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What Medical Is Required for a Pilot Licence in Australia?
A Comprehensive Guide to CASA’s Aviation Medical Standards
Why Medical Certification Matters in Aviation
Whether you’re flying for fun or aiming for the airlines, you can’t fly solo in Australia without meeting CASA’s medical requirements.
Your health isn’t just a personal matter when you’re at the controls—it’s a cornerstone of aviation safety. That’s why the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requires all pilots to hold a medical certificate that matches the type of flying they intend to do.
In this guide, we’ll break down each class of medical certification, who needs what, how to go about the application process, and how new options like the Class 5 self-declaration are making recreational flying more accessible than ever.
Class 1 Medical Certificate — For Commercial and Airline Pilots
If your goal is to fly for a living—whether as a charter pilot, airline captain, or flight engineer—you’ll need a Class 1 medical certificate.
Who needs it:
- Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) holders
- Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) holders
- Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) holders
- Flight engineers
What’s involved:
This is the most comprehensive aviation medical. You’ll undergo a full health check that includes vision and hearing tests, a resting ECG, audiogram, and blood tests. CASA may also require additional assessments depending on your age or medical history.
In most cases, you’ll also be referred to a Designated Aviation Eye Examiner (DAEE)—typically an ophthalmologist—for a detailed eye exam.
Validity:
- Valid for 1 year, regardless of age.
- If you’re over 60 and flying multi-crew commercial operations, it may be valid for only 6 months.
Class 2 Medical Certificate — For Private and Balloon Pilots
Flying for fun or personal business? Then the Class 2 medical certificate is likely your path.
Who needs it:
- Private Pilot Licence (PPL) holders
- Commercial Balloon Licence holders
- Flight Radio Operator Licence holders
What’s involved:
The Class 2 exam is less intensive than Class 1. It covers general physical health, vision (including colour vision), hearing, and a review of your medical history. Ancillary tests like ECGs or bloodwork are not usually required unless clinically indicated.
Validity:
- Valid for 4 years if you’re under 40
- Valid for 2 years if you’re 40 or older
How it Compares to Class 1:
Class 2 is designed for non-commercial flying. It offers greater flexibility and fewer mandatory medical tests, making it more accessible and less expensive for private pilots.
Class 3 Medical Certificate — For Air Traffic Controllers
Although not a pilot licence, air traffic control is a safety-critical aviation role, so Class 3 medicals are required for these professionals.
Who needs it:
- Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs)
- Flight Service Officers
What’s included:
The Class 3 medical is similar to Class 2, focusing on general health, vision, hearing, and fitness to perform ATC duties.
Validity:
- Valid for 2 years
- Renewal may include additional checks based on age or health history
Basic Class 2 Medical Certificate — For Simpler Recreational Flying
For those pursuing a Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) and flying only within Australia, the Basic Class 2 certificate offers a simplified option.
Who qualifies:
- Recreational pilots flying small, simple aircraft under specific conditions
Requirements:
You must meet the Austroads commercial driving standard, which is the same requirement for a private driver’s licence. The certificate can be issued by any general practitioner (GP).
Key limitations:
- Only valid for private, non-commercial operations
- Not suitable for those seeking to progress to a PPL or CPL
- Cannot be used for flying with additional ratings or endorsements
This pathway is ideal for pilots looking for a more affordable and accessible route to start flying recreationally.
Class 5 Medical — The New Self-Declaration Pathway
Launched in 2024, the Class 5 medical certificate is CASA’s newest option—and it’s designed to make flying even more accessible for student and private pilots.
Who is eligible:
- Student pilots
- RPL and PPL holders conducting private, single-pilot operations within Australia
How it works:
- Complete an online training module
- Self-declare your health status through the myCASA portal
- No doctor’s visit or physical exam required
- CASA may request further information if necessary
Operational limitations:
- Day VFR only (no night or instrument flying)
- Maximum of two people onboard
- Aircraft MTOW must be 2,000 kg or less
- Must remain within Australian territory
- No aerobatics, formation flying, or advanced operational ratings
Benefits and considerations:
- Cost-saving and convenient—perfect for pilots flying locally and privately
- Promotes inclusivity and flexibility
- Requires self-awareness and a strong sense of personal responsibility
Medical Examination Process — Step-by-Step
No matter which certificate you’re pursuing, the process begins with a few key steps:
- Register with CASA and obtain your Aviation Reference Number (ARN)
- Book an appointment with a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) for Class 1–3 or a GP for Basic Class 2
- Complete your online medical questionnaire in the myCASA portal
- Bring your eyewear, if applicable, and any relevant medical documents
- CASA will review your results and notify you of the outcome—some applicants may receive conditions or require follow-up tests
When Do You Need a Medical to Start Flying?
You don’t need a medical to take a trial or dual instructional flight, but you must hold a valid medical certificate before your first solo.
That’s why most students complete their medical early in the training pipeline—it ensures there are no surprises or setbacks when you’re ready to fly alone.
Understanding Fitness to Fly — Your Ongoing Responsibility
Holding a medical doesn’t end your responsibility—it begins it.
CASA expects all pilots to self-monitor their health and ground themselves if they’re unfit to fly. If your health changes or you’re diagnosed with a condition that may affect flight safety, you’re required to report it to CASA.
Common disqualifying conditions include serious cardiac issues, epilepsy, and certain mental health diagnoses, but many conditions can be managed with support and medical clearance.
Fit to Fly, Ready to Train
Whether you’re training for weekend adventures or a future in the flight deck, the right medical certificate is your first step toward takeoff.
From comprehensive Class 1 exams for career pilots to the streamlined Class 5 for recreational flyers, there’s a pathway for everyone. The key is to plan early, understand your responsibilities, and choose the certificate that best fits your flying goals.
Start today: Book your aviation medical (or complete your Class 5 declaration), get your ARN, and set your aviation journey in motion—fit, certified, and ready to fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a medical certificate to start flight training?
Not immediately. You can begin dual instructional flights without a medical, but you must have a valid medical certificate before your first solo flight. That’s why it’s recommended to complete your medical early in the training process.
2. What’s the difference between Class 1, Class 2, and Class 5 medicals?
Class 1 is for commercial pilots and includes the most comprehensive testing.
Class 2 is for private pilots and has fewer requirements.
Class 5 is a self-declared medical for recreational/private pilots flying under specific limitations.
Each type is tied to different licence levels and flying privileges.
3. Can I upgrade my medical if I want to pursue more advanced flying later?
Yes. Many pilots start with a Basic Class 2 or Class 5 and later upgrade to Class 2 or Class 1 as their goals change. You’ll need to complete the appropriate medical exam through a CASA-accredited examiner.
4. How do I know which medical certificate I need?
It depends on the type of licence and flying activity you plan to pursue.
RPL: Basic Class 2 or Class 5
PPL: Class 2 or Class 5 (with limitations)
CPL/ATPL: Class 1
When in doubt, your flight school or CASA can guide you.
5. How long does it take to get approved after the medical exam?
For most applicants, CASA processes results within a few days to a couple of weeks. If follow-up tests or specialist reports are required, it may take longer. Start early to avoid training delays.
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