What to expect at your aviation medical
Knowing what happens can take the worry out of your appointment. Here is a clear, step-by-step picture of a typical aviation medical and the possible outcomes.
What happens at an aviation medical?
An aviation medical is a structured, professional assessment, not something to lose sleep over. The examiner checks that you meet the UK CAA medical standards for your licence or role, discusses your history, and explains anything that needs a closer look. Most people find it straightforward, especially when they arrive well prepared.
The checks follow a set order and the examiner talks you through each one. You can ask questions at any point. If something needs further information before a decision can be made, you will be told clearly what that is and why.
This page is general information in line with UK CAA requirements and is not individual medical advice. Your exact experience depends on the examination and your own circumstances.
What do I need to do before my appointment?
A few steps usually come first, so your assessment can go ahead on the day without hold-ups.
- Register and complete the CAA's online application through its medical records system (Cellma), where that is required for your examination
- Pay any CAA fee in advance, as directed when you apply
- Gather your documents: photo ID, any current or previous medical certificate, a list of medication, and glasses or contact lenses with your prescription
- Bring any specialist or GP reports for conditions already known to the CAA or your examiner
- Note any questions you would like to ask the examiner
Our preparation guide has the full checklist and class-specific notes, and the prices page explains what the examiner's fee covers and how the CAA charge is separate.
A typical assessment, step by step
The order can vary, but most assessments follow a pattern like this.
Check-in and identity
You will be welcomed and asked to confirm your identity with photographic ID, along with any documents you have been asked to bring.
History review
The examiner discusses your medical history, any medication and relevant background, using the information from your CAA online application.
Measurements
Routine measurements such as height, weight and blood pressure are taken.
Vision and hearing checks
Your eyesight and hearing are assessed. Bring your glasses or contact lenses and prescription if you use them.
Other checks for your class
A physical examination and any further checks relevant to your certificate class and the examination type are carried out.
Discussion of the outcome
The examiner explains the outcome, any limitations and the next steps clearly before you leave.
What do the vision and hearing checks involve?
Depending on your certificate class and whether it is an initial or follow-up assessment, you may have some or all of the checks below. Vision and hearing are the two most people ask about, so they come first.
Vision
Checks of distance, intermediate and near vision, along with your eye health. Bring any glasses or contact lenses you use and your prescription. Needing correction does not fail you; it may simply be recorded as a limitation.
Colour perception
A check of how well you tell colours apart, often using the Ishihara plates. The standard that applies depends on your certificate class.
Hearing
A hearing check, which for some examinations includes an audiogram, a test of how well you hear a range of tones at different pitches.
Blood pressure
A routine blood pressure measurement. Try to arrive relaxed and avoid heavy caffeine immediately beforehand.
Urine test
A simple urine sample is usually taken as a general screening check.
ECG (heart trace)
An electrocardiogram records your heart's electrical activity. An ECG forms part of the requirements for certain Class 1 assessments.
Physical examination
A general physical examination appropriate to your certificate class, together with a review of your overall health.
This is a general overview. The precise tests required are set by the UK CAA and depend on your examination and history.
How long will the appointment take?
It depends on the type of examination. As a rough guide, routine assessments are quicker and initial ones take longer.
Routine assessments
A routine Class 2 or LAPL assessment, or a revalidation, is usually finished within a single appointment. It is worth allowing a little longer than you expect in case anything needs a second look.
Full initial assessments
An initial Class 1 or Class 3 examination is more thorough and can take several hours. Allow extra time if additional tests or reports are needed, and plan the day so you are not rushing off afterwards.
What are the possible outcomes?
Medical fitness is decided case by case against UK CAA standards. The examiner explains your outcome honestly, and we cannot guarantee any particular result. In broad terms, there are four ways an assessment can end.
- Fit. You meet the standard and your certificate can be issued.
- Fit with limitations. You meet the standard with a condition recorded on your certificate, for example a requirement to wear corrective lenses.
- Deferred. A decision is held pending further information, tests or reports before fitness can be confirmed.
- Referral. Your case is referred for specialist input or to the CAA, where appropriate.
No guarantees
No examiner or website can guarantee that you will be found fit. Decisions follow the UK CAA medical standards and are based on your individual assessment. Always check current requirements with the UK CAA.
What happens after your assessment?
If you are found fit, your certificate is processed through the CAA's system and you will be told how and when you will receive it. If the outcome is deferred or referred, the examiner explains exactly what is needed, who to contact and what happens next, so you are not left guessing.
A deferral or referral is not the same as a refusal. It usually means the examiner needs more information, a specialist opinion, or a further test before fitness can be confirmed. Many certificates are issued once that extra step is complete. You are always welcome to ask questions about your result, both on the day and afterwards.
Nervous about your blood pressure?
It is common for blood pressure to read a little high simply from the nerves of the appointment. Try to arrive in good time, sit calmly for a few minutes, and go easy on strong coffee beforehand. If a reading is borderline, the examiner can usually repeat it once you have settled.
Last reviewed: October 2026.
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