Initial Class 1 Medical

Get Your Class 1 Medical First — Trust Me

If you’re thinking about becoming a pilot, I’d strongly recommend getting your initial Class 1 medical before committing to a flight school or putting any money down. You don’t know what might crop up at the medical — and trust me, I’m speaking from experience.

On average, only about 10% of people are signed off there and then. Most, myself included, end up being referred for something. So it’s worth being mentally (and maybe financially) prepared for that. Private health insurance like Bupa might be a good idea, as it can help speed things up and reduce some of the costs.

My Experience

I was referred due to high blood pressure and an elevated heart rate — apparently not unusual for an initial medical. After several tests with a cardiologist, I found out I have a bicuspid aortic valve. Thankfully, it won’t stop me from flying (touch wood), but it will need to be monitored occasionally. In hindsight, I’m actually glad I found out.

To give you an idea of timing: I had my initial Class 1 in August 2024 and finally received my certificate in March 2025. Yours might be quicker. Part of the delay was that I was 17 at the time, and finding a cardiologist who’d see me was tricky. I ended up waiting until I turned 18 in November, which also made it a bit cheaper.

Booking the Medical

Initial Class 1 medicals can only be done at specific Aeromedical Centres (AeMCs). There aren’t many of them, so do a bit of research to find one near you with decent reviews. They book up quite far in advance, so I’d recommend getting it sorted early.

If you’re travelling a fair distance, booking a hotel for the night before isn’t a bad idea. It helps take the stress out of getting there on time. I was lucky enough to get a room with a view over Heathrow — a nice touch the night before a big day.

A Few Practical Tips

Keep calm — easier said than done, I know.

Bring your passport, glasses prescription (if applicable), and all your CAA paperwork.

Drink plenty of water — you’ll need to provide a urine sample.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions — AeMC staff are there to help, and they’ve probably seen it all before. They can often suggest the quickest way to get things resolved.

Final Thoughts

The Class 1 medical isn’t just a box to tick — it’s a key part of your journey. It might even reveal things you didn’t know about yourself. For me, it was a wake-up call and a good reminder of why this step is so important. Get it done early, and give yourself the best chance to move forward with confidence.