PILOT CET 2025

A Class 1 flight physical (also called a Class 1 medical examination or Class 1 Medical Certificate) is the highest level medical fitness assessment for professional pilots. It is required for obtaining and maintaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and is recognised internationally under ICAO standards.

Purpose

The main goal of the Class 1 flight physical is to confirm that a pilot is medically fit to perform demanding flight duties safely and reliably under a wide range of operational stresses. It ensures the pilot has good vision hearing cardiovascular and pulmonary health, mental stability and general physical fitness.

Who Needs It

In India (DGCA regulation), every aspiring professional pilot (CPL or ATPL) must hold a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate.
In the United States holders of Airline Transport Pilot privileges or pilots flying under Part 121 rules typically need a First Class FAA medical certificate.

What It Includes

A Class 1 flight physical typically involves:

Vision and hearing screening: ensuring visual acuity (including distance near and in many cases intermediate vision) and adequate hearing (often conversational level or audiometric standards).
Cardiovascular assessment: ECG and often echocardiogram (ECHO) especially for older applicants to catch any heart abnormalities or risk factors.
Pulmonary function tests and respiratory health evaluation.
ENT and general physical exam: covering ear nose throat health and an overall physical check.
Laboratory tests: blood and urine analyses for metabolic health infectious markers kidney/liver function and metabolic disorders.
Psychological screening: sometimes done, depending on the regulatory authority or if past mental health concerns exist.

Validity and Renewal

In India under DGCA regulations a Class 1 medical certificate is valid for 12 months if the pilot is under 40 years old and 6 months once over 40.
In the U.S. (FAA First Class), a similar validity timeframe often applies: 12 months for younger operators reduced to 6 months as age increases or license privileges intensify.

Holding a Class 1 flight physical demonstrates that a pilot meets stringent medical standards for safe operation in complex and high-stress environments. Without it a pilot cannot hold a professional license or fly commercially. Airlines regulators and training institutions rely on that medical clearance as a baseline safety requirement.

Purpose

Who Needs It

What It Includes

Validity and Renewal

Category

Commercial Pilot License (4)

Commercial Helicopter Pilot License (2)

Private Helicopter Pilot License (3)

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What is a class 1 flight physical?

Purpose

Who Needs It

What It Includes

Validity and Renewal

Commercial Pilot License (4)

Commercial Helicopter Pilot License (2)

Private Helicopter Pilot License (3)

pilot (344)

PPL (1)

SPL (4)