What does an initial pilot CAA Class 1 Medical consist of?

If you hold a commercial pilot licence (CPL) or an airline transport pilot licence (ATPL) then it will only be valid if you also hold an up to date CAA class 1 medical certificate. You will also need this certificate if you are training to be a commercial or airline transport pilot.  The certificate can be obtained by passing a Class1 medical exam at an approved aeromedical centre (AeMC) such as Heathrow Medical. 

This initial pilot CAA class 1 Medical exam will be conducted by a doctor who specialises in aviation medicine and is therefore authorised to check your current state of health and determine whether you are fit to fly.  The medical exam will take around half a day to complete as, in addition to answering questions about your medical history and lifestyle, you will also need to undergo tests in order to determine your health and fitness. 

CAA Class 1 Medical requirements 

Your pilot medical exam may include the following tests to ensure you meet the CAA class one medical requirements: 

  • Ishihara test –  colour perception test to make sure you are not affected by colour blindness. 
  • Eyesight test – to ensure you meet the Class 1 Visual Standards. 
  • Physical exam – to check the lungs, heart, blood pressure, stomach, limbs and nervous system are all functioning correctly. 
  • Hearing test – to ensure you do not have hearing loss. 
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) – this will check for any heart rhythm disorders. 
  • Lung function test – to check that your lungs are able to expel air rapidly. 
  • Blood tests – to check for anaemia, cholesterol levels and to determine your future risk of heart disease. 
  • Urine test – to check for sugar or blood in the urine, which could be a sign of underlying disease.  

When booking your pilot’s medical exam it’s a good idea to mention any pre-existing conditions or relevant family medical history as you might need to bring additional documentation along to your appointment. 

CAA Class 1 Medical Cost 

An initial CAA Class 1 Medical costs £607, this includes VAT but does not include any extra referrals or case work that may be required following your initial examination. You will need to pay this fee via debit or credit card at the time of booking and also ensure that you have registered on the CAA online portal, completed their application form and paid the CAA fee (this is separate to the cost of your medical) at least 10 working days before your appointment.  

When you attend your appointment 

Please make sure you bring your passport to your medical exam so that we can verify your identity. You should also bring any glasses or contact lenses that you wear together with your latest prescription/opticians report, as well as any details on your medical history that you have been asked to bring with you. Please click here for more information on what to do before your medical exam and what to expect when you get here. 

If you have any questions about booking your CAA Class 1 Medical at Heathrow Medical please click here to email us or call us on 020 8528 2633. 

 

Aviation Medicals
Previous reading
How to get an ENG1 medical
Next reading
What Covid tests do you currently need for international travel?