Pilot Class 2 Medical Certificate & Test | DGCA & FAA Requirements

To become a pilot, good health is very important. Every student or private pilot must get a Class 2 Medical Certificate before starting flying training. This medical certificate proves that a pilot is fit to fly an aircraft safely. It checks eyesight, hearing, physical fitness, and overall health. In India, the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) issues this certificate. In the USA, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) issues the 2nd Class Medical Certificate.

Class 2 Medical is the first step for student pilots (SPL) and private pilots (PPL). Later, when you want to become a commercial pilot, you will need a Class 1 Medical Certificate.

Who Needs Class 2 Medical Certificate?

Before starting pilot training, every student must clear a basic medical check. The Class 2 Medical Certificate is designed for beginner pilots to make sure they are healthy and safe to fly.

A Class 2 Medical Certificate is required for:

• Students applying for a Student Pilot License (SPL).
• Candidates who want to get a Private Pilot License (PPL).
• Hobby or recreational pilots flying light aircraft.
• People starting pilot training who will later upgrade to Class 1 Medical.

In short, if you want to begin your journey as a pilot, you must first clear the Class 2 Medical Test.

What is a Class 2 Medical Certificate?

A Class 2 Medical Certificate is an official health clearance that confirms a person is fit to fly as a student pilot or a private pilot.

It is the basic medical requirement in aviation. Without this certificate, you cannot apply for a Student Pilot License (SPL) or Private Pilot License (PPL).

This certificate makes sure that:

• Your eyesight and hearing are good enough to fly.
• Your heart, blood pressure, and overall fitness are normal.
• You are free from any serious illness that can affect flying.

Validity:

• In India (DGCA), Class 2 Medical is usually valid for 2 years for pilots under 40 years.
• For older pilots, the validity may be shorter.
• In the USA (FAA), the 2nd Class Medical Certificate is valid for 12 months.

This certificate is the first step in the pilot medical journey. Later, you will upgrade to a Class 1 Medical Certificate for a commercial license.

Eligibility & Basic Requirements

Before applying for a Class 2 Medical Certificate, you must meet some basic conditions. These ensure that you are healthy enough to begin pilot training.

Eligibility

• Minimum Age: 16 years (recommended, as this is the age to apply for Student Pilot License).
• Nationality: Open for Indian and foreign students (DGCA for India, FAA for USA).

Basic Health Requirements

• Eyesight: Should be clear and correctable to normal vision (glasses/contact lenses are allowed).
• Hearing: Must be able to hear ordinary conversation and radio communication clearly.
• General Fitness: Normal height, weight, and blood pressure.
• Medical History: No serious illness like uncontrolled diabetes, epilepsy, or heart disease.

Note:

• Minor health issues (like wearing glasses) do not stop you from getting a Class 2 certificate.
• If you fail in Class 2, you cannot apply for Class 1 or begin pilot training.

This stage is mainly about proving that you are fit for flying at the beginner level.

DGCA Class 2 Medical Certificate (India)

In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issues the Class 2 Medical Certificate for student and private pilots. It is the first step before applying for your Class 1 Medical.

Process to Apply

1. Visit the official DGCA e-GCA portal.
2. Register and choose a DGCA-approved medical examiner.
3. Book an appointment for your medical test.
4. Attend the test at the hospital/clinic.
5. Reports are uploaded to DGCA, and the certificate is issued.

Medical Tests Conducted

• Eye test (vision clarity, color blindness check).
• Hearing test.
• Blood and urine tests (to check general health).
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) for heart health.
• Physical examination by the medical examiner.

Validity

• For pilots below 40 years: usually valid for 2 years.
• For pilots above 40 years: valid for 1 year.

After clearing Class 2, you can apply for Class 1 Medical, which is compulsory for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

FAA 2nd Class Medical Certificate (USA)

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues the 2nd Class Medical Certificate. It is similar to the DGCA Class 2 certificate in India but follows U.S. aviation rules.

Process to Apply

1. Create an account on the FAA MedXPress system.
2. Fill in your medical history online.
3. Book an appointment with an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
4. Complete the physical and medical tests.
5. The examiner issues the certificate after approval.

Medical Tests Conducted

• Eyesight check (distance and near vision).
• Color vision and depth perception.
• Hearing test.
• Blood pressure and heart check.
• General physical examination.

Validity

• Valid for 12 months for commercial privileges.
• For private flying, validity may extend up to 24–60 months depending on the pilot’s age.

The FAA 2nd Class Medical is often the stepping stone before moving to the 1st Class Medical, required for airline pilots.

Pilot Class 2 Medical Test – Step by Step Process

The Class 2 Medical Test is a simple process. It is designed to check whether a student or private pilot is healthy enough to fly. Below are the main steps followed in both DGCA (India) and FAA (USA) medical tests:

Step 1: Book Appointment

• Register online (DGCA e-GCA portal in India, FAA MedXPress in the USA).
• Choose an approved medical examiner and book your test date.

Step 2: Medical History Review

• Fill in details about your past medical conditions, surgeries, or medicines.
• The examiner will ask basic questions to understand your health background.

Step 3: Physical Examination

• Height, weight, and blood pressure check.
• General fitness check for posture, balance, and movement.

