Aviation medicals for pilots and aviation professionals
Straightforward guidance on UK CAA aviation medicals, with help preparing for the day and knowing what to expect. Whatever certificate you need, we'll point you to the right next step.
What you can count on from Aviation Medicals
CAA-aligned
Information reflecting UK Part-MED
For all aviation roles
Pilots, ATCOs and cabin crew
Transparent process
Know what to expect and bring
Privacy-conscious
Your information handled with care
The aviation medicals we cover
Guidance and assessment information for every UK CAA medical certificate class. Pick the examination that matches your licence or role to see what's involved.
Class 1 Medical
The medical professional pilots need for a CPL or ATPL. Your first one is done at an approved Aeromedical Centre.
Learn moreClass 2 Medical
The medical for private pilots on a PPL. Any UK Aeromedical Examiner can issue it.
Learn moreClass 3 Medical
The medical air traffic controllers need. The first assessment takes place at an Aeromedical Centre.
Learn moreLAPL Medical
The lightest pilot medical, for Light Aircraft Pilot Licence holders. Usually issued by an AME.
Learn moreCabin Crew Medical
The Part-MED medical report that operating cabin crew need before they can fly.
Learn moreRenewals & Revalidations
Keep a current certificate valid, or renew one that has lapsed, with the timing rules made clear.
Learn moreNot sure which medical you need?
The certificate you need depends on the licence you hold or are training for. Our certificate requirements guide and services overview can help you decide, or get in touch.
Which medical does your role need?
Different jobs in aviation call for different medical certificates. The guide below shows which is which. Your individual fitness is always judged case by case against CAA standards.
Private pilots
A Class 2 certificate covers PPL flying; if you fly on a LAPL, you'll need a LAPL medical instead.
Class 2 medicalStudent pilots
Sort your medical out early. The class you need depends on the licence you're training towards.
Which certificate?Air traffic controllers
A Class 3 certificate is part of what you need to hold an air traffic control licence.
Class 3 medicalCabin crew
If you're operating cabin crew, you need a valid cabin crew medical report under Part-MED.
Cabin crew medicalExisting certificate holders
Revalidate before your certificate expires, or renew one that has already lapsed.
Renewals & revalidations
Aviation medicine, explained clearly
We give clear, reliable information and assessment guidance to anyone working towards or keeping up a UK aviation medical certificate. The aim is simple: help you understand the process, turn up prepared, and know what happens next.
- A respectful, patient-focused approach to every assessment
- Plain-English explanations of the rules, without the jargon
- Honest, accurate information and realistic expectations
From first enquiry to your appointment
Four simple steps, from working out what you need to sitting your examination.
Work out what you need
Decide which certificate your licence or role calls for: Class 1, 2, 3, LAPL or a cabin crew report.
Get prepared
See which documents and CAA online forms you'll need, and get any pre-appointment steps out of the way.
Request an appointment
Send us an enquiry with the dates that suit you. We'll confirm availability and tell you what to bring.
Attend your assessment
Come in for your examination. We'll talk you through the outcome and any next steps in plain terms.
Getting ready for the day
A bit of preparation keeps your assessment running smoothly. Most people should have the following ready:
- Photographic identification
- Any current or previous medical certificate
- Relevant medical history and specialist reports
- Details of any medication you take
- Glasses or contact lenses and your prescription, if applicable
- The relevant CAA online application, completed in advance
Exact requirements depend on the examination and the applicable authority.
What you can expect from us
We'd rather point to things you can check than make vague promises. That means clear information and a careful, professional assessment, never a guaranteed result.
Grounded in CAA requirements
Everything here follows current UK CAA Part-MED rules, and we cite the regulator so you can check it yourself.
Clear, honest information
We explain what each examination involves and keep expectations realistic. No one can promise you a certificate.
Straightforward preparation
Practical checklists and the right forms, so you arrive ready and avoid delays or a second visit.
A professional experience
A considered, respectful assessment for pilots and aviation professionals alike.
Guides to help you make sense of it
Plain-English articles that help you get to grips with aviation medical certification.
What is a Class 1 medical?
A plain-English guide to the UK CAA Class 1 medical certificate, who needs one and what it involves.
Read guide GuideClass 1 vs Class 2 medical
How the two main pilot medical certificates differ, and which one your licence requires.
Read guide GuideHow to prepare for a pilot medical
Documents, forms and practical steps to help your assessment go smoothly.
Read guideCommon questions about aviation medicals
Short answers to the questions we hear most. For more, see our full FAQ page.
Which aviation medical do I need?
That comes down to the licence you hold or are training for. Professional pilots flying on a CPL or ATPL need a Class 1 certificate; private pilots on a PPL need a Class 2; air traffic controllers need a Class 3; and Light Aircraft Pilot Licence holders need a LAPL medical. Operating cabin crew need a cabin crew medical report. If you're not sure, our services overview sets out who each certificate is for.
Where does an initial Class 1 medical take place?
Your first Class 1 medical, the initial issue, has to be done at a CAA-authorised Aeromedical Centre (AeMC). After that, revalidations and renewals can be handled by an Aeromedical Examiner (AME) who is certificated for Class 1. An initial Class 3 assessment works the same way. There's more on our Class 1 page.
How long does an aviation medical take?
A routine Class 2 or LAPL assessment is usually done within a single appointment. An initial Class 1 or Class 3 examination is more thorough and can run to several hours. If you need extra tests or reports, allow more time. The exact length depends on the examination and your medical history.
What documents do I need to bring?
As a rule: photo ID, any current or previous medical certificate, details of any medication you take, your glasses or contact lenses and prescription if you wear them, and any relevant medical reports. You'll usually need to complete the CAA's online application first too. Our preparation guide has the full checklist.
What is the difference between a Class 1 and a Class 2 medical?
A Class 1 certificate covers professional, commercial flying. Its standards are stricter and it's valid for a shorter period. A Class 2 certificate covers private flying, and the examination requirements differ. Our comparison guide walks through the main differences.
Can I renew or revalidate my aviation medical certificate?
Yes. A revalidation happens while your certificate is still valid. Do it up to 45 days before expiry and the new period runs from your original expiry date. A renewal applies once a certificate has lapsed, with extra steps depending on how long it's been expired. See Renewals & Revalidations.
Ready to arrange your aviation medical?
Tell us which examination you need and we will guide you through the preparation, documents and next steps.