To train as a pilot you must undergo an Aviation Medical examination. These are “general” medicals and anyone with good general health should have no trouble passing.
If you are completing the Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence-Aeroplane) you will need a Class 1 Aviation Medical issued by the Australian Civil Aviation Authority (CASA). A Class 1 medical is only valid for 12 months, so we suggest you do not do this too far ahead of your course commencement.
If you have held a Class 1 Aviation Medical in your own country (and can evidence this) then you only need a CASA Class 2 Aviation Medical to sit your CPL flight test.
If you were only conducting flight training for a Private Pilot Licence then a “Basic Class 2 Aviation Medical” (another category) is all you need.
Some of the medical tests you will need to undertake are an ECG (for the heart), an audio test and an eye test.
Note: wearing glasses/contact lenses does NOT prevent you from passing this medical. Your eyesight would need to be very poor before it becomes a problem.
For basic questions you can contact us and we will try to help (we are not aviation medical experts and may not be able to assist) or if your question is of a more complex nature contact your nearest aviation medical examiner.
Whilst the aviation medical can be done after arrival in Australia, it is always advisable to do it before you depart if there is an approved examiner not too far away from you.
There are a number of doctors overseas who are approved by the Australian CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) to conduct these examinations. Click Here to view CASA’s list of approved overseas doctors.
Before you book your Aviation Medical you need your ARN (Aviation Reference Number)
The ARN is just a number that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) will allocate you so that they can identify you in all future dealings with you. For example, when you do an exam, a flight test, security clearances, medicals, license issue etc
To get your ARN you need to complete the ARN “on line application form here
You will need 100 Points of Identification – see the list of documents here
Many of these choices will not be suitable for you as an International Student so we suggest using the following documents:
- Your passport (70 points)
- Your certified Fulll Birth Certificate (70 points)
If you have these two documents you will have a total of 140 points so you will meet the 100 point requirement.
25 Point Documents
- Birth Extract
- Credit Card or Account Card
- Bank Statement
- Utility Bill/Account with your name on the Bill/Account
Note:
- If using Passport and 25 Point documents, you will need 2 x 25 Point documents to reach the 100 Point requirement
- Documents issued outside Australia must have official translation attached
- Your documents need to be Certified or Notarised
THEN:
Once your ARN is issued you then need to register with the MRS (Medical Records System) https://mrs.casa.gov.au/Applicant/
Note: the certification you are registering for is a Class 1 medical (unless in one of the categories outlined above)
When registering there are a number of questions that might be a little confusing so please take note of the following:
- Class 1 Type of Operations Intended – select “Commercial Pilot”
- Select “Single Pilot”
- Select Aircraft “<5700kg MTOW”
Once you are registered, you can then make your appointment with a CASA approved medical examiner for your aviation medical.
The list of CASA overseas medical examiners is available here
When you return home to convert your licence you will need to pass a local aviation medical. You can contact your local Civil Aviation Authority to find out more. Click here for a link to a list of most Government Aviation Authorities worldwide.
