where to train in uk with OML class 1 medical
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Joined: Apr 2026
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From: UK
where to train in uk with OML class 1 medical
I have done both a class 1 CAA and an EASA medical, and due to my Brazil nut allergy and having an EPI-PEN, I was told by the AME that I will get an OML.
So I've looked online at all the different flight schools, like Skyborne, Leading Edge, and Aeros, due to their airline connections and good integrated or modular courses, but they all say I need an unrestricted class 1 medical.
This confuses me as I thought the OML was only operational during multi-crew environments, which wouldn't apply at training, but I'm wondering if they would still allow me in if I applied. Or if not, where I would be able to apply to do training that allows me to have an OML on my medical.
I was wondering if anyone who knew of a place to train which allows OML or has an OML and went through training themself could help me?
Thanks!
So I've looked online at all the different flight schools, like Skyborne, Leading Edge, and Aeros, due to their airline connections and good integrated or modular courses, but they all say I need an unrestricted class 1 medical.
This confuses me as I thought the OML was only operational during multi-crew environments, which wouldn't apply at training, but I'm wondering if they would still allow me in if I applied. Or if not, where I would be able to apply to do training that allows me to have an OML on my medical.
I was wondering if anyone who knew of a place to train which allows OML or has an OML and went through training themself could help me?
Thanks!
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 169
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From: United Kingdom
I don't have an OML, but I'm fairly sure you are correct in that you can train with one. The CAA will be able to tell you for sure, but that doesn't stop schools from making their own rules. It might be worth seeing if you can speak with the CFI or someone senior within each school and ask them to confirm. It would be wise to back this up in writing.
Failing that, Stapleford, ACS Flight Training and Euro Flight Training are some examples of modular schools with a good reputation.
Failing that, Stapleford, ACS Flight Training and Euro Flight Training are some examples of modular schools with a good reputation.
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Cyprus
Archee ; Why would you want to train with an OML if at the completion of training there is no likelihood of employment ?
An OML gives you authority to exercise the privilage of your Commercial licence in a Multi Crew Environment ONLY.
At the initial hiring stage, most emploers will insist upn a full, unrestricted class one. They accept deterioration thereafter, to a degree. Hiring someone already disadvantaged and likely to detriorate further is asking too much of most employers Insurers.
Looks like the top Pro Training institutions out there advise this already and some, as you say, do not even accept for TRaining unless you have a Class one.
Watch out for the rotters who will just grab your dosh anyway.
An OML gives you authority to exercise the privilage of your Commercial licence in a Multi Crew Environment ONLY.
At the initial hiring stage, most emploers will insist upn a full, unrestricted class one. They accept deterioration thereafter, to a degree. Hiring someone already disadvantaged and likely to detriorate further is asking too much of most employers Insurers.
Looks like the top Pro Training institutions out there advise this already and some, as you say, do not even accept for TRaining unless you have a Class one.
Watch out for the rotters who will just grab your dosh anyway.
Avoid imitations
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
I finished my career with an OML, but it in my case it only applied for Class 1 operations.
So, depending on the wording of the individual's limitation it doesn't necessarily rule out all opportunities for remunerated aviation.
So, depending on the wording of the individual's limitation it doesn't necessarily rule out all opportunities for remunerated aviation.
Joined: May 2025
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From: UK
OML consultation
Having been through the entire CAA initial medical process there is a grey area between initial and renewal/revalidation medical candidates and the issuance of OML on initial medical.
There was a consultation in July last year, due to become regulation later this year to relax OML at initial issue & facilitate 2 OML pilots to fly together too.
There was a consultation in July last year, due to become regulation later this year to relax OML at initial issue & facilitate 2 OML pilots to fly together too.
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Cyprus
flyman : Yes. Even 16 years ago, my employing airline allowed 2 OML's to fly together but NOT if they had the same restricting condition. The whole thing gave Rostering a big headach. However, there was no question that at initial hiring, a full, unrestricted, Class one was required.
I know of no major airlines that will accept an OML on initial hiring. Just search through any hiring website. Of course, some employment possibilities might exist but before embarking on very heavy financial outlay for "mights, maybes, not unheard of", type prospects shows an attitude to risk that is not impressive.
I know of no major airlines that will accept an OML on initial hiring. Just search through any hiring website. Of course, some employment possibilities might exist but before embarking on very heavy financial outlay for "mights, maybes, not unheard of", type prospects shows an attitude to risk that is not impressive.
Joined: Dec 2025
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From: Prague
Gordomac: I think you are being a bit too pessimistic regarding the OML and the current hiring situation.
For instance, I had my initial Class 1 issued with an OML restriction and was accepted into a cadet program for a major European airline without any issues. Their stance was clear: an OML is a standard medical limitation that does not prohibit someone from operating in a multi-crew environment.
A great example is the case of James Bushe, who became the first pilot to start his career with an OML due to being HIV positive. He was recruited by Loganair.
Furthermore, if you check the recruitment pages of all major European LCCs, they all state the same requirement: a "valid EASA Medical Class 1". There is no mention of requiring an "unrestricted" certificate.
For instance, I had my initial Class 1 issued with an OML restriction and was accepted into a cadet program for a major European airline without any issues. Their stance was clear: an OML is a standard medical limitation that does not prohibit someone from operating in a multi-crew environment.
A great example is the case of James Bushe, who became the first pilot to start his career with an OML due to being HIV positive. He was recruited by Loganair.
Furthermore, if you check the recruitment pages of all major European LCCs, they all state the same requirement: a "valid EASA Medical Class 1". There is no mention of requiring an "unrestricted" certificate.
Last edited by Pobeez; 20th April 2026 at 21:44.
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: london
It's a common hurdle, but those "unrestricted" requirements at places like Skyborne or Leading Edge are usually just to keep their stats clean for airline cadet programs where they want zero-risk candidates. Since an OML only restricts you to multi-pilot ops, you can absolutely do your training, you just can't fly solo for the PPL and CPL phases. I know a few people in the same boat who went the modular route at places like Aeros or smaller outfits at Bournemouth. They just have an instructor sit in for your "solo" hours to act as the safety pilot. Your best bet is to call the Head of Training directly rather than just looking at the website; most modular schools are much more accommodating once they realize you're just looking for a seat in a multi-crew cockpit eventually anyway.
Avoid imitations
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
It's a common hurdle, but those "unrestricted" requirements at places like Skyborne or Leading Edge are usually just to keep their stats clean for airline cadet programs where they want zero-risk candidates. Since an OML only restricts you to multi-pilot ops, you can absolutely do your training, you just can't fly solo for the PPL and CPL phases. I know a few people in the same boat who went the modular route at places like Aeros or smaller outfits at Bournemouth. They just have an instructor sit in for your "solo" hours to act as the safety pilot. Your best bet is to call the Head of Training directly rather than just looking at the website; most modular schools are much more accommodating once they realize you're just looking for a seat in a multi-crew cockpit eventually anyway.
Joined: Dec 2025
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From: Prague
Just to clarify what tanvir_ahmed wrote. You legally only need a Class 2 Medical for your entire flight training up to the CPL. As long as your Class 2 does not have an OSL (Operational Safety Pilot Limitation), you can absolutely fly all your PPL and CPL solo hours without a safety pilot. The OML is specific to the Class 1 Medical, which practically only kicks in once you hold your license and start flying commercially. As ShyTorque already pointed out, having an OML on your Class 1 doesn't automatically ban you from flying solo during your training.
