The Class 1 aviation medical certificate is the first real filter in a pilot’s career. Before investing in tuition fees, equipment or flight hours, any aspiring commercial pilot should understand what this examination assesses, which conditions may complicate it, and where to sit it in Spain. This article answers those questions with verified information.
What Is the Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate?
The Class 1 medical certificate is the document that confirms a pilot meets the minimum physical and psychological requirements to practise as a professional pilot. It is mandatory to obtain and maintain a CPL or ATPL licence, and therefore to work as a commercial airline pilot.
In Spain, its issue is governed by EASA under Regulation (EU) 1178/2011 (Part-MED) and managed by AESA (the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency). The initial Class 1 examination can only be carried out at an Aeromedical Centre (AeMC) accredited by AESA. Subsequent renewals may be delegated to an authorised Aeromedical Examiner (AME).
It is important to distinguish this from the Class 2 certificate, which is required for the PPL (private pilot licence) and has less stringent requirements. If the goal is a commercial career, the certificate to obtain from the outset is the Class 1.
Why Should It Be Done Before Starting Training?
The reason is straightforward: if the Class 1 examination is not passed, it is not possible to practise as a commercial pilot — regardless of the training completed. Discovering this after investing €70,000 or more in an ATPL programme is a scenario that can be avoided with one medical appointment.
Some conditions that may raise questions about fitness — vision problems, mental health history, diabetes, certain cardiac conditions — are not automatically disqualifying, but they do require specialist evaluation. The aeromedical examiner determines fitness in each individual case. The recommendation is always to obtain the certificate before formally enrolling in any training programme.
What Does the Class 1 Medical Examination Assess?
The Class 1 examination is comprehensive and covers the following systems and areas:
Cardiovascular system
Resting ECG and, from a certain age, a stress ECG. Blood pressure, heart rhythm and the absence of conditions that could cause sudden incapacitation are assessed. Severe coronary artery disease is a cause of unfitness, though each case is evaluated individually.
Visual system
One of the most detailed sections. Distance and near visual acuity (with or without correction), colour vision, visual field and binocular vision are all assessed. Glasses and contact lenses are permitted within certain prescription limits. Refractive surgery (LASIK, PRK) is compatible with Class 1 if the post-operative result meets EASA standards, though a waiting period and specific evaluation are required.
Auditory system
Tonal audiometry to verify that hearing capacity falls within the limits established by EASA Part-MED. Mild and compensable hearing loss is generally compatible with fitness.
Respiratory system
Spirometry to rule out significant obstructive or restrictive conditions. Mild to moderate well-controlled asthma may be compatible with fitness; severe or poorly controlled asthma is not.
Neurological and psychological systems
Assessment of neurological history (epilepsy, loss of consciousness, head trauma) and psychological health. Psychological evaluation has been a mandatory part of the initial Class 1 examination since 2016, following recommendations arising from the Germanwings Flight 9525 accident. It is not a personality test in the colloquial sense: it assesses the absence of disorders that could compromise flight safety.
Other systems
The digestive system, metabolism (blood glucose, full blood and urine analysis), musculoskeletal system and general functionality of the upper and lower limbs are also reviewed. Type 1 diabetes is a cause of unfitness for Class 1. Well-controlled type 2 diabetes may be assessed individually.
What Documents Are Required?
- Valid national ID or passport.
- Glasses or contact lenses, if worn, along with the most recent optical prescription (no more than six months old).
- Up-to-date medical report for any chronic condition or ongoing medication.
- History of relevant surgical procedures, especially ocular or cardiac.
- Pre-application completed on the AESA electronic portal (mandatory; must be done from a computer, not a mobile device).
The examination typically takes half a day, though it may be extended if any test requires repetition or further evaluation.
Validity of the Class 1 Certificate
Once issued, the Class 1 certificate has the following validity periods under EASA Part-MED:
- Under 40 years of age: 12 months.
- Between 40 and 50 years: 12 months (6 months if acting as commander in single-pilot commercial air transport operations with passengers).
- Over 50 years of age: 6 months.
Renewals, unlike the initial examination, may be carried out with an authorised AME rather than at an AeMC, which significantly broadens the network of available centres across Spain.
What Happens if the Examination Is Not Passed?
