Aviation Medical FAQs: Everything UK Pilots, ATCOs and Cabin Crew Ask Most
Whether you're renewing a Class 1 for the fourth time or booking your first cabin crew initial, the same questions come up at every appointment. This page brings together the 20 most common questions Aviation Medicals UK receives from pilots, cabin crew, and ATCOs — covering renewal windows, fees, what tests are required at different ages, EASA vs UK CAA differences, CELLMA, and how to book. If you've been searching for answers about your aviation medical, this is the place to start. Class 1 Medicals — Commercial Pilots Q1. How early can I renew my Class 1 medical? You can renew your UK CAA or EASA Class 1 medical from 45 days before your current certificate's expiry date. If you book within that 45-day window, your new certificate will be backdated to the original expiry date — preserving your full validity period. If you let it lapse past expiry before renewing, the new certificate runs from the date of the examination instead, and you lose that overlap time. Q2. How ofte...
