UK CAA Class 2 medical certificate
The medical for private pilots (PPL). Any UK Aeromedical Examiner can issue it, and it's lighter than a Class 1. Here's what to expect.
What is a Class 2 medical?
A UK CAA Class 2 medical certificate shows you meet the health standards for private, non-commercial flying. It's the certificate most people link with the Private Pilot Licence (PPL). The standards and the examination are pitched for private flying, so it's lighter than a Class 1 and generally lasts longer between visits.
Still deciding which certificate you need? Our guide Class 1 vs Class 2 medical explains which one your licence requires. This page is general guidance, not individual medical advice.
Who needs a Class 2 medical?
A Class 2 supports a range of private-flying licences and roles.
Private pilots
Holders of a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) flying for leisure and other non-commercial reasons.
Student private pilots
Starting PPL training? Getting your medical early confirms you're suitable before you press on.
Other private-flying licences
Some ratings and private-flying activities need at least a Class 2. Check what your licence requires with the CAA.
Thinking about lighter flying?
If you fly, or plan to fly, under a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence, a LAPL medical may suit you better. Our certificate requirements guide helps you decide.
Who can carry out your Class 2 medical?
A Class 2 can be issued by any UK Aeromedical Examiner (AME), a doctor the CAA has certificated to carry out aviation medical examinations. Unlike the initial Class 1, which has to be done at an Aeromedical Centre, there's no need to attend an AeMC for a Class 2. The same AME can carry out your:
- Initial Class 2 examination
- Revalidation while your certificate is still valid
- Renewal after a certificate has lapsed
That makes a Class 2 easier to arrange than a Class 1, and you can usually see the same examiner each time.
What happens during the examination
A Class 2 is usually finished in a single appointment. It's lighter than an initial Class 1, but still covers the core areas you need for safe flight:
Medical history
A review of your medical history and general health.
Vision
Visual acuity and colour perception checks.
Hearing
A practical hearing assessment.
Heart & blood pressure
Cardiovascular checks, with an ECG where needed.
General examination
A physical check of the main body systems.
Urine test
A simple urine test, with further tests only if something points to them.
The exact tests depend on your age, history and current CAA requirements. This is general information, not individual medical advice. See what to expect.
How long does a Class 2 medical last?
Class 2 validity goes by your age, and the period generally shortens as you get older. The exact figures are set by the UK CAA and can change, so we explain the principle here rather than quote numbers that might go out of date.
Confirm your validity with the CAA
How long your certificate lasts depends on your age at the date of the examination. For the current age bands and periods, see the UK CAA or ask your examiner. Booking your revalidation before your certificate expires helps you avoid a gap in your privileges.
How to prepare for your appointment
You'll usually register and apply through the UK CAA's online medical records system, and pay the CAA charge, before your appointment. Our medical preparation guide runs through each step, and what to expect explains the appointment itself.
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 if you're not found fully fit?
There's no guaranteed result. Fitness is judged case by case against CAA standards, and in most cases the outcome is one of these:
- Assessed as fit. A certificate is issued.
- Fit with limitations. For example, a requirement to wear corrective lenses.
- Deferred. A 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 explain it and set out the next steps. We make no promises about certification.
What does a Class 2 medical cost?
Expect two parts to the cost: the examiner's fee and a separate UK CAA statutory charge set by the regulator. The full breakdown is on our prices page.
Prices are available on enquiry
Our Class 2 examination fee is 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.
Related pages and guides
Class 1 vs Class 2
Which certificate your licence requires.
Read guideClass 1 Medical
For professional pilots (CPL/ATPL).
Learn moreLAPL Medical
The lightest of the pilot medicals.
Learn moreRenewals & Revalidations
Keeping your certificate valid.
Learn moreWhat to expect
How the appointment runs on the day.
Learn moreBook an appointment
Request your Class 2 assessment.
Book nowClass 2 medical: common questions
Who can issue my Class 2 medical?
Any UK Aeromedical Examiner (AME) certificated by the CAA can issue a Class 2. The same AME can carry out your initial exam, your revalidations and your renewals. Unlike the initial Class 1, there's no need to attend an Aeromedical Centre.
How long is a Class 2 certificate valid?
It depends mainly on your age, and the period generally shortens as you get older. The exact figures are set by the UK CAA and can change, so confirm the current validity for your age with the UK CAA or your examiner.
Is a Class 2 less demanding than a Class 1?
Generally, yes. A Class 2 is less involved than an initial Class 1 because it supports private rather than commercial flying. It still checks the core areas you need to fly safely, and fitness is judged case by case against CAA standards.
Do I pay the CAA as well as the examiner?
Usually there are two parts: the AME's examination fee and a separate UK CAA statutory charge. They're set independently, and the CAA charge is fixed by the regulator and can change. See our prices page.
Can I use a Class 1 certificate to fly privately?
A valid Class 1 generally covers Class 2 privileges too, but it doesn't work the other way round. A Class 2 won't let you fly commercially. Our Class 1 vs Class 2 guide sets out the differences.
Primary source: UK CAA. Always check the latest requirements with the regulator.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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