PILOT CET 2025

During the Class 1 medical examination for pilots (whether under FAA or DGCA/ICAO standards) blood pressure (BP) is one of the key cardiovascular vital signs assessed to confirm that the candidate’s circulatory and cardiac systems are functioning safely for professional flight duties.

1. Measurement method and position

The BP is taken with the applicant in a seated (resting) position using accepted clinical technique.
If the first reading is elevated the examiner may repeat the measurement or ask for additional readings over several days.

2. Acceptable limits

For an FAA first class medical the generally accepted maximum BP is 155 mmHg systolic and 95 mmHg diastolic.
Readings consistently above that level or uncontrolled hypertension may lead to deferral additional evaluation or documentation or disqualification.

3. Follow up and evaluation

If BP is elevated, the examiner might:
- Recheck the BP during the same exam session.
- Ask the candidate to return for repeat BP checks on three separate days over a week to confirm the pattern.
- Refer the candidate back to their treating physician for further cardiovascular evaluation, especially if they are on antihypertensive medication or if there is suspicion of underlying cardiovascular disease.

4. Use of medication and CACI protocol

Use of blood pressure lowering medication is permissible under FAA rules under the CACI (Conditions AMEs Can Issue) system provided the regimen is stable well tolerated and BP is controlled to within acceptable limits.
The examiner will check that the candidate has had stable control of BP no worrisome side effects and documentation from the treating physician if required.

5. Why this matters

Blood pressure is a proxy for how well a pilot’s cardiovascular system can respond to the stresses of flying (e.g. variations in altitude acceleration workload fatigue).
Uncontrolled hypertension increases the long term risk of stroke heart attack or myocardial strain unacceptable risks in a professional pilot.

In short the Class 1 medical blood pressure test is not merely a number on a form but a checkpoint for cardiovascular stability. The examining doctor will want to ensure that blood pressure is reliably within a safe range that any hypertension is controlled or treatable and that the candidate’s heart and circulatory system are robust enough to meet the demands of professional aviation.

1. Measurement method and position

2. Acceptable limits

3. Follow up and evaluation

4. Use of medication and CACI protocol

5. Why this matters

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PILOT CET Helpdesk Number:- 7065 006 006

What is checked in the class 1 medical blood pressure test?

1. Measurement method and position

2. Acceptable limits

3. Follow up and evaluation

4. Use of medication and CACI protocol

5. Why this matters

Commercial Pilot License (4)

Commercial Helicopter Pilot License (2)

Private Helicopter Pilot License (3)

pilot (344)

PPL (1)

SPL (4)