Step 4: Vision & Hearing Tests

• Eyesight test for near and distant vision.
• Color blindness and depth perception test.
• Hearing test using an audiometer or conversation test.

Step 5: Lab Tests & ECG

• Blood and urine samples for sugar levels, infections, etc.
• ECG (Electrocardiogram) to check heart function (mandatory in DGCA).

Step 6: Final Approval & Certificate

• If all tests are clear, the medical examiner uploads your results.
• Certificate is issued online or physically, depending on the authority.

This certificate allows you to apply for SPL (Student Pilot License) or continue with your Private Pilot License (PPL) training.

Documents Required

When applying for a Class 2 Medical Certificate, you must carry some important documents. These help the medical examiner verify your identity and medical history.

For DGCA Class 2 Medical (India)

• Government ID proof (Aadhaar card, Passport, PAN card, or Driving License).
• Passport-size photographs (recent).
• Medical history form (downloaded from DGCA e-GCA portal).
• Previous medical records (if you have had surgeries or treatments).
• Old medical certificate (only if this is a renewal).

For FAA 2nd Class Medical (USA)

• Passport or government-issued ID.
• FAA MedXPress confirmation number (after filling online application).
• Medical history details (previous illnesses, surgeries, medicines).
• Glasses or contact lenses (if you use them).
• Previous FAA medical certificate (if renewing).

Carrying the correct documents makes the process smooth and avoids delays in getting your certificate

Cost of Class 2 Medical Certificate

The cost of getting a Class 2 Medical Certificate depends on the country and the medical examiner’s charges. It is usually affordable for students starting their pilot journey.

In India (DGCA Class 2 Medical)

• DGCA Registration Fee: Around $ 1,000 (paid online on the e-GCA portal).
• Medical Examiner’s Fee: INR 2,000 – INR 5,000 (varies by doctor and city).
• Lab Tests (ECG, blood, urine, etc.): INR 1,500 – INR 3,000 (if not included in the doctor’s fee).
• Total Cost: Approximately INR 4,000 – INR 8,000.

In the USA (FAA 2nd Class Medical)

• FAA Application Fee: No fixed charge, included in examiner’s fee.
• Aviation Medical Examiner’s Fee: $100 – $180 (varies by state and examiner).
• Total Cost: Around $120 – $200.

Additional Costs

• If you need to visit a specialist (like an eye doctor or cardiologist), extra charges may apply.
• Renewal fees are usually slightly lower than the first-time application.

Compared to flying training fees, the medical certificate cost is very small, but it is a mandatory investment to start your pilot career.

Difference Between Class 1 and Class 2 Medical Certificate

In aviation, medical certificates are divided into different classes depending on the type of license you want to hold. Class 1 and Class 2 are the most important for pilots.

Class 2 Medical Certificate

• Required for: Student Pilot License (SPL) and Private Pilot License (PPL).
• Validity: Up to 2 years (India, for pilots under 40) / 1 year (FAA).
• Tests: General fitness, eyesight, hearing, ECG, and basic lab tests.
• Purpose: Proves you are healthy enough for training and private flying.

Class 1 Medical Certificate

• Required for: Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).
• Validity: 1 year (India) / 6–12 months (FAA depending on age).
• Tests: More detailed, including chest X-ray, lung function test, audiometry, advanced ECG, and sometimes MRI/CT if needed.
• Purpose: Certifies that you are fit for professional and airline flying.

Key Difference

• Class 2 → First step, for students and private pilots.
• Class 1 → Higher level, compulsory for airline and commercial pilots.

Most students start with a Class 2 Medical Certificate, and once they complete initial training, they move to Class 1 Medical for their CPL.

Common Reasons for Medical Rejection

Not every student clears the Class 2 Medical Certificate on the first attempt. Some health issues can lead to rejection or temporary suspension. Knowing these in advance helps you prepare better.

1. Eye & Vision Problems

• Severe color blindness.
• Very poor eyesight not correctable with glasses/contact lenses.
• Eye diseases like glaucoma or retinal damage.

2. Hearing Issues

• Inability to hear normal conversation.
• Ear disorders affecting balance (vertigo, chronic ear infections).

3. Heart & Blood Pressure Problems

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Heart disease or irregular heartbeat detected on ECG.

4. Diabetes & Other Chronic Illnesses

• Uncontrolled diabetes needing insulin.
• Severe asthma or chronic lung disease.
• Epilepsy, seizures, or neurological disorders.

5. Recent Surgeries or Major Injuries

• If you recently had surgery (heart, brain, or eyes), you may need extra clearance.
• Major fractures that limit body movement.

Important Note:

• Most rejections are temporary. Once the condition is treated or under control, you can reapply.
• Minor issues like wearing glasses do not stop you from getting a Class 2 certificate.

The Class 2 Medical Certificate is the first and most important step in a pilot’s journey. It proves that you are healthy and ready to begin flying training. Without this certificate, you cannot apply for a Student Pilot License (SPL) or a Private Pilot License (PPL).

In India, the DGCA issues the certificate, and in the USA, the FAA issues the 2nd Class Medical. The process is simple, affordable, and focused on your eyesight, hearing, heart, and overall fitness.

Once you clear Class 2, you can move ahead to Class 1 Medical, which is required for becoming a Commercial Pilot.