Pilot Medical Requirements in Australia

One of the first questions anyone considering flight training should ask is:

“Do I meet the medical requirements to become a pilot?”

The good news is that you don’t need to be an Olympic athlete or have perfect health to learn to fly. However, pilots do need to meet aviation medical standards designed to ensure that they can safely perform the duties associated with flying.

The medical requirements depend on the type of flying you intend to do.

If you’re learning to fly recreationally, the requirements are relatively straightforward. If your goal is to become a commercial or airline pilot, you’ll need to meet the higher Class 1 medical standard.

For anyone considering professional pilot training, we strongly recommend investigating your medical eligibility before committing to the full cost of training.

Why Do Pilots Need a Medical Certificate?

Flying an aircraft requires pilots to make important decisions, maintain concentration and respond appropriately to unexpected situations.

Aviation medical standards are designed to assess whether a pilot’s health could create an unacceptable risk to flight safety.

The assessment considers areas such as:

The standards are set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Australia’s aviation safety regulator.

Importantly, having a medical condition does not automatically mean you cannot become a pilot. CASA’s medical assessment process considers the individual circumstances and risks associated with the condition. In some cases, a medical certificate may be issued with appropriate conditions or limitations.

Which Medical Do You Need?

Australia has different classes of aviation medical certificates.

For most people considering pilot training, the two most important are:

The Class 1 medical is the standard required for exercising the privileges of a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).

If your goal is to become an airline pilot, this is the medical standard you should investigate.

A Class 2 medical is generally associated with recreational and private pilot flying.

It is the standard used for exercising the privileges of an RPL or PPL, although other medical options can apply depending on the operation.

For someone considering a professional pilot career, Class 1 is the medical standard to focus on.

CASA states that a Class 1 medical is required to exercise CPL privileges, although a Class 2 certificate can be used by a CPL holder for certain restricted operations.

Do I Need a Medical Before My First Flying Lesson?

Interestingly, no.

CASA states that there are no medical requirements simply to learn to fly while you are flying with a flight instructor.

However, you will need an appropriate medical certificate before you are permitted to fly solo. CASA currently requires a student pilot to have the appropriate medical certification before commencing solo flying.

This means you can experience flying before completing your medical, but if you’re planning a professional career, we recommend dealing with your medical requirements early.

Why Get Your Class 1 Medical Early?

If you’re considering spending a significant amount of money on professional pilot training, it makes sense to establish your medical eligibility as early as possible.

Imagine spending months training towards a CPL and then discovering that an unresolved medical issue could affect your ability to obtain the required medical certificate.

Getting your medical assessment early reduces that risk.

It can also give you peace of mind that you’re medically eligible to pursue your chosen career.

Our advice to prospective professional students is simple: investigate your Class 1 medical requirements before making a major financial commitment to pilot training.

What Happens During a Pilot Medical Examination?

Aviation medical examinations are conducted by appropriately qualified aviation medical practitioners known as Designated Aviation Medical Examiners (DAMEs).

The examination looks at your overall medical fitness rather than simply checking whether you are “healthy” in the everyday sense.

The exact assessment depends on the class of medical and your individual circumstances.

Your medical practitioner may assess areas including:

Your vision will be assessed to determine whether it meets the applicable aviation standard.

Needing glasses or contact lenses does not necessarily prevent you from becoming a pilot.

The important question is whether your corrected or uncorrected vision meets the applicable standard.

Your hearing will be assessed against the relevant aviation requirements.

For initial Class 1 examinations, CASA requires an audiogram as part of the medical assessment.

Your cardiovascular health is an important component of aviation medical assessment.

For initial Class 1 examinations, CASA specifies additional assessments including an ECG, fasting blood glucose and lipids and cardiovascular risk assessment.

Additional testing may also be required depending on your age and medical circumstances.

Your DAME will discuss your medical history and assess your general health.

This can include previous:

It is important to provide accurate and complete information.

What If I Wear Glasses?

This is one of the most common concerns among prospective pilots.

Wearing glasses does not automatically prevent you from becoming a pilot.

Many professional pilots wear glasses or contact lenses.

The relevant issue is whether your vision meets the applicable CASA standard.

Your DAME will assess your eyesight and advise you whether any corrective lenses or other requirements apply.

What If I Have Had a Medical Condition?

Don’t assume that a previous medical condition automatically ends your aviation ambitions.

