What Is a Class 1 Medical?
A Class 1 Medical Certificate is the highest level of Aeromedical Assessment required for Commercial pilots. It confirms that a pilot is medically fit to operate commercial aircraft safely under EASA regulations. The examination is carried out by an approved Aeromedical Center and includes a series of specialist checks, usually completed over one or two days.
Structure of the Examination (Initial)
The assessment is completed over two (2) days:
Day 1
On the first day, you will mainly complete the psychometric and laboratory-related evaluations, including:
- Psychometric testing
- Blood and urine analysis
- Basic medical screening
At this stage, it is important to arrive well-prepared and allow sufficient time, as additional tests may sometimes be requested depending on initial results.
Day 2
The second day includes a full review by multiple medical specialists, such as:
- Cardiologist
- Dentist
- Radiologist
- Otolaryngologist (ENT)
- Ophthalmologist
- Psychiatrist
- Neurologist
- General Practitioner
Each specialist evaluates a different aspect of your health to ensure compliance with aviation medical standards.
Important Instructions Before You Go
- Arrival
Αrrive on both days between 07:30 and 08:00 a.m.
Αttend in a fasted state, as blood and urine tests will be conducted. Water consumption is permitted.
- Required Documents
Βring your passport, visa, and any relevant medical documentation, including previous medical certificates or pilot licenses (PPL, Class 2, etc.). If you are currently taking any medication, please also bring recent medical reports and supporting documentation. If you have undergone previous surgical procedures, please provide your complete medical file.
- Applicants Over 40
Additional examinations, such as a cardiac stress test and carotid ultrasound, may be required.
- Vision
If you wear glasses, please bring them with you, as contact lenses are not permitted during the examination.
- Covid Test
Bring a printed official rapid COVID-19 test result, performed within 24 hours prior to your appointment by a pharmacy or medical center (self-tests are not accepted).
Scheduling Information
Because appointment slots provided by the hospital are limited, and the Academy actively works to ensure proper monitoring and scheduling so that all Cadets can complete their examination as smoothly and quickly as possible, it is very important to attend your scheduled appointment and not cancel it. Missing or cancelling appointments at short notice can delay not only your own process but also affect the scheduling of other Cadets waiting for availability.
Initial & Renewal Medical Certification
The information above refers mainly to the Initial Class 1 Medical examination, required before starting in professional Pilot training. For medical renewals, the process is much simpler. In most cases, there is no need to repeat the full hospital-based examination. You can contact us directly, and we will guide you to a certified collaborating Aeromedical doctor, where the renewal can be completed in a faster and more convenient way. This approach helps reduce both time and complexity, while ensuring full compliance with EASA medical standards.
A Small Personal Note
From what I’ve seen, the Class 1 medical is not something to worry about if you are properly prepared. It is simply a structured process designed to confirm that you are fit for the responsibilities of professional flying. Most delays or stress usually come from missing documents or not being aware of the requirements in advance, so preparation really makes the difference.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also goes a long way. A balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and looking after both your physical and mental well-being can make the process much smoother and help you perform at your best.
A good mindset is to treat it like any other step in your training: straightforward and procedural.
Eleni Giannaki
Administration Manager
