A Pilot Class 1 Medical Certificate is the most important health requirement for aspiring and professional pilots. It proves that a pilot is medically fit to operate aircraft safely. Both the DGCA in India and the FAA in the United States issue this certificate but each authority follows its own rules and procedures.
In India the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issues the Pilot Class 1 Medical Certificate. The DGCA checks vision hearing cardiovascular health lung function, and psychological fitness. Indian medical centers approved by the DGCA carry out these examinations. The certificate must be renewed every six months for pilots above 40 years and every twelve months for younger pilots.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues the Pilot Class 1 Medical Certificate in the United States. The FAA test also includes vision hearing heart function neurological checks and overall physical and mental health evaluation. For pilots above 40 years the FAA requires renewal every six months while for younger pilots it is valid for twelve months similar to the DGCA rule.
The biggest difference lies in the regulatory authority and the medical examiners. The DGCA certificate is mandatory for flying aircraft registered in India while the FAA certificate is necessary for aircraft registered in the United States. Although the medical standards are similar the process approved doctors and regulations depend on the country.
Both DGCA and FAA Pilot Class 1 Medical Certificate serve the same purpose ensuring pilot safety and medical readiness. The difference is mainly geographic and regulatory not in the core medical standards.