UK CAA Class 1 medical certificate
The medical you need to fly as a professional pilot (CPL/ATPL): what it involves, where it has to be done, and how validity, revalidation and renewal work.
What is a Class 1 medical?
A UK CAA Class 1 medical certificate shows you meet the health standards for professional flying. It's the certificate behind a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). The standards are higher than for the private-pilot Class 2, and it runs for a shorter time.
Your fitness is judged case by case against CAA standards, so this page is general guidance, not individual medical advice. New to all this? Start with What is a Class 1 medical?.
Who needs a Class 1 medical?
You need a Class 1 if you hold, or are training towards, professional pilot privileges.
Commercial pilots
Anyone exercising Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) privileges.
Airline pilots
Holders of an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).
Student commercial pilots
Starting integrated or modular training? Get your Class 1 early, before you spend on the course.
Not sure which certificate you need?
Only plan to fly privately? A Class 2 medical or LAPL medical may suit you better. See our certificate requirements guide.
Where your first Class 1 exam takes place
The CAA treats two kinds of provider differently. An Aeromedical Centre (AeMC) is CAA-approved and does the full range of assessments, including the initial Class 1. An Aeromedical Examiner (AME) is a CAA-certificated doctor working within their own certification.
- Initial issue: your first Class 1 medical must be carried out at an AeMC.
- Revalidation and renewal: at an AeMC or by an AME certificated for Class 1.
Need an initial Class 1 assessment?
If you need an initial Class 1 assessment, please contact us and we will confirm how we can help.
Initial, revalidation or renewal: which applies to you?
These three words aren't interchangeable. Which one applies depends on whether you already hold a certificate and whether it's still in date.
Initial issue
Your first Class 1, done at an AeMC, covering the full set of checks.
Revalidation
Done while your certificate is still valid. Within the 45 days before expiry, the new validity runs from the original expiry date.
Renewal
For a lapsed certificate. Over 2 years and an AME reviews your records first; over 5 years and the full initial process at an AeMC applies.
See Renewals & Revalidations for a fuller comparison.
How long is a Class 1 medical valid?
It mainly comes down to your age and the kind of flying you do. Always check the current rules with the CAA.
| Circumstances | General validity |
|---|---|
| Standard case | 12 months |
| Aged 40 or over, single-pilot commercial air transport carrying passengers | 6 months |
| Aged 60 or over | 6 months |
Validity is assessed individually
The CAA may set a shorter period or add requirements based on your history. See the UK CAA for the definitive rules.
What happens during the examination
An initial Class 1 is thorough and can run to several hours. What's checked depends on your history, but it usually covers:
Medical history
Your personal and family medical history.
Vision
Visual acuity, colour perception and an eye examination.
Hearing
A hearing check, including audiometry.
Cardiovascular
Blood pressure and an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Lung function
Lung-function testing where needed.
Blood & urine
Blood and urine tests, plus a general physical examination.
The exact tests depend on your history and current CAA requirements. See what to expect.
How to prepare for your appointment
Most applicants register, apply and pay the CAA fee through its online medical records system before they attend. A little preparation keeps things moving on the day. Our medical preparation guide has the full steps, and what to expect covers the appointment.
Documents and information to bring
- Photographic identification
- Any current or previous medical certificate
- Details of any medication you take
- Glasses or contact lenses and your prescription, if you use them
- Relevant specialist or hospital reports
- Confirmation of your completed CAA online application
What does a Class 1 medical cost?
Expect two parts: the examiner's fee and a separate UK CAA statutory charge, which is set by the regulator and can change. The initial exam costs more than a revalidation. See our prices page for current figures.
Prices are available on enquiry
Our examination fees for the initial assessment and for revalidation are On enquiry. The CAA charges a separate statutory fee on top of the examiner's fee. It is set by the CAA and can change, so check the current CAA charge. Please see our prices page or contact us for a quote.
What if you're not found fully fit?
There's no guaranteed result. Fitness is decided case by case, and the outcome is usually one of these:
- Assessed as fit. A certificate is issued.
- Fit with limitations. A certificate with conditions, such as corrective lenses.
- Deferred. The decision waits on further information, tests or reports.
- Referred. Your case goes to the UK CAA or a specialist for a closer look.
Whatever the result, we'll talk you through it and set out the next steps.
Related pages and guides
What is a Class 1 medical?
A plain-English introduction.
Read guide GuideClass 1 vs Class 2
How the two main pilot medicals differ.
Read guideRenewals & Revalidations
The 45-day window and lapsed routes.
Learn moreClass 2 Medical
For private pilots (PPL).
Learn moreClass 3 Medical
For air traffic control officers.
Learn morePrices
Fees and the separate CAA statutory charge.
View pricesClass 1 medical: common questions
Where does my first Class 1 medical have to take place?
Your first (initial) Class 1 medical must be carried out at a CAA-approved Aeromedical Centre (AeMC). Revalidations and renewals afterwards can usually be done by an Aeromedical Examiner (AME) who holds Class 1 certification.
How long is a Class 1 medical valid?
Usually 12 months. It drops to 6 months if you're 40 or over flying single-pilot commercial air transport with passengers, or if you're 60 or over.
What is the 45-day revalidation window?
Revalidate in the 45 days before your certificate expires and your new validity is counted from the original expiry date, not the day of the exam. You lose no time.
My Class 1 certificate has lapsed, what do I do?
It depends how long it's been out of date. More than 2 years and an AME reviews your aeromedical records before the exam; more than 5 years and you start again with the full initial process at an AeMC. See our Renewals & Revalidations page.
How early can I book my revalidation?
You can be examined up to 45 days before your certificate expires without losing any validity, so it's worth booking early to avoid a gap. If your certificate has already lapsed, you'll follow the renewal route instead.
Primary source: UK CAA. Always check the latest requirements with the regulator.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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