What you need to know about the aviation medical certificate

Pilots are required to undergo periodical medical examinations and are issued with a medical certificate appropriate for the duties the applicant intends to exercise.

Designated Aviation Medical Examiners

Aviation Medical Examiners are qualified and licensed medical doctors appointed by the relevant Civil Aviation Authority to conduct medical examinations of fitness of applicants for the issue or renewal of the licences or ratings on its behalf.

There are three classes of medical certificate holders, but only the first two are applicable to pilots.

Class I:

• CPL: Aeroplanes, helicopters and powered-lift;

• ATPL: Aeroplanes, helicopters and powered-lift;

Validity

• The validity for the medical certificate is 12 months for pilots under 40, and 6 months for those who are age 40 or older.

• A pilot with a first class medical can utilize second-class medical privileges for 24 months if they are under 40 years and for 12 months if they are above 40 years.

Class II:

• CPL: lighter-than-air

• PPL: aeroplanes, helicopters and glider;

• SPL: for all aircraft and powered-lift

Validity

Second class medical certificates are valid for 2 years for those who are 40 years and below and 1 year for those who are above 40 years.