You actually only need a Class 2 Pilot Medical to go solo and be issued your PPL license, however I went and got a Class 1 Dual (EASA/UK). It’s better to find out earlier that you’re medically unfit then after shelling out for a ton of expensive flying training!

Class 2’s are quite easy to get and you can typically get them locally at a local Aeromedical Examiner (AME) – they will typically be a GP who has been certified by the CAA and holds a background in Aviation Medicine. Class 1’s are a little trickier, and if its your first time you need to undergo an Initial Class 1. Furthermore, as the UK is no longer part of the EU, if you want both a UK and EASA (EU) medical then there are only a handful of places you can complete those at – for those you need to visit an Aeromedical Centre (AeMC).

In the UK currently there are four AeMC’s:

• Birmingham AeMC
• London AeMC
• Gatwick AeMC
• Heathrow Medical Services (This is where I did mine – close to BA’s Waterside HQ!)

For a Class 1 . I imagine a Class 2 will be similar, but not as arduous. If you gain a Class 1 from an Initial Medical, you also inherently gain a Class 2.

The latest requirements can be found on the CAA website, but to summarize: A Class 1 is valid for 12 months (under age 40), or 6 months (between 40 and 60). When your Class 1 lapses, you fall back to your Class 2. You can renew your Class 1 after a year, but if you don’t renew it after 5 years you will have to undergo a Class 1 Initial medical again. Similarly, a Class 2 has a validity for 60 months (under age 40), 24 months (ages 40-49) or 12 months (age >50).

So for example, with no renewals, after an Initial Class 1 you will lose the Class 1 after year 1, but have a Class 2 for the remaining 4 years.

There is also a Revalidation vs. Renewal process. Essentially a Revalidation is a little easier than a Renewal and is done whilst the medical certificate is still valid (and can be done up to 45 days prior to the expiry date). If the medical certificate has expired:

• Less than 2 years – A renewal examination
• More than 2 years but less than 5 – AME conducts an assessment of aeromedical records (i.e. slightly more in-depth look at medical history), then performs the renewal examination
• More than 5 years – An Initial Examination (e.g. Class 1) is required again

Typically whilst undergoing flying training, you only need a Class 2 until you gain your Commercial Pilot License (CPL), therefore the advice I often got from my FI’s was to let my Class 1 lapse, but to renew it only before an Initial. The reason being is that Class 1 Dual Revalidations can be expensive (~£270 annually), and it is a waste of money when the Class 1 Privileges are not required at that stage.