EASA Class 1 medical: more information

We have gathered the information on what the Class 1 medical involves.

Blood test

Using a finger prick, we measure the haemoglobin (Hb) and glucose levels in your blood. Total cholesterol is measured at the initial examination and at the age of 40. We have our own laboratory, so the result is available immediately.

Urine test

At every examination, the urine sample you provide on site is tested for glucose, blood and protein. At the initial examination, it is also checked for alcohol and drugs. At revalidation and renewal examinations, alcohol and drug screening is also carried out when indicated.

Vision test

Good eyesight is, of course, essential to perform your duties safely and efficiently. As a pilot, you face factors that can affect your vision and how you interpret what you see. Examples include reduced oxygen partial pressure at high altitude, night flights and fatigue. Your eyesight also declines as you get older.

At every examination, your vision is tested at 30–50 cm, 1 metre and 6 metres. If you wear glasses, we measure first without them and then with your corrective glasses or contact lenses. The requirement for distance visual acuity is 0.7 (6/9) or better in each eye. Visual acuity with both eyes together must be 1.0 (6/6) or better.

General physical examination

Based on the questionnaire you completed digitally, you will undergo a thorough physical examination. As well as the mobility, coordination and balance of your body, we examine your eyes, ears, abdomen, heart and lungs for possible abnormalities.

ECG (electrocardiogram)

The ECG gives us information about how your heart muscle is working. We use a 12-lead digital system, and the ECG is stored in your medical file. We record the ECG at rest by placing 4 electrodes on your wrists and ankles and 6 electrodes on your chest around your heart.

The ECG is recorded at your initial examination and then every 5 years until the age of 30, every 2 years until the age of 40, every year until the age of 50, and at all later revalidation or renewal examinations.

Spirometry (lung function test)

How well your lungs work (your lung function) can be measured with a lung function test. The test measures how much air you can breathe out and also how much air you can blow out in 1 second. The lung function test shows whether you have a condition. Your lung function is measured with a special device: a spirometer. You stand and close your teeth and lips around the mouthpiece of the device. You can breathe through it normally. The assistant asks you to breathe in deeply and then blow out as hard and as much as you can. These measurements are taken at least 3 times to get a reliable result. This test is carried out at your initial examination and after that when clinically indicated.

Audiometry (hearing test)

At the initial examination, your hearing is tested with pure-tone audiometry. In the hearing booth, you hear sounds of different frequencies and intensities through headphones. You must not have a hearing loss of more than 35 dB at any of the frequencies 500, 1000 or 2000 Hz, or of more than 50 dB at 3000 Hz, in either ear. This test is carried out every 5 years until the age of 40 and every 2 years after that.

Tonometry (eye pressure measurement)

A 'puff' of air is used to measure the pressure in your eyeball. If this pressure is too high, it can cause serious damage to the retina (glaucoma). The test is done at your initial examination and when indicated.

Tympanometry (eardrum measurement)

The mobility of your eardrum is measured by gradually building up pressure in your ear canal. The eardrum must be mobile so that you can 'clear' your ears. If not, further ENT examination is required.

Perimetry (visual field test)

Each eye is tested to make sure the visual field is intact. You look into the perimeter and indicate whether you see any movement in your field of vision. This is used to determine whether there are any defects.