CASA’s assessment process is based on medical risk and the individual circumstances of the applicant.

CASA specifically notes that in many cases a medical certificate can be issued even where a medical issue is present, potentially with conditions attached to the certificate.

If you have a significant medical history, the best approach is to discuss it with an aviation medical examiner rather than relying on assumptions or advice from people who aren’t involved in aviation medicine.

What About Medications?

Medication can be relevant to aviation medical certification.

Some medications may be acceptable, while others may require further assessment or may not be compatible with particular flying duties.

This is another reason to provide your DAME with complete information about any prescribed medications and medical treatment.

Never stop taking prescribed medication simply because you are applying for an aviation medical.

Instead, discuss it with your doctor and DAME.

How Long Does a Medical Certificate Last?

The validity period depends on the class of medical and your circumstances.

Currently, CASA states that:

There can be circumstances where a certificate is issued for a different period, so always check the validity shown on your actual medical certificate.

Are There Additional Tests for a Class 1 Medical?

Yes.

Class 1 medicals involve more extensive requirements than Class 2 medicals.

For an initial Class 1 medical, CASA specifies requirements including:

Further age-related testing is required as your medical certificate is renewed.

For example, CASA requires additional ECGs at specified ages and annually after age 40, while certain hearing, blood testing and eye examinations are also required at specified intervals.

How Do I Apply for an Aviation Medical?

CASA’s medical certification process is now managed through its Medical Records System (MRS) via the myCASA portal.

The general process involves:

  1. Registering for a myCASA account.
  2. Providing your personal and medical information.
  3. Applying for the appropriate medical certificate through MRS.
  4. Paying the CASA processing fee.
  5. Attending an appointment with a DAME.
  6. Completing any additional tests or medical assessments that are required.
  7. CASA or an authorised medical examiner assessing your application.

CASA recommends preparing your medical history, including previous consultations, tests, treatments and medications, before attending your examination.

What Does the Medical Cost?

There are two separate components to consider:

CASA’s processing fee and the fee charged by your DAME for the examination and associated services.

CASA’s current published processing fees are:

These are separate from the DAME’s consultation and examination fees which will significantly more.

Additional tests, specialist assessments or reports may involve further costs.

What Is a Basic Class 2 Medical?

There is also a Basic Class 2 medical certificate, which can be an alternative for some private and recreational pilots.

It is subject to specific operational restrictions. For example, CASA’s current guidance limits Basic Class 2 operations to certain private operations, including day VFR operations under 10,000 feet and other specified conditions.

It is therefore important not to assume that a Basic Class 2 medical provides the same privileges as a full Class 2 medical.

If you’re considering professional pilot training, Basic Class 2 is not the medical pathway you should rely on. Your focus should be on obtaining the Class 1 medical required for your professional career.

What Medical Do I Need to Become an Airline Pilot?

If your ultimate goal is to become an airline pilot, you should plan around the Class 1 medical standard.

CASA requires a Class 1 medical to take the CPL and ATPL flight tests, although different medical arrangements can apply to exercising certain licence privileges.

The simplest advice for an aspiring airline pilot is:

Get your Class 1 medical early and keep it current throughout your training and career.

Don’t Let Medical Concerns Stop You Asking

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t automatically rule yourself out because of something in your medical history.

None of these things should be assessed simply by guessing whether you will pass or fail.

Ask an aviation medical examiner.

CASA’s medical system is designed to assess individual applicants and the risks associated with their particular circumstances.

Our Advice to Future Professional Pilots

If you’re thinking about enrolling in commercial pilot training at MAS, we recommend considering your medical early in the process.

A sensible sequence is:

  1. Talk to us about your career goals.

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  1. Determine which medical standard you’ll need.

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  1. Arrange your aviation medical with a DAME.

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  1. Resolve any medical questions early.

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  1. Begin your flight training with confidence.

This can save considerable time, money and uncertainty later in your training.

Start Your Pilot Training With Confidence

Becoming a pilot requires commitment, but you don’t have to work everything out on your own.

At ANAC, we can help you understand the training pathway, licensing requirements and medical considerations before you begin.

If you’re considering a career as a commercial or airline pilot, talk to us about your goals and we can explain what you need to do to get started.

Your first step towards becoming a pilot isn’t necessarily getting into the aircraft, it may be finding out whether you meet the medical requirements to pursue the career you want.  

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