LAPL medical certificate
The medical for the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence, and the lightest of the pilot medicals. An AME can carry it out, and in limited cases so can your own GP.
What is a LAPL medical, and what does it cover?
The LAPL medical supports the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL), the licence for recreational flying in lighter aircraft. It is the lightest of the UK pilot medicals, which matches the lower-risk flying a LAPL allows. That does not make it a box-ticking exercise. The examiner still checks that you are fit to fly safely, and fitness is judged case by case against UK CAA standards. Everything on this page is general guidance rather than individual medical advice.
Who needs a LAPL medical?
You need one if you fly, or are training towards, a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence.
LAPL holders
Pilots flying on the privileges of a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence.
Student LAPL pilots
If you are starting LAPL training, you need a valid medical before your first solo flight.
Recreational flyers
Anyone who wants a medical that is proportionate to lower-risk, recreational flying.
Planning to fly beyond LAPL privileges?
If you intend to fly under a PPL, you will need a Class 2 medical instead. Our certificate requirements guide explains which certificate goes with which licence.
Who can carry out your LAPL medical?
An Aeromedical Examiner (AME), a doctor certificated by the CAA, can carry out a LAPL medical. In limited cases your own GP can do it instead. The GP route is only open when all three of these are true:
- Your GP holds your full NHS medical record.
- You have no significant medical history.
- Your GP registers with the UK CAA through its medical records system.
If even one of these does not apply, an AME carries out your medical.
If you have ever been assessed as ‘Unfit’
Anyone who has ever been assessed as ‘Unfit’ on a UK CAA medical must attend an AME for a LAPL medical. The GP route is not available in that situation.
AME route or GP route?
Here is how the two routes line up. Remember the GP route only applies when the three conditions above are met.
| AME route | GP route (limited) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who carries it out | A CAA-certificated Aeromedical Examiner | Your own GP, where eligible |
| Available to everyone? | Yes | No, conditions apply |
| Significant medical history | Can be assessed | Not permitted via GP |
| Ever assessed ‘Unfit’ | Must use this route | Not available |
| CAA registration | AME is CAA-certificated | GP must register with the CAA |
What happens during a LAPL medical?
The assessment is proportionate to recreational flying and is usually finished in one appointment. What it includes depends on your history and the CAA's requirements, but it will generally cover:
Medical history
A review of your medical history and general health.
Vision
Checks on your visual acuity and colour perception.
Hearing
A practical hearing assessment.
Heart & blood pressure
Cardiovascular checks suited to your age and history.
General examination
A physical examination of the main body systems.
Further tests
Only where something in your history calls for them.
The exact tests depend on your circumstances and the current CAA requirements. This is general information, not individual medical advice. See what to expect on the day.
How to prepare for your LAPL medical
You will usually fill in a UK CAA online application beforehand. If you are going down the AME route, your examiner will talk you through any CAA steps and charges. Our medical preparation guide walks through each step, and what to expect covers the appointment itself.
What to bring with you
- 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 happens after the examination?
There is no guaranteed result. Fitness is assessed case by case against CAA standards, and one of these outcomes usually follows:
- Assessed as fit: a certificate is issued.
- Fit with limitations, for example a requirement to wear corrective lenses.
- Deferred: held while further information, tests or reports are gathered.
- Referred: passed to the UK CAA or a specialist for a closer look.
Whatever the outcome, we explain the result and the next steps in plain terms, and we make no promises about certification.
What does a LAPL medical cost?
Your costs come in two parts: the fee you pay the examiner for the assessment, and any charge set by the UK CAA. The CAA charge is separate from our fee and is fixed by the regulator, so it is worth checking both before you book.
Prices are available on enquiry
Our LAPL examination fee is On enquiry. Any applicable CAA charge is separate from the examiner's fee, 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 2 Medical
For private pilots (PPL).
Learn more GuideCertificate requirements
Which certificate your licence requires.
Read guideRenewals & Revalidations
Keeping your certificate valid.
Learn moreWhat to expect
How the appointment runs on the day.
Learn morePrices
Fees and any separate CAA charge.
View pricesBook an appointment
Request your LAPL assessment.
Book nowLAPL medical: your questions answered
Who can issue a LAPL medical?
A LAPL medical can be issued by an Aeromedical Examiner (AME), or in limited cases by your own GP. Your GP can only do it where they hold your full NHS medical record, you have no significant medical history, and they register with the UK CAA through its medical records system.
Can my GP really sign off my LAPL medical?
Sometimes, but not often. All three conditions have to be met: your GP holds your complete NHS record, you have no significant medical history, and your GP registers with the CAA through its medical records system. If any one of them does not apply, you will need to see an AME instead.
I was once assessed as 'Unfit'. Can I still use my GP?
No. Anyone who has ever been assessed as ‘Unfit’ on a UK CAA medical must attend an AME for a LAPL medical. The GP route is closed to you in that situation.
How does a LAPL medical compare with a Class 2?
The LAPL medical is the lightest of the pilot medicals and supports only Light Aircraft Pilot Licence flying. A Class 2 is needed for PPL flying and goes further. Our Class 2 page sets out the difference.
How much does a LAPL medical cost?
Our examiner fee is shown on the prices page. Any UK CAA charge is set by the regulator and is separate from what you pay the examiner, so check the current figures before you book.
What should I bring to a LAPL medical?
Bring photographic identification, details of any medication, your glasses or contact lenses and prescription if you use them, and any relevant medical reports. If you are using the GP route, your GP already holds your NHS record. See our preparation guide for the full list.
Primary source: UK CAA. Always check the latest requirements with the regulator.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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