The Class 1 medical examination

The complete guide

What is the EASA Class 1 medical examination?

The Class 1 medical is a mandatory assessment for anyone seeking or maintaining a professional pilot licence in Europe, under PART.FCL (Annex IV to EU Regulation 1178/2011). It confirms that the candidate meets the strict medical standards set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to fly safely.

Where can I take the examination?

Approved Aeromedical Centres (AeMC)

  • In France, only AeMCs approved by the DGAC can issue a Class 1 medical certificate.
  • AeMCs are spread across several major cities, but capacity is limited. Long waiting times are common because demand is high.
  • Tip: Book as early as you can, particularly if you are about to start a course or need to renew your certificate.

CEMA AIR FRANCE - Paris CDG

Address: 3 Place de Londres 95700 Roissy-en-France

Phone: 01 48 64 20 73

Website: pas de site internet

Email: mail.cema@airfrance.fr

CEMPN PERCY - Paris

Address: 101 avenue Henri Barbusse, 92140 Clamart

Phone: non

Website: https://medaeropercy.wixsite.com/cpempn

Email: non

CEMPN Toulon 

Address: 2 Boulevard Sainte-Anne BP 600 83800 Toulon Cedex 9

Phone: 04 83 16 20 13

Website: https://cempn6.wixsite.com/cempn-de-toulon

Email: cempn@sainteanne.org

CEMPN Toulouse

Address: Aéroport Toulouse Blagnac Bât 5 – Hall B – 3ème étage Toulouse Blagnac

Phone: 05 61 71 06 71

Website: https://cempn.fr/tarifs/

Email: contact@cempn.fr

The current situation in France

  • French AeMCs are often heavily booked, with waiting times that can run to several months.
  • Advice: Plan ahead, and consider an AeMC elsewhere in the EU if the wait is too long.

Aeromedical Examiners (AME)

  • Some approved doctors can carry out renewals, under certain conditions, but not initial examinations.

How to prepare

  • Get a good night's sleep beforehand.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine before the examination.
  • Eat lightly before you go.

What the examination involves

The assessment includes thorough checks to confirm that your physical and mental health meet the demands of aviation safety.

1. Medical interview

  • A review of your medical history.
  • A discussion of your lifestyle: smoking, alcohol, exercise and so on.

2. Physical tests

  • Eyesight: visual acuity, colour perception and visual field. Glasses wearers must meet specific criteria (for example short- or long-sightedness of 5 dioptres or less).
  • Hearing: an audiometric test. You must be able to hear normal conversation at two metres.
  • Heart: an ECG (electrocardiogram) to detect any cardiac abnormality.
  • Lungs: spirometry to check your respiratory capacity.
  • General examination: weight, height, blood pressure, muscles and joints.

3. Specific tests

  • Psychology: an assessment of cognitive ability and how you handle stress.
  • Urine test: screening for conditions such as diabetes and for prohibited substances.
  • ENT examination: sinuses, ears and balance.

4. Further tests

If anything is unclear or a condition is found, further tests such as a CT or MRI scan may be requested.

Results and validity

  • Immediate decision: If every criterion is met, the certificate is issued the same day.
  • If there is any doubt: If further tests are needed, issue of the certificate may be delayed.

Validity

  • 12 months for pilots under 40.
  • 6 months for pilots aged 40 and over flying multi-pilot aircraft carrying passengers.

Other AeMCs in Europe

Belgique - Bruxelles

Address: Centre d'expertise de médecine aéronautique Place Victor Horta 40/10 1060 BRUXELLES

Phone: +32 (0)2 524 97 97

Email: eclg-cema@health.fgov.be

Belgique - Bruxelles

Address: Brussels Aviation Medical Brussels Airport - Building 26 1930 Zaventem

Phone: +32 (0)2 416 22 70

Email: info@brusselsaviationmedical.be

Suisse

Address: HÔPITAL DE NYON Chemin Monastier 10 - 1260 Nyon

Phone: +41 22 994 65 47

Email:

Pays-Bas

Address: Travel Clinic - KLM Health Services Stationsplein N.E. 236 Building 133 1117 CJ Schiphol-East

Phone: +31 20 649 34 00

Email: https://www.klmhealthservices.com/en/contact-aeromedical-examination/

Pays-Bas

Address: Aviation Medical Center - Inspection center Headquarter AMC Middelweg 4 6191 NC Beek

Phone: +31 43 365 33 44

Email: non

How much it costs

  • The price ranges from 350€ et 600€ depending on the centre and which tests are needed.

If you are found unfit

A finding of unfitness can be temporary, after surgery for instance, or permanent. If you are refused, you can appeal or supply further evidence.

  • Appeal: You can challenge the decision with the competent authority, such as the DGAC or EASA.
  • Further tests: Where possible, ask for additional tests to demonstrate your fitness.

Practical advice

  • Book your appointment: Book as early as you can, so your training is not held up.
  • Live healthily: Eat well, exercise regularly and avoid harmful substances to give yourself the best chance.
  • Be open with the doctor: Tell the examiner about any health issue or medication, however minor, so the assessment is complete and accurate.