Medical certificate requirements

Classes of Medical Certificates for Licence Types

There are three medical standards relating to the various types of licences held. These three standards relate to Class 1, 2 and 3 Medical Certificates.

Class 1: This medical standard is applicable to all professional technical aircrew of powered aircraft, and is required to exercise the privileges of Airline Transport Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence, Flight Engineer or Flight Navigator Licences.
Class 2: This medical standard is applicable to Student Pilot, Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot Balloons and Flight Radio Operator Licences.
Class 3: This medical standard is applicable to Air Traffic Services Officers (Air Traffic Controllers and Flight Service Officers).

Duration of Validity

Unless otherwise advised by the Aviation Medicine Section:

Class 1 Medical Certificate is valid for one year.
Class 2 Medical Certificate is valid for four years, for applicants less than 40 years of age on the day of issue, and in all other cases for two years.
Class 3 Medical Certificate is valid for two years.

Where an applicant's medical condition is under review, the duration of Medical Certificate validity may be varied at the discretion of the Director of Aviation Medicine.

Special Reports and Tests Required for Class 1, 2 and 3 Certificates

These tests are in addition to the standard medical examination.

Class 1 Initial Issue: ECG, audiogram, estimation of fasting serum lipids and fasting blood glucose and an examination by CASA Designated Aviation Ophthalmologist.
Class 1 Renewals: ECGs are required at the first renewal after the 25th, 30th, 32nd, 34th, 36th, 38th and 40th birthdays, and annually thereafter.
Audiograms are required at the first renewal after the 25th birthday and every fifth birthday thereafter.
Estimation of fasting serum lipids and of fasting blood glucose is required at the first renewal after the 25th birthday and every fifth birthday thereafter.
Examination by CASA Designated Aviation Ophthalmologist at age 60 and at two-yearly intervals thereafter.
Class 2: No special requirements, unless clinically indicated.
Class 3 Initial Issue: ECG, audiogram, estimation of fasting serum lipids and fasting blood glucose and an examination by CASA Designated Aviation Ophthalmologist.
Class 3 Renewals: ECGs are required at the first renewal after the 25th and 30th birthdays and every 2 years thereafter, i.e. at every subsequent routine examination.
Audiograms are required at the first renewal after the 25th birthday and then at each renewal after every fifth successive birthday.
Estimation of fasting serum lipids and of fasting blood glucose is required at the first renewal after the 25th birthday and then at each renewal after every fifth successive birthday.
Examination by CASA Designated Aviation Ophthalmologist at age 60 and at two-yearly intervals thereafter.
Farnsworth Lantern testing: Some applicants for medical certification will require Farnsworth Lantern testing to be conducted and the report submitted to CASA. These applicants should refer to the list of testing facilities.