Module Student - Any Good Reason to Renew Class 1 Right Now?

[Beaker_]

I'm a modular student; currently with a PPL. My class 1 medical is due to expire soon and I'm also due my 2-yearly ECG; I've got a few years left until my next audiogram is due. As I understand it, once the class 1 expires, it reverts to class 2 privileges until the expiry date on the certificate. I'm happy hour-building at the moment and intend to carry out my night rating soon; essentially flying with PPL privileges. As I don't plan to start any CPL/ME-IR course for the foreseeable future, is there any good reason to renew my class 1 medical? From what I understand, as long as I renew within 2 years of the expiry, there shouldn't be any additional work etc. to follow, right?

[rudestuff]

You've pretty much nailed it. A renewal and a revalidation are the same, so you can let it lapse for a few years. I think it's only if you go over 5 years that you need an initial again.

[Beaker_]

Smashing! Thank you

[kwaiyai]

For your info Beaker,

Renewal

If you do not revalidate your certificate in the 45 days leading up to its expiry date, you will need to have it renewed.

You can renew a Class 1 medical certificate by taking a renewal examination at an Aeromedical Centre (AeMC) or by appointment with an Aeromedical Examiner (AME), subject to the following conditions:

• If your certificate expired more than 2 years before your application to renew it, the examiner will need to assess your aero-medical records before carrying out the renewal examination
• If your certificate expired more than 5 years before your application to renew it then you will have to follow the same process as for initial issue

[Beaker_]

Thank you. I did see something to that effect on the CAA website; I just wanted to make sure there wouldn't be any complications by allowing the class 1 portion to expire, then having it revalidated a little further down the line. I do wonder why they call renewal/revalidation different things if the process is exactly the same...