Pilot Class 1 Medical Certificate DGCA & FAA

Class 1 Medical Certificate has an important role in making a career in aviation as a pilot. The Class 1 Medical Certificate is the highest standard and importance of pilot medical fitness globally. It medical certificate certifies your capability to fly the aircraft professionally as a Commercial Pilot (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot (ATPL). This is a worldwide practice to clear this Class 1 Medical Certificate for pilots.

• India (DGCA): Required to begin or continue Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training or job.
• USA (FAA): Required for those exercising ATP privileges. Validity varies by age.

Who Needs a Class 1 Medical Certificate?

• DGCA (India):
  • Aspiring CPL candidates willing to do job as CPL or ATPL
  • Professional pilot trainees or trainers in DGCA-approved institutes
• FAA (USA):
  • Airline pilots operating under Part 121 or ATP privilege holders

What Is a Class 1 Medical Certificate?

A Class 1 Medical Certificate certify high-level medical fitness of the candidate who willing to be pilot. This Certificate is required for professional flying roles, involving detailed physical, mental and diagnostic assessments.

Eligibility & Basic Health Requirements

To get this certificate, the candidate must be fit mentally and healthy. There is almost same requirement worldwide under ICAO. Thery may be little difference between the requirements. There are written below.

DGCA (India)

• Assessments Include:
  • Vision, hearing, cardiovascular health (ECG, ECHO), pulmonary function
  • ENT, blood & urine analysis, general physical, psychological screening
• Validity:
  • Under 40 years: 12 months
  • Over 40 years: 6 months

FAA (USA)

• Standards (FAR Part 67, FAA guide):
  • Vision: 20/20 distance, 20/40 near (at 16 inches); intermediate vision required if over 50
  • Hearing: Conversational level at 6 ft, or audiometry standards
  • ECG: Required at age 35 and annually after age 40
  • Other: No disqualifying mental, cardiovascular, ENT, or general conditions
• Validity:
  • Under 40 years: 12 months
  • 40 and above: 6 months

Process to Apply

DGCA (India)

1. Booking:
   • Book via DGCA e-GCA portal with DGCA-approved medical examiner; AFCME and IAM exams require advance booking
2. Documents to Carry:
   • Class 2 Medical Assessment (CA 35)
   • ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport)
   • 4–6 passport photos
   • Spectacle/contact lens prescription (if applicable)
   • Medical history, 34 form (initial/re-initial)
3. Medical Tests:
   • Physical exam, ECG/ECHO, pulmonary function, eye exam, audiometry, ENT, blood & urine, psychological (if required)
4. Approval & Certificate:
   • The medical board reviews results
   • If cleared, DGCA issues a Class 1 Medical Certificate via the eGCA system

FAA (USA)

1. Complete MedXPress Application:
   • Apply via FAA MedXPress. Use confirmation number to schedule exam within 60 days
2. Visit an FAA-Designated AME:
   • Undergo full medical examination per FAA standards
3. Receive Certificate:
   • If you meet all requirements, certificate is issued immediately or uploaded electronically.

Documents Required

• DGCA:
  • Class 2 certificate (CA35), government-issued ID, photos, spectacles beyond basic list, prior medical records, CA34/35 forms
• FAA:
  • MedXPress confirmation, valid ID, corrective eyewear (if any), prior FAA medical certificates (for renewal)

Cost Breakdown

DGCA (India)

• Class 1 Medical: INR 6,000–INR 8,500
• Additional tests (ECHO, ECG, labs): INR 1,500–INR 3,000
• Total estimated: INR 10,000–INR 12,000

FAA (USA)

• AME’s Examination Fee: approximately $100 - $180

Validity & Renewal

DGCA

• Under 40: Valid 12 months
• Over 40: Valid 6 months
• Renewal recommended before expiry to avoid training disruptions

FAA

• Under 40: Valid 12 months
• Over 40: Valid 6 months
• After expiry, certificate downgrades to Second- or Third-Class privileges accordingly

Key Differences Between Class 1 and Class 2

Common Rejection Reasons & Tips to Prepare

DGCA Common Rejections:

• Vision issues (e.g., color blindness)
• Uncontrolled BP/diabetes
• Cardiac abnormalities
• Incomplete documentation

FAA Considerations:

• Uncontrolled chronic conditions
• Mental health diagnoses (psychosis, bipolar, personality disorders)

Preparation Tips:

• Maintain healthy lifestyle (sleep well, avoid alcohol/caffeine before)
• Gather all documentation and reports
• Consult AME if you have prior conditions
• Bring corrective eyewear prescriptions if needed

In this way we can say that the Class 1 Medical Certificate has an important role in making a career in aviation as a pilot. To get this, there are little different processes worldwide.