I have noticed over the years that AMEs who do only Class 2 medicals tend to charge less than those who do the lot. This is often because they have an interest in GA and do not require any special equipment.

I understand that the CAA ensure that there is minimal AME competition by limiting the numbers.
Anyone know if this is so?

bingoboy - this is not the case. A few years ago they removed the geographical limitation on where AMEs could be appointed and practice. There is now an upper limit of numbers in total.

But all new AMEs need to have either previous or current experience in aviation of some sort to even be appointed. So your class 2 medical could be done by an AME who flies a cub or your class 1 by someone who either works in the industry/military as a doctor or even has their own CPL/IR/ATPL. This is the case for three of the four AMEs in my area.

I had my initial JAR Class 2 the other day. It cost me £276. Just as well he gave me the ECG test before presenting me with the invoice!

Ain't that the truth!

Cusco ;)

Class II medicals
 

I am 62 and Dr Ian Ramsey in Cheltenham charges £80 for a class II JAA medical including an ECG which is ok for me.