Additional medical tests for pilots and air traffic controllers

As pilots or air traffic controllers (ATC), you may need to have additional medical tests as part of your medical examinations.

Most of these tests are age-required. However, some specific tests may also apply depending on your medical class.

All age-required tests are due at your first medical certificate renewal after your relevant birthday.

Also see the age requirements reference chart in our Designated Aviation Medical Examiner’s (DAME) Handbook.

Any tests or reports that you submit to us for review must be ‘recent’. This means performed within 3 months of your medical certificate application.

If you don’t provide a ‘recent’ test, we may request one. This may delay your certification.

Tests or reports performed outside of the 3-month timeframe may still be relevant. You should still provide them with your application.

Additional tests for Class 1 and 3 medical certificates

The following medical tests are required on the initial issue of a medical certificate:

You must also have an eye examination. You will need to find a designated aviation ophthalmologist (DAO) or credentialed optometrist (CO).

The following medical tests are required for medical certificate renewals:

ECGs are required at the first renewal after the age of 25, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40. After 40, an ECG is required annually
audiograms are required at the first renewal after the age of 25 and then every 5 years from the age of 25
fasting lipids and glucose are required at the first renewal after the age of 25 and then every 5 years from the age of 25 until age 60, when they are required annually
an eye examination is required by a DAO or CO at age 60, then every 2 years after.

There are no special requirements for Class 2 medical certificates, unless clinically indicated.

There are no special requirements for Basic Class 2 medical certificates.

Last updated:

14 Mar 2023