CASA Medical Certificates

Dr. El-Khawas conducts medical examinations for all three classes of aviation medical certificates under CASA guidelines:

Class 1 Medical Certificate

A Class 1 medical certificate is required for:

• Air Transport Pilot Licence

• Commercial Pilot Licence (excluding balloons)

• Multi-crew Pilot (Aeroplane) Licence

• Flight Engineer Licence

This certificate is valid for one year unless advised otherwise. If eligible, a Class 2 medical certificate may also be granted alongside a Class 1 certificate.

Class 2 Medical Certificate

A Class 2 medical certificate is required for:

• Recreational Pilot Licence

• Private Pilot Licence

• Commercial Pilot (Balloon) Licence

A Class 2 certificate is valid for up to four years for individuals under 40 years of age and for two years for those aged 40 and above. Commercial pilots with this certificate may operate flights with certain restrictions, such as a maximum take-off weight under 8618 kg and the absence of passengers.

Basic Class 2 Medical Certificate

A Basic Class 2 medical certificate is designed for private operations and carries certain restrictions:

• Private day operations under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and below 10,000 feet

• Maximum of five passengers

• Piston engine aircraft only

• Maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of less than 8618 kg

The Basic Class 2 examination can be performed by any medical practitioner who conducts medicals for commercial motor vehicle drivers, following the Austroads medical standard. Should your medical history or conditions not meet these standards, a full DAME assessment by Dr. El-Khawas will be required.

Class 3 Medical Certificate

A Class 3 medical certificate is required for:

• Air Traffic Control Licence

• Flight Service Officers

This certificate is valid for two years unless otherwise advised.

Recreational Aviation Medical Practitioner’s Certificate (RAMPC)

If you hold a recreational pilot licence, a RAMPC remains valid under the following conditions:

• Single-engine piston aircraft, fixed-wing or helicopter, with a maximum take-off weight of 1500 kg or less

• Day operations under VFR and below 10,000 feet

• No more than one passenger onboard

• No aerobatic flight

To be eligible for a RAMPC, you must meet the Australian Fitness to Drive standards for private vehicle drivers. For more information, refer to the RAMPC application form here.

Class 5 medical self-declaration

The Class 5 medical self-declaration allows recreational and private pilots to self-assess and self-declare without requiring a medical assessment.

The pathway is for pilots seeking a recreational pilot's licence (RPL). It is also an entry point for those looking to be able to commence flight training.

Learn more about the Class 5 medical self-declaration.

Additional Testing

Additional tests may be required before issuing your aviation medical certificate, depending on your age, licence type, and health history. These tests may include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Provided by Dorevitch Pathology, typically around $66.

• Blood Tests: These are arranged through Dorevitch Pathology, with fees varying based on the tests required.

• Hearing Test: Costs may vary according to the provider.

• Aviation Ophthalmology Examination: Fees are set independently by optometrists or aviation ophthalmologists.

Why an Aviation Medical Certificate is Essential

Maintaining a valid aviation medical certificate is critical to ensuring personal and public safety in aviation. CASA issues these certificates to pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation personnel who meet specific medical standards, as set out in Part 67 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations.