The Medical Examination

If you decide to start flying training, it is advisable to have your medical performed at an early stage to confirm that you are fit. Legally, you cannot fly solo until you are in possession of a valid medical certificate. There is nothing worse than having your instructor decide that you are ready to go solo and then finding that you have to wait to have your medical. I would recommend having it performed no later than after the first four hours of training. The youngest age at which you can have your medical examination is 15 years and six months – there is no upper age limit.

Each examination comprises a medical questionnaire, physical examination and, if necessary according to the schedule, an ECG (heart tracing) and/or audiogram (hearing test). A urine test is always required so please bring a fresh sample in a clean container. Alternatively, if you wish to provide the sample at the time of the examination, please do not go before you attend! If you would like to perform the test on arrival, please tell me. 

Allow between 45 and 90 minutes for the examination. Unless there are any queries, the medical certificate is usually issued at the time of examination.

What to bring: 

If you would like a chaperone, please advise when you arrive. Alternatively, you may bring someone to accompany you for the examination. 

Please bring the following items where applicable:

For your first examination with me, means of identification such as a passport or new-style driving licence with a photograph (essential).

Your current or most recent medical certificate 

Your Flying Licence (if you have one) 

Your logbook or, if you do not bring this, your total hours flown and the total number of hours since your last medical examination. 

Your spectacles and the optician's prescription for the lenses. If you have not had your eyes tested in the last two years, please do so before attending. 
Class 1 pilots whose biennial ophthalmic examination is due should download the appropriate ophthalmic form from the CAA website and ask the optician to complete it. (I cannot issue the medical certificate without this form). However, since 01 December 2006, Class 1 pilots whose refractive error is less than 3 dioptres do not need to have the form completed. 
If you wish to be tested wearing hard contact lenses you must not wear them for 48 hours prior to the examination. Soft contact lens wearers should not wear them on the day of the examination. Bring your lenses with a sufficient supply of solution for transport. 

A fresh urine sample in a clean container

Method of payment (Debit Card, Credit Card, Cash, Cheque)

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Important New Information:

As of 01 December 2006, the revalidation schedule has changed. 

Class 1 medical certificates for pilots between the ages of 40 and 59 years, engaged in air transport operations,  last for one year (previously six months).  This does not apply to single pilot air transport operations. These remain at six months.

Flying instruction is regarded as aerial work and, therefore, medical certificates in this age group only require annual revalidation.

Class 2 medical certificates issued to pilots under the age of 40 years now last for 5 years but not beyond the 42nd birthday.

Please note that these changes are not retrospective and only apply to certificates issued from
01 December 2006.

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Further Information and Frequently Asked Questions: 

Useful information and downloads, e.g., Validation schedule, Visual requirements, Medical Application form,  Eye Examination form, CAA information and downloads, can be found by clicking on Links and Downloads on the adjacent panel.

The following medical conditions may be compatible with the issue of a medical certificate so long as certain conditions are satisfied: 

• Short or long sightedness and/or astigmatism requiring spectacles. If your refractive error is outside certain limits, it might not be possible to obtain an initial medical certificate. It is wise to check the requirements to make sure that your eyesight is within limits. To check the visual requirements, please follow Links and Downloads in the adjacent panel. If you need clarification, please call me on 07968 543217.

• Asthma 

• High blood pressure (even if medication is required)

• Mild hay fever

• Past history of psychological illness

• Diabetes, so long as this is controlled by diet or certain specified medications. Insulin-dependency is an absolute bar to medical certification.

Frequent and/or severe migraine with visual disturbance is also usually an absolute bar to medical certification.

If you are in doubt as to whether a medical condition to which you are prone is compatible with certification, please do not hesitate to call me to ask for advice. I would be very happy to give this free of charge. Similarly, I am always happy to give advice if you have concerns about a prospective passenger.