The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Class 1 Medical is a comprehensive health examination designed for aspiring commercial pilots. It assesses both physical and mental fitness, ensuring that the candidate meets all safety standards required for flying commercial aircraft. The test is conducted by DGCA approved medical examiners and covers major body systems such as vision hearing cardiovascular and respiratory health.
According to the overview provided by the referenced article, the validity of the Class 1 Medical certificate is:
12 months, for pilots under 40 years of age.
6 months, for pilots aged 40 and above.
This means once you are issued the Class 1 Medical certificate, you must renew it within the valid time window depending on your age category to maintain your fitness status for commercial pilot duties.
The reason for differing validity periods is driven by safety considerations: as one gets older health conditions may change more rapidly, so more frequent medical checks ensure ongoing fitness. Holding a valid Class 1 Medical certificate is mandatory for obtaining and maintaining a commercial pilot licence (CPL). Without renewing it on time your ability to act as a commercial pilot may be suspended until the next medical certificate is issued.
Monitor the expiry date of your certificate carefully.
Ensure that you schedule your renewal with a DGCA approved examiner well in advance.
Maintain good health practices such as regular check ups healthy lifestyle managing blood pressure vision and hearing to avoid surprises during renewal.
If you turn 40, plan for more frequent renewals (every 6 months) and keep records accordingly.