Medical certificate classes under Part-MED
Part-MED sets several levels of requirements depending on the licence held or sought. Validity periods depend on age and type of operation: always refer to MED.A.045 and your authority.
Class 1
Required for professional pilot licences (CPL, MPL, ATPL) on aeroplanes, helicopters, airships and powered-lift aircraft.
The initial examination is performed at an AeMC. Revalidations and renewals may be performed by an AeMC or a duly certified AME.
- Reference validity: 12 months.
- Reduced to 6 months in certain cases linked to age and single-pilot commercial passenger operations (MED.A.045).
Class 2
Required in particular for the private pilot licence (PPL) and, depending on the case, for sailplane (SPL) and balloon (BPL) licences. Issued by an AeMC or an AME.
- Reference validity: 60 months until age 40, 24 months between 40 and 50, 12 months after 50.
LAPL medical certificate
For holders of the light aircraft pilot licence (LAPL). It may be issued by an AeMC, an AME or, where national law permits, a general medical practitioner (GMP).
- Reference validity: 60 months until age 40, then 24 months.
Cabin crew
Cabin crew members undergo a medical assessment (cabin crew medical report) under Part-MED. It may be performed by an AeMC, an AME or, where the Member State provides for it, an occupational health medical practitioner (OHMP) meeting the applicable requirements.
- Reference interval: at most 60 months.
Note
Air traffic control falls under another text (Regulation (EU) 2015/340, class 3 medical certificate). Requirements are detailed in EASA AMC and GM; some options are left to Member States.
Frequently asked questions
- Who performs the initial class 1 examination?
- An aeromedical centre (AeMC). Revalidations and renewals may also be performed by an AME certified for class 1.
- Can a general practitioner issue an LAPL certificate?
- Yes, where the Member State's national law permits it and under the conditions of Part-MED.