Class 1 medical
certificate: the health step to become an airline pilot
Before starting professional pilot training, you must obtain a Class 1 medical certificate. It checks that your health is compatible with the demands of the job.
What is the Class 1 medical certificate?
The Class 1 medical certificate is the medical fitness required to work as a professional pilot. It is issued after an aviation medical examination carried out by an approved centre or examiner. The aim: to check that the candidate can follow pilot training and operate in an environment where safety is essential.
In short: without a valid Class 1 medical certificate, you cannot work as a professional pilot.
An examination designed for flight safety
The Class 1 medical checks that your health is compatible with the demands of professional flying. It isn’t there to catch you out or measure your fitness level: it simply ensures you can learn and fly safely.
Key takeaway: it isn’t an athletic test. The aim is to verify medical fitness, not to select candidates on physical performance.
Vision
Reading the instruments, monitoring the environment and flying accurately.
Hearing & communication
Understanding instructions, talking to air traffic control and communicating clearly.
General health
Checking that your health is compatible with the demands of flight.
In-flight safety
Confirming that you can operate in a demanding aviation environment.
The medical, step by step
Book an appointment
You choose an approved centre or doctor for the Class 1 aeromedical assessment.
Prepare your documents
ID, relevant medical information, glasses or contact lenses if you wear them, and the documents requested by the centre.
Take the exams
The visit may include general health, vision and hearing checks and other exams depending on the profile.
Receive the medical opinion
The certificate may be issued, or further exams may be requested before a decision.
Unsure about your fitness?
Many situations don’t lead to unfitness. When in doubt, an approved examiner assesses — never a personal interpretation.
I wear glasses
Wearing glasses or contact lenses does not automatically mean you are unfit.
I have a medical doubt
A past health issue should be assessed by an approved professional, not interpreted on your own.
I’m asked for a further exam
This does not necessarily mean you are unfit. The doctor may simply need additional information.
What the examination is not
It’s not an athletic contest
You don’t need to be a top-level athlete to take the medical.
It’s not an academic selection
It doesn’t measure your motivation, level of education or ability to learn.
It’s not a lifetime guarantee
Medical fitness must be monitored and renewed throughout a career.
It’s not a decision to guess alone
Only an approved doctor or centre can rule on it officially.
We support you through the process
Astonfly points you to approved centres and explains the process. However, only an approved medical authority can grant or refuse fitness: we don’t carry out the examination and don’t prejudge the outcome.
