UK Class 1 pilot medical requirements

Updated 25 September 2026. A UK Class 1 medical certificate is an important early check for anyone planning commercial pilot training. It establishes whether an approved aviation medical examiner can certify you against the relevant medical standard. It is not a substitute for an airline's own recruitment medical requirements, and it does not by itself guarantee admission to a training programme. Who needs a Class 1 medical? The UK Civil Aviation Authority requires a Class 1 medical certificate for the exercise of CPL, MPL and ATPL privileges and for the relevant commercial training routes. For a UK Part-FCL private pilot licence, a Class 2 medical is generally the minimum instead. If your goal is an airline career, investigate Class 1 eligibility before making a substantial, non-refundable training commitment. CAA: medical certificates for UK licences How to arrange your first examination Find an approved Aeromedical Centre. An initial UK Class 1 examination must be performed at an approved AeMC. An ordinary renewal can have different examiner arrangements. Prepare your records. Declare relevant medical history accurately, including past examinations, previous fitness decisions and any current treatment. If you have a relevant personal or family history, ask the centre whether it needs additional reports. Use the CAA's medical record system. Follow its current Cellma application and payment instructions before the appointment. Bring the required documents. Check identity requirements with the centre. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring your latest optician's report and ask whether anything else is needed. Allow time for follow-up. The certificate may be issued promptly if every requirement is met; further tests or specialist reports can delay a decision. CAA: apply for a Class 1 medical and find an AeMC What happens during the examination? The CAA says an initial AeMC appointment may take up to four hours. Assessment normally includes medical history, vision and colour vision, a physical examination, an electrocardiogram, lung-function testing, blood testing and a urine test. The precise follow-up depends on individual findings and the applicable medical standards. The published initial examination guidance explains the individual components. CAA: initial examination details Glasses, medical history and restrictions Wearing glasses does not automatically prevent someone obtaining a Class 1 certificate; the CAA publishes detailed corrected-vision standards. Equally, no website article can decide whether a particular medical history is acceptable. Declare it, obtain the requested evidence and discuss your circumstances with the AeMC or CAA as appropriate. Some certificates can be issued with limitations, although an airline or cadet programme may require stricter medical conditions. Validity, revalidation and renewal A Class 1 certificate is normally valid for 12 months. The CAA specifies a six-month period for certain commercial operations by pilots aged 40 or above and for pilots over 60. Revalidation is the examination performed before expiry, normally within the preceding 45 days; once the certificate has expired, renewal rules apply. A long lapse can require additional review or the initial-issue process. CAA: renewal and revalidation guidance Before paying a flight school Ask the training provider whether you need the certificate before applying or before training starts; individual schemes differ. Check whether the school or airline requires a UK-issued certificate rather than an EASA certificate. Set aside money and time for the initial examination and any follow-up investigations. Confirm cancellation and refund terms before paying a large training deposit. Use the CAA's published requirements as your primary reference, not informal forum advice. Important: This article explains the application process; it is not personalised medical advice or an assessment of eligibility. Only the appropriately authorised medical examiner and aviation authority can make those decisions.