Class 3 Medical
Last updated: April 20, 2026 · Maintained by Aviatr Editorial Team
What is Class 3 Medical?
A Class 3 Medical Certificate is the EASA medical required for Air Traffic Controllers only — not for pilots. Introduced by Regulation (EU) 2015/340 specifically for ATC personnel, Class 3 focuses on the cognitive, visual, and auditory requirements of controlling traffic from a radar scope, tower cab, or approach-control position.
| Attribute | Class 3 |
|---|---|
| Validity under 50 | 24 months |
| Validity 50+ | 12 months |
| Required for | Air traffic controllers |
How is Class 3 Medical used?
Class 3 is uniquely an Air Traffic Controller medical — no pilot license uses it. The exam prioritises colour vision (critical for reading radar display targets and airspace boundary colours), auditory discrimination under background noise, and neurological function with particular attention to stress tolerance, rapid decision-making, and reaction time. Validity is 24 months under age 40 and 12 months above 50. Class 3 examinations are conducted at Aeromedical Centres or by AMEs specifically qualified for ATC medicals — not every pilot-facing AME holds the Class 3 authorisation, so candidates must verify before booking. ATCOs must also pass periodic psychological assessment separate from the medical, administered by the national air-navigation service provider. Pilots occasionally encounter Class 3 when transitioning from flying to controlling after retirement; the two disciplines require entirely different medical certifications and entirely different professional training pathways through Eurocontrol-recognised controller academies.