Minimum Class 2, issued by an EASA-authorised AME. Class 1 also satisfies PPL requirements. LAPL medical (GP-issuable) suffices for LAPL only. Get Class 1 first if you have any career ambitions — discover issues before investing in training.
Class 1: strictest, for commercial flying, initial exam at AeMC. Class 2: for PPL, less strict, any AME, no prescription limits. LAPL: least strict, GP-issuable in many states, most accommodating of stable conditions. Same validity periods by age for all classes.
History review, height/weight/BMI, blood pressure, urine analysis, blood test (haemoglobin), vision tests (acuity + colour via Ishihara), hearing assessment, lung function, ECG (initial then periodically), general physical. Initial Class 2: 1-2 hours. Renewals: 45-60 minutes.
Class 2 initial: EUR150-400. Class 2 renewal: EUR100-300. LAPL/GP: EUR50-200. Class 1 initial (AeMC): EUR300-600. Prices vary up to 5x between countries — the certificate is valid EASA-wide, so shopping across borders is legitimate.
Under 40: 60 months (5yr) for Class 2/LAPL, 12 months Class 1. Age 40-49: 24 months Class 2/LAPL, 12 months Class 1. Age 50+: 12 months all classes. Class 2 issued before age 40 expires at age 42 at latest.
Yes. No prescription limits for Class 2 — only corrected acuity matters (6/12 each eye, 6/9 combined). Glasses or contacts are fine. Carry spare glasses if wearing contacts. Your medical gets a VDL (must wear correction) or VNL (must have available) limitation.
Depends on severity. Ishihara plates tested at initial exam. If you fail, lantern tests (Holmes-Wright, Beyne) may be offered. Failure may result in VCL/OML restriction limiting night flying. Complete colour blindness is generally disqualifying. Mild deuteranomaly often passes.
Type 2 on diet/oral medication: often certifiable for Class 2/LAPL with monitoring. Insulin-dependent diabetes: specifically disqualifying under Part-MED, though case-by-case 'fit with limitation' assessments are possible, more commonly for LAPL. Process is slow and not guaranteed.
Not automatically disqualifying. Certain approved SSRIs (sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram) may be acceptable for Class 2 after psychiatric assessment, stability period (3-6 months), and authority approval. Each case is individual. Never hide medication — non-disclosure is far worse than the condition.
EASA is creating a more supportive framework. Reporting doesn't mean automatic licence loss — focus is on whether the treated condition is compatible with safe flying. Active psychosis, bipolar, severe personality disorders are generally disqualifying. Treated anxiety/depression can often be managed while maintaining certification.
Yes, after 3-6 months recovery/stabilisation for LASIK (longer for PRK), with demonstrated stable refraction, no complications, and AME clearance. Many pilots fly successfully post-surgery. Inform your AME before the procedure.
You must self-report significant conditions, hospitalisation, surgery, or medication changes. Don't fly if aware of any impairing condition. Contact your AME for assessment. Flying while knowingly medically unfit is a serious offence. Temporary conditions ground you temporarily; chronic conditions trigger reassessment.
Strongly recommended. It's the most comprehensive assessment. Discovering a disqualifying condition after spending EUR10,000+ on training would be devastating. The Class 1 satisfies Class 2/LAPL requirements anyway. Costs EUR150-300 more than Class 2 — excellent insurance.
Yes. EASA medicals from any member state are valid across all 31 EASA states. You can get your medical in Spain and fly in Germany. Some pilots take advantage of lower costs or specialist AMEs in other countries. Medical doesn't need to match your State of Licence Issue.
