DAME couldn't do a Class 1 for intial medical

[Gyroscope07]

Hey there,

I'm just about to start my PPL training with the intention to continue on with the CPL after. I went and did my initial medical with a DAME and asked if he could do a Class 1 just to make sure there weren't going to be any problems when I do go for the CPL... He said that with the new on-line system he can't submit an application for Class 1 because I'm not currently going for a CPL and that the system only allowed for a Class 2 because at this stage I'm only working on my PPL. Can anyone shed some light on this? My understanding was I could do the Class 1 which would expire after a year but would give me the piece of mind that It shouldn't be a problem when I go for CPL and that the Class 1 also grants me a Class 2 for 4 years.. What have I got wrong? Seems like a lot of pilots would do a Class 1 straight up if their intention was to do a CPL..

Cheers,
Gyro.

[Capt Fathom]

Sounds odd, but with this new system, what isn't?

You could email or phone Avmed for advice.

Your DAME could have done your medical to the Class 1 standard (for your peace of mind). Your paperwork just won't reflect it.

[outlandishoutlanding]

I don't think that CASA knows what license you're going for until you sit the test, do they?

[Gyroscope07]

Yeah, makes sense that they wouldn't know what I'm going for... The question would then be: Is the class of medical you can hold/apply for dictated by which license you are going for? My understanding was that you'd be able to apply for any class medical regardless of which license you were going for, so long as the medical meets the requirements for the license. I.e. You'd be able to apply for Class 1 or 2 for PPL, but only Class 1 for CPL. You'll have to forgive my ignorance if I'm missing something obvious! Still have much to learn.

[Old Akro]

This is just a guess. But it may be the the DAME cannot issue a Class 1 because it requires review by CASA. Which will add a month to its issue.

Initial issue of Class 1 will require a barrage of tests that are not required for your class 2. eg, vision testing by an opthalmologist (not just the reading chart), hearing tests and ECG.

[Gyroscope07]

Yeah the timing could be a factor.. I did have to do hearing tests, an ECG & Blood tests though... which seems like all the stuff you'd need for a Class 1 haha.

[currawong]

There is nothing stopping you requesting a medical that does all the class one initial issue stuff, just to see if there are any issues.

Plenty of people do two medicals a year, one to check for any issues before the one that counts. Same medical, only one has paperwork.

[Arm out the window]

You can change your mind at any time about what kind of licence you're going for. If it's a stupid 'computer says no' situation, there is absolutely nothing wrong with telling the DAME and his/her computer you are going for a CPL, get the Class 1 and go away happy.

Saying you want to get a CPL down track sometime doesn't lock you in, of course, and your desire to get the Class 1 straight up is very sensible in my view if you do intend to go for a CPL later.

[Mimpe]

Initial Class 1's are very complex and you have to plan a 6-8 weeks period for it to turn up - thats why most people go for the class 2 in training initially so it doesn't interrupt their training flow.(Im a DAME)

[Gyroscope07]

Thanks for the insight Mimpe

Gyro.

[Derfred]

Plenty of people do two medicals a year, one to check for any issues before the one that counts. Same medical, only one has paperwork.

That's interesting.

However, when doing the medical that "doesn't count", wouldn't the DAME be obliged to notify CASA if an "issue" affects your medical?