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 often do Class 1 medical certificates need to be renewed?
For pilots under 40, the Class 1 certificate is valid for 12 months. From age 40 onwards, the validity period shortens to six months. This is a regulatory requirement under both UK CAA and EASA frameworks, so renewal frequency increases as you get older.
Q3. What additional tests are required at specific ages for Class 1 pilots?
An ECG is required at the Class 1 initial medical and then again from age 30, with increasing frequency as pilots get older. Audiometry (hearing testing) is required periodically. Lung function tests become relevant for certain age groups or where a clinical indication exists. Your AME will advise what applies at your specific renewal based on your age and medical history.
Q4. What is CELLMA and do I need to use it before my appointment?
CELLMA is the UK CAA's online portal for managing pilot medical records and applications. For UK CAA Class 1 renewals, you may be required to complete or update your CELLMA record ahead of your appointment. It is worth checking with the clinic at the time of booking whether any CELLMA action is required before you attend, as this can vary depending on the type of renewal and your individual circumstances.
Q5. What is the difference between a UK CAA Class 1 and an EASA Class 1?
Following Brexit, UK CAA and EASA are separate regulatory authorities with separate certification. A UK CAA Class 1 is required for operating on UK-registered aircraft under a UK licence. An EASA Class 1 is required for pilots operating under an EU member state licence or on EU-registered aircraft. The two certificates are not interchangeable. Some pilots working across both jurisdictions carry both, which can be arranged at the same appointment at Aviation Medicals UK.
Class 2 Medicals — Private Pilots
Q6. Who needs a Class 2 medical?
A Class 2 medical is required for private pilot licence (PPL) holders and for some other non-commercial aviation activities. It is a less intensive certification than Class 1 and is suitable for pilots who are not flying commercially. Aviation Medicals UK performs both initial and renewal Class 2 assessments for UK CAA and EASA.
Q7. How long is a Class 2 medical certificate valid for?
For pilots under 40, a Class 2 medical is valid for 60 months (five years). From age 40 to 49, validity reduces to 24 months. From age 50 onwards, the certificate runs for 12 months. As with Class 1, renewals can be booked from 45 days prior to expiry to preserve your certificate's backdated validity.
Q8. What does the Class 2 initial medical include?
The Class 2 initial assessment covers a full clinical examination including vision, colour vision, hearing, cardiovascular assessment, blood pressure, and medical history review. An ECG is included in the initial fee. Renewal assessments are generally less extensive, with a full clinical exam required only where there has been a change in health status since the last certificate.
Class 3 Medicals — ATCOs
Q9. How often does a Class 3 ATCO medical need to be renewed?
UK CAA Class 3 medicals for air traffic controllers are valid for 24 months for ATCOs under 40. From age 40 onwards, the renewal period shortens to 12 months. The same 45-day early renewal rule applies — renewing within the 45-day window before expiry ensures your new certificate is backdated to the original date.
Q10. Is the Class 3 assessment available at both clinic locations?
Class 3 ATCO renewals are performed at the Aviation Medicals UK clinics. Contact the team at the time of booking to confirm which location suits you best and to check availability for your renewal window.
Cabin Crew Medicals
Q11. Do I need a UK CAA or EASA cabin crew medical?
This depends on your airline and where your aircraft is registered. If you fly for a UK-based operator on UK-registered aircraft, you need a UK CAA cabin crew medical. If your employer operates under an EU aviation authority on EU-registered aircraft, you need the EASA version. Some cabin crew working across both jurisdictions carry both certificates. If you are unsure, check with your airline's crew compliance or flight operations team before booking — not after.
Q12. Can I get both a UK CAA and EASA cabin crew medical at the same appointment?
Yes. Aviation Medicals UK can perform both assessments in a single appointment at the Liverpool clinic. You will need to complete two separate application forms — the UK CAA Cabin Crew Medical Assessment Form and the EASA Medical Application Form, plus the EASA Mini Mental Health Questionnaire. Confirm at the time of booking that you need both so the appointment is set up correctly.
Q13. How long is a cabin crew medical certificate valid for?
Cabin crew certificates are valid for 60 months (five years) for crew under 50. Once you reach 50, the renewal period shortens. The 45-day early renewal window also applies to cabin crew — booking within 45 days of expiry ensures your new certificate is backdated, preserving the full validity cycle.
Q14. I failed the colour vision test at my initial. Does that disqualify me?
Not automatically. Cabin crew work is not colour critical, so there is a recognised route for applicants who do not pass standard colour vision testing. Completing the Safety Equipment and Procedures (SEP) assessment satisfies the requirement, and an unrestricted certificate can then be issued. Your AME will advise you on the next steps at your appointment if this applies.
Q15. What do I need to bring to my appointment?
For all appointments, bring valid photo ID (the medical cannot proceed without it), your most recent certificate even if it has expired, and glasses or contact lenses if you use visual correction — contacts must be removed for testing, so bring your glasses too. If you use a current optician's prescription, bring that as well (issued within the last two years). For pilots using CELLMA, check ahead of your appointment whether any pre-attendance action is required. For cabin crew initials, download and bring the appropriate unsigned application form — UK CAA or EASA depending on which medical you're attending for.
Q16. How do I book an appointment?
Appointments can be booked online at aviationmedicals.uk or by calling the Liverpool clinic on 0151 728 3155. Online booking is available for all medical types including Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and cabin crew initials and renewals. If you have a specific requirement — such as a combined UK CAA and EASA assessment or a complex medical history — it is worth calling ahead so the appointment can be set up correctly.
Q17. What types of aviation medical does Aviation Medicals UK offer?
Aviation Medicals UK provides AME-led UK CAA and EASA medical assessments for pilots (Class 1 and Class 2), air traffic controllers (Class 3), and cabin crew. Both initial and renewal assessments are available, with clinics located near Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport.
Q18. Where are your clinics located?
There are two clinic locations. The Liverpool clinic is at Liverpool Speke, approximately six minutes from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, with free on-site parking. The Manchester clinic is close to Manchester Airport, also with free on-site parking. Some pilots choose to walk directly from the airport terminal to the clinic. Full location details are available at aviationmedicals.uk.
Q19. What are the fees for aviation medicals?
UK CAA and EASA Class 1 renewal and revalidation appointments are each priced at £240. UK CAA and EASA Class 2 renewals are also £240, while Class 2 initial medicals (which include an ECG) are priced at £295. Combined UK and EASA assessments at the same appointment are available on a price on application basis — contact the clinic directly for a quote. All fees are payable at booking or immediately after the assessment, by card, cash, or bank transfer.
Ready to book your aviation medical?
Aviation Medicals UK provides AME-led Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and cabin crew medicals at clinics near Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport. Free on-site parking at both locations. Same-day certificates issued where regulatory requirements are met.
Book online at aviationmedicals.uk or call the Liverpool clinic on 0151 728 3155.
Comments
Post a Comment