Class 1 renewal
 

Hi all,

Last December I took and passed my initial class 1 medical exam. The reason for doing so was because I am quite near the initial limit for myopia and wanted peace of mind during my time at university (i'm now in my 2nd year of 3). The question is, as i'm not actually flying at the moment, at what point does my medical become void? Furthermore, would I have to retake the initial medical again if this were to occur or would I be eligible for renewal standards? Presumably, if all goes well I should be commencing flying training within the next 18 months to 2 years but would appreciate to know whether or not I need to keep renewing as I would if I were flying now.

I hope that vaguely makes sense!

Many thanks,

Captain111.

Hi.

Your class 1 will lapse (become invalid for exercising class 1 privileges) on the day before you had your last examination. Your Class 1 will then remain valid for exercising Class 2 privileges for a further 4 years. In other words, you could fly on a PPL with an expired Class 1 medical, so long as it was within 5 years of the initial examination (class 2 certificates are valid for 5 years).

I believe you can renew your class 1 medial after it has expired without having to do the initial examination again. I don't know the time limitations but I would suggest that you probably can't let it expire, wait 10 years, and then go for a renewal. Best idea is to ring the CAA and ask them.

However, if I were you, I would go and get it renewed anyway. That way you can continue to be confident in your health and ability to commence flying training once you've graduated. Otherwise, you could be busy looking for a graduate position. Sure, it is an added expense at an inopportune time of the year, but frankly, you'd better get used to that if you want to fly aeroplanes :p

V2

Captain111,

I'm in exactly the same situation. After you've had the medical, its 5 years until the limits go from renewal back to initial.

Cheers

Nick