Pilot medical renewals & revalidations
Keeping your aviation medical certificate current. ‘Revalidation’ and ‘renewal’ mean different things, and knowing which one you need helps you avoid a gap in your privileges.
Revalidation and renewal are not the same thing
People use these two words loosely, but UK CAA rules treat them differently, and ‘initial’, ‘revalidation’ and ‘renewal’ are not interchangeable. The difference comes down to one thing:
- Revalidation: carried out while your certificate is still valid.
- Renewal: carried out once your certificate has expired (lapsed).
This page covers both. It sets out the specific rules for Class 1 and points to the simpler position for Class 2 and LAPL. It is general guidance, not individual medical advice, so always confirm the current requirements with the UK CAA.
Revalidation compared with renewal
How keeping a valid certificate going differs from bringing a lapsed one back.
| Revalidation | Renewal | |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate status | Still valid (not yet expired) | Expired (lapsed) |
| Timing | Before expiry, ideally within the 45-day window | After expiry |
| New validity basis | From the original expiry date if done within 45 days before expiry | Set at the renewal, with extra steps depending on how long it lapsed |
| Extra requirements | Standard assessment | Records review or full initial process may apply (see Class 1 tiers) |
| Best practice | Plan ahead to avoid a gap in privileges | Act promptly, as longer lapses mean more steps |
How does the 45-day revalidation window work?
For revalidation, the one date to remember is the 45-day window. Complete your revalidation within the 45 days before your certificate expires, and the new validity is worked out from the original expiry date, not from the day of the examination. In practical terms, you can go a little early without losing any of your validity.
Revalidate outside that window, or after expiry, and the way your new validity is calculated changes. That is the main reason we encourage pilots to plan ahead.
Plan your revalidation early
Book in good time so you can finish your assessment inside the 45-day window and keep flying without a break. If anything needs follow-up, you will have time to deal with it before expiry.
How do I renew a lapsed Class 1 certificate?
With a lapsed Class 1, the steps depend on how long it has been out of date.
Lapsed more than 2 years
An Aeromedical Examiner (AME) reviews your aeromedical records before the examination takes place.
Lapsed more than 5 years
You follow the full initial-issue process at an Aeromedical Centre (AeMC), as though you were applying for the first time.
| How long expired | What applies | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 years | Standard renewal assessment | AeMC or Class 1-certificated AME |
| More than 2 years | AME reviews your aeromedical records first | AeMC or Class 1-certificated AME |
| More than 5 years | Full initial-issue process | Aeromedical Centre (AeMC) |
Renewals that need the full initial process
Where a renewal needs the full initial process, it has to take place at an Aeromedical Centre (AeMC). If this applies to you, please contact us and we will confirm how we can help. The Class 1 page has more.
What about Class 2 and LAPL renewals?
For Class 2 and LAPL, revalidation and renewal are more straightforward:
- A Class 2 can be revalidated or renewed by any UK AME.
- A LAPL medical can be carried out by an AME (or, in limited cases, your GP; see the LAPL page).
Neither certificate carries an Aeromedical Centre requirement. Even so, revalidating before expiry is still the surest way to avoid a gap in your privileges.
And for Class 3 (ATCOs)
Revalidation and renewal of a Class 3 need not be at an Aeromedical Centre. Any AME certificated for Class 1 or Class 3 can carry them out. Only the initial Class 3 has to be at an AeMC. See the Class 3 page.
Preparing for a revalidation or renewal
You will usually update your details and apply through the UK CAA's online medical records system before you attend. If your certificate has lapsed, gather any records that might be needed for a records review. Our medical preparation guide walks through each step, and what to expect covers the appointment itself.
What to bring with you
- Photographic identification
- Your current or most recent medical certificate
- Details of any medication you take
- Glasses or contact lenses and your prescription, if you use them
- Any specialist or hospital reports since your last assessment
- Confirmation of your completed CAA online application
What happens after your assessment?
There is no guaranteed result. Fitness is assessed case by case against CAA standards, and one of these outcomes usually follows:
- Assessed as fit: your certificate is revalidated or renewed.
- Fit with limitations: issued with conditions, such as 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 clearly, and we make no promises about it.
What do renewals and revalidations cost?
Fees depend on the certificate class and on whether a lapsed certificate needs a records review or the full initial process. You pay the examiner for the assessment, and the UK CAA sets its own separate charge, so it helps to check both before you book.
Prices are available on enquiry
Our revalidation and renewal fees are On enquiry and vary by certificate class. 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 Medical
For professional pilots (CPL/ATPL).
Learn moreClass 2 Medical
For private pilots (PPL).
Learn moreClass 3 Medical
For air traffic control officers.
Learn moreLAPL Medical
The lightest of the pilot medicals.
Learn more GuideCertificate requirements
Validity and the examiners who issue each class.
Read guideBook an appointment
Arrange your revalidation or renewal.
Book nowRenewals & revalidations: your questions answered
What is the difference between revalidation and renewal?
A revalidation is carried out while your certificate is still valid. A renewal applies once your certificate has expired (lapsed). They are not interchangeable: which one you need depends entirely on whether your certificate is still in date.
What is the 45-day revalidation window?
If you revalidate within the 45 days before your certificate expires, the new period of validity is worked out from the original expiry date rather than the examination date. You keep the full period and lose no time by going a little early.
My Class 1 lapsed a few years ago: what now?
For a lapsed Class 1: if it expired more than 2 years ago, an Aeromedical Examiner (AME) reviews your aeromedical records before the examination; if it expired more than 5 years ago, you must follow the full initial-issue process at an Aeromedical Centre (AeMC).
Can any AME renew my Class 2 or LAPL?
Yes. A Class 2 can be revalidated or renewed by any UK AME, and a LAPL medical by an AME (or, in limited cases, your GP). There is no Aeromedical Centre requirement for either.
Should I wait until my certificate expires to book?
No. It is usually best to revalidate before expiry, ideally within the 45-day window, so your privileges carry on without a break and your validity runs from the original expiry date. Letting it lapse can trigger extra steps.
How far ahead should I book my revalidation?
Book early enough to complete the assessment inside the 45-day window, with room to spare. If the examiner needs any follow-up tests or reports, you will then have time to sort them out before your certificate runs out.
Primary source: UK CAA. Always check the latest requirements with the regulator.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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