I am in the ATPL training business and the first thing I tell anybody asking for advice is to get a Class One Medical from the country where you expect to do your training and to issue your licence, before you place all your eggs in one basket and build your hopes up too high.
Far too many dreams have been shattered of young men and women who, like yourself, were prepared to put everything in to their chosen career, only to find out that they do not meet the medical requirements for commercial aviation, often owing to something they had no previous knowledge about. You may think you are fit and healthy but it is better to be safe rather than sorry, especially when we are talking of tens of thousands of dollars worth of training.
The standards vary between countries so make sure you research this area throughly.
The reason I say to do it sooner rather than later is twofold: 1. To prevent future disappointment; 2. Renewal standards are not so stringent as initial standards so it's better to get thing sorted before any degenerative conditions start kicking in, not that degeneration should be a problem at your age but no-one knows what's around the corner and there can be adverse effects from many apparently unconnected medical conditions.
If you are thinking of doing your training in the UK (or any EASA country) you WILL have to travel to that country for the initial medical.
Best of luck.
Last edited by 2close; 26th July 2012 at 12:52.