Part-MED Medical Certification: Classes, Validity, and Fitness to Fly

010-04-03Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-03-271 min

Part-MED regulates the medical requirements for aircrew. Medical fitness is essential for aviation safety, and without a valid medical certificate, a licence cannot be exercised.

Medical Certificates (MED.A.030)

The type of medical certificate must correspond to the licence held:

  • Class 1: Required for CPL, MPL, and ATPL (professional licences).
  • Class 2: Required for PPL, BPL (balloons), and SPL (sailplanes) in non-commercial operations.
  • LAPL: Required for the light aircraft pilot licence (LAPL).

Note: A Class 1 certificate includes the privileges of Class 2 and LAPL.

Issue and Renewal

  • Initial Issue:
    • Class 1: Can only be issued by an Aeromedical Centre (AeMC).
    • Class 2: Can be issued by an AeMC or an Aeromedical Examiner (AME).
  • Revalidation and Renewal: Both Class 1 and Class 2 can be revalidated/renewed by an AeMC or an AME.

Validity of Class 2 Certificate (MED.A.045)

Validity depends on the pilot's age:

  • Under 40 years: 60 months (5 years).
  • Between 40 and 50 years: 24 months (2 years).
  • Over 50 years: 12 months (1 year).

Decrease in Medical Fitness (MED.A.020)

Licence holders shall not exercise their privileges if:

  1. They are aware of any decrease in their medical fitness that might render them unable to safely exercise those privileges.
  2. They take medication (prescribed or non-prescribed) that might interfere with safety.
  3. They receive medical or surgical treatment that might affect their capacity.

Psychoactive Substances

The problematic use of psychoactive substances (alcohol, opioids, sedatives, etc.) disqualifies any person with safety-critical functions. Applicants with a mental or behavioural disorder due to alcohol or other use or misuse of psychoactive substances shall be assessed as unfit pending recovery and satisfactory psychiatric evaluation.