Medical certificates are divided into four classes. Class 1 is for airline transport pilots and commercial pilots, Class 2 for private pilots, Class 3 for air traffic controllers and AFIS officers, and Class 4 for sport aviators.

Airline transport pilots and commercial pilots - Class 1

Medical requirements for airline transport pilots and commercial pilots are contained in JAR-FCL 3, Subpart B. The validity period of a medical certificate is determined by the date of the initial aeromedical examination. Class 1 medical certificates are valid for 12 months until the age of 40, and for six months thereafter. When the validity period of a Class 1 medical certificate expires, it continues to be valid as a Class 2 medical certificate, provided that the validity period determined for Class 2 is not exceeded.

The initial medical examination for a Class 1 medical certificate must be carried out at an aeromedical centre (AMC). Renewal and revalidation examinations can be performed at an aeromedical centre or by an authorised medical examiner (AME) for Class 1. Extended examinations, however, must always be done at an aeromedical centre.

Private pilots - Class 2

Medical requirements for private pilots are contained in JAR-FCL 3, Subpart C. An applicant for or a holder of a private pilot licence must hold a valid Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificate.

Class 2 medical certificates are valid for 60 months until the age of 30, then 24 months until the age of 50, and 12 months thereafter. Initial, renewal and revalidation examinations for Class 2 medical certificates may be carried out at an aeromedical centre or by an authorised medical examiner.

Air traffic controllers and AFIS officers - Class 3

An applicant for an air traffic controller’s licence or AFIS officer’s qualification must hold a valid Class 1 or Class 3 medical certificate. Class 3 medical certificates are valid for 24 months until the age of 40, and for 12 months thereafter. Initial, renewal and revalidation examinations for Class 3 medical certificates may be carried out at an aeromedical centre or by an authorised medical examiner.

Sport aviators - Class 4

Medical requirements for sport aviators, i.e. glider, motorglider, ultralight, autogiro and balloon pilots, are contained in JAR-FCL 3, Subpart C. An applicant for or a holder of a glider, motorglider, ultralight, autogiro or balloon pilot licence must hold a valid Class 1 or 2 medical certificate or a sport aviator’s medical certificate.

Sport aviators’ medical certificates are valid for 60 months until the age of 50, and for 36 months thereafter.  Initial, renewal and revalidation examinations for Class 3 medical certificates may be carried out at an aeromedical centre or by an authorised medical examiner.