Take off in your chosen aviation career in 2026 with the help of our aeromedical examiner
What are your aviation aspirations for 2026? Whether you dream of piloting a plane across oceans or of travelling the world as cabin crew, an aeromedical examiner will help you to make these high-flying hopes a reality.
Think of them as your copilot on the journey to the skies this year. Aeromedical examiners (AMEs) on our team is qualified to assess your physical and mental wellbeing and verify that you meet all the necessary health standards, so let’s take a look at how they will help your career to take off with the right aviation medical for you.
Pilot medicals
Which medical examination do you need to be cleared for take-off?
The answer depends on the aviation authority that oversees the region you operate within, and the class of pilot that you aspire to be. Different countries (and roles) have different medical requirements, and you must hold the right certificate in order to be considered fit to fly.
As a fully approved AeMC we are certified to offer all classes of medicals required by the main aviation authorities, from the Civil Aviation Authority here in the UK to the Department of Civil Aviation in Mauritius. All examinations are conducted by our specialist AMEs right here at our London centre, so let’s explore which medical is the one for you.
CAA medicals
If you are a pilot planning to operate in the United Kingdom, then you require a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) medical assessment. These medicals are divided into three categories, and we advise checking which one is the right one for you before booking your appointment:
- Class 1: For all commercial pilots, including airline transport pilots and multi-crew pilots.
- Class 2: For any pilot who holds a private pilot licence, as well as all commercial pilots who are involved in non-commercial operations.
- Class 3: For all those who are training to become an air traffic controller.
EASA medicals
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is the regulatory body for all EU member states, and the three classes of medicals offered by the EASA are similar to those offered by the CAA:
- Class 1: For commercial and airline transport pilots.
- Class 2: For private and commercial pilots involved in non-commercial operations.
- Class 3: For air traffic controllers, including students working towards their air traffic controller licence.
FAA medicals
The Federal Aviation Administration (the agency responsible for civil aviation in the US) requires all pilots flying within the US to hold a valid certificate verifying that they have passed one of the following medicals:
- Class 1: For all airline transport pilots (ATPs) flying for American airlines.
- Class 2: For all commercial pilots.
- Class 3: For private and recreational pilots who operate non-commercial aircraft.
For those wishing to fly in Canada, we also offer all 4 CAME (Canadian Association for Medical Education) medicals in accordance with the requirements of Transports Canada.
CASA medicals
If your career as a pilot will have you operating within the jurisdiction of the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), then you will need to hold a certificate from one of the following medical examinations:
- Class 1: Required by all air transport pilots, commercial pilots, and multi-crew pilots, as well as those who hold (or are applying for) a flight engineer licence.
- Class 2: Required by all those who hold a private, recreational, or balloon pilot licence.
- Class 3: Required by all air traffic controllers and flight service officers.
- Class 5: Suitable for those who hold recreational and private licences for aeroplanes and helicopters.
GACA medicals
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) within Saudi Arabia offers 3 classes of medical assessments to certify that pilots operating within their jurisdiction meet the necessary standards of health and fitness.
If you require a GACA medical certificate in order to take to the skies, then you will need to create a GACA account and complete your online application before your appointment with us.
We also perform all classes of Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) medicals for those applying for, or renewing, their pilots’ licence to fly in Mauritius.
Cabin crew medicals
It’s not just pilots and air controllers who are responsible for the safety of all those who travel the skies. This important duty is shared between everyone who works within the global aviation sector, including cabin crew, and our aviation medical examiner is on hand to help you obtain the medical certification that you need.
We offer medicals for cabin crew operating under the jurisdiction of the CAA, EASA and CASA, as well as various Japanese carriers, which are usually conducted at the commencement of your role and then at regular intervals. Like pilot medicals, the exact requirements will differ depending upon which authority you operate under, but each initial examination will assess the following:
- Cardiovascular system
- Respiratory system
- Musculoskeletal system
- Vision and hearing
- Ears, nose and throat
- Metabolic and endocrine systems
And will also include a discussion of your medical history with the aeromedical examiner to verify your ability to safely perform your duties. After the examination you will be issued with your medical certificate and can take to the air without any barriers to your career.
Book an appointment with an approved aeromedical examiner
Now that you’re nearing the end of your training period and the beginning of your aviation career, don’t let anything stop you from achieving your goals. Attending an appointment with an aeromedical examiner is one of the final steps in your journey to the skies, so take it today with Heathrow Medical.
Click here to choose the pilot’s medical for you, or here to book your cabin crew medical.