictable career expense.

FAQs

Can I fly with glasses or contact lenses? Yes. Corrected vision is fully accepted for both Class 1 and Class 2, provided your corrected vision meets the standard. You are required to carry a spare pair of spectacles when flying commercially.

What if my blood pressure reads high at the examination? White coat syndrome is very common. A good AME will take multiple readings and may defer for a home monitoring period rather than immediately disqualifying you. Arriving well-rested, hydrated, and not rushed helps significantly.

Should I get my medical before starting expensive training? Absolutely. This is one of the most important steps you can take before committing to a CPL or integrated program. A Class 1 medical check costs €350–500 and can confirm your eligibility before you spend tens of thousands on training.

How long does an initial Class 1 exam take? An initial Class 1 examination typically takes 2–3 hours. Renewal examinations run 1–2 hours unless additional investigation is needed.

What happens if my medical expires while I'm flying commercially? You must cease all commercial operations immediately. Flying with an expired medical certificate is illegal and invalidates your aircraft insurance. Airlines monitor medical expiry dates closely for employed pilots.

Next Steps

1. Find an AME(opens in new tab) — Locate an approved Aviation Medical Examiner near you
2. Integrated vs Modular Training — Plan your training route once medical fitness is confirmed
3. Understanding Flight Hours — Know what you'll need to build toward your licence
4. Browse Flight Schools — Find schools that can support students through the medical process

Ready to take the next step? Create your free pilot profile and track your medical certificate expiry dates alongside your training progress.