Overview
Private pilots require a Class 2 medical for their licence to be valid.
Please note that the same applies to LAPL, Sailplane, Balloon, and Drone Pilots.
Class 2 Initial – Minimum age requirements
- The minimum age for a flying lesson is 14
- The minimum age to solo a glider is 14
- The minimum age to solo an airplane is 16
- The minimum age to qualify for a Private Pilot Licence is 17
Licence requirements – only valid with a medical certificate
- 16 for a glider or balloon
- 17 for aeroplanes or helicopter
Preparation
You need to provide your AME the following documents prior to the consultation:
(Do not sign or date) Complete before you attend (declare any chronic complaints e. g. nose bleeds, asthma, allergies, migraine, arthritis and medications)
View our Resources to find relevant forms.
e. g. Passport or Driving Licence.
New applicants should bring their GP notes “Brief Patient Summary” + reports for any condition/complaint e. g. “childhood murmur” – even if you are well.
LAPL applicants must also bring a completed GP referral form.
Please bring your Spectacles even if you use contact lenses.
Examination
The following checks/procedures may be carried out at your medical assessment:
Additional checks according to age and personal factors may be required. These include:
Addtional information
Initial Medicals
For Initial medicals take MED162 to the optician for completion.
The NHS recommends that you should get your eyes tested every 2 years (more often if advised by your optometrist) as your eye health is important. Do routinely take the MED162 to the optician for completion as It documents trends or any change in vision or intra-ocular pressure. It is especially needed if you need a high visual correction or after a new (spectacle) prescription. In the pandemic it also makes the AME assessment easier and safer.
When taking your eye test, please tell the Optician that they need only fill in the form from (302) onwards & that only Initial Class 2 needs colour vision (312) and squint (313).
White Coat Hypertension
If you might have raised blood pressure at medicals then please abstain from alcohol, caffeine, fizzy and herbal drinks for 2 weeks prior to your appointment. Do Home Blood Pressure Monitoring for 2 week’s with twice-a-day readings. Your machine should be checked annually.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
If your BMI is over 35, you will require further investigations. Any certificates may be time limited.
FAQ's
How long is the examination?
The appointment takes approximately 1 hour.
When will I get my certificate?
A medical certificate can be issued by your AME on the same day as the examination if all the requirements are met. If the requirements are not met or further investigations are necessary then a decision on your fitness for a medical certificate will require Specialist Casework.
Medical pricing
From £200.00.
Decrease in medical fitness
If you become unwell you must seek advice as soon as possible. Meanwhile you must NOT exercise any privileges of the licence.
Book now
Book your Class 2, Drone + LAPL medical examinations.