An unfit result is not necessarily final. EASA provides for three possible outcomes: fit, unfit, and fit with limitations (OML or OSL). An OML (Operational Multi-pilot Limitation) permits flying only in multi-pilot operations, which in practice is compatible with working for a commercial airline.
If a candidate receives an unfit result, they may request a review from AESA’s Aeromedical Division, submit additional medical reports, or invoke the reconsideration process set out in the regulations. In complex cases, it is advisable to seek guidance from an experienced aeromedical examiner before assuming that a pilot career is no longer possible.
AESA-Accredited Aeromedical Centres in Spain (Selection)
The initial Class 1 examination can only be carried out at an AeMC accredited by AESA. Below is a selection of the most relevant centres by region, with contact details drawn from the official AESA list at seguridadaerea.gob.es:
Catalonia
- Centre Sanitari Can Mora (E-AMC-1019) – C/ Sant Jordi, 37 bajo, 08172 Sant Cugat del Vallès. Tel: 93 589 43 44. Email: csanchez@centrecanmora.com
- Diagnosis Médica (E-AMC-1006) – C/ Córcega 345, 08037 Barcelona. Tel: 93 217 17 00. English and German spoken.
Community of Madrid
- CIMA – Centro de Instrucción de Medicina Aeroespacial (E-AMC-1001) – Long-established reference centre for aviation medicine in Spain, operated by the Spanish Air Force. Conducts civilian Class 1 examinations.
- Hospital de Día Pío XII – One of four centres accredited in the Community of Madrid for the initial Class 1 examination.
- Affidea Sermesa – Accredited for all medical classes, including initial Class 1.
Andalusia
- Alborán Aeromedical Center (E-AMC-1021) – C/ Alameda de Capuchinos, 49, 29014 Málaga. Tel: 951 463 042. English spoken. Web: aeromedicalcenter.alborancentromedico.com
- CMA Triana S.L. (E-AMC-2142) – C/ Condes de Bustillo, 36, 41010 Sevilla. Tel: 954 96 12 70. English and Arabic spoken.
Canary Islands
- Centro Médico La Cuesta (E-AMC-1012) – Carretera General de La Cuesta-Taco nº 15, 38320 La Laguna, Tenerife. Tel: 922 65 00 04.
Balearic Islands
- CMA Palma de Mallorca (E-AMC-1002) – Clínica Juaneda, Palma de Mallorca. For up-to-date contact details, consult the official AESA list.
For the full and up-to-date list of all accredited centres in Spain, the official source is: seguridadaerea.gob.es > Ámbitos > Licencias y medicina aeronáutica > Centros médicos aeronáuticos acreditados.
How Much Does the Class 1 Medical Examination Cost?
There is no fixed official fee: each centre sets its own charges. Based on prices published by various accredited centres, the cost of the initial Class 1 examination ranges from approximately €350 to €650, depending on the centre and whether additional tests are required. Renewal examinations are typically less expensive, as the assessment is less extensive.
It is recommended to check the price directly with the chosen centre before booking, as fees may vary and some centres do not publish their rates online.
How to Prepare for the Examination
The Class 1 medical is not an exam that can be studied for, but there are practical factors worth considering beforehand:
- Rest: arriving after a good night’s sleep improves results in audiometry and some visual acuity tests.
- Hydration: essential for blood and urine analysis.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours beforehand.
- Avoid caffeine and stimulants on the day of the examination if there is a tendency towards tachycardia or elevated blood pressure.
- Bring an up-to-date optical prescription if glasses or contact lenses are worn. Wearing contact lenses on the day of the examination may interfere with certain tests — check with the centre in advance.
- If any known medical condition exists (ongoing medication, recent surgery, chronic condition), bring up-to-date medical documentation and discuss it with the centre beforehand.
Most importantly: if there are doubts about a specific medical condition, consult the aeromedical examiner before the appointment. Many centres offer a preliminary consultation to guide the candidate on their particular situation, avoiding surprises on the day.
EAS Barcelona and the Class 1 Medical Certificate
At EAS Barcelona we recommend obtaining the Class 1 medical certificate as the first step, before formalising any enrolment. Not because the process is complicated — for the vast majority of candidates it goes smoothly — but because it is the only filter that cannot be substituted or compensated for by additional training.
If you have questions about which centre to choose, what documentation to prepare, or how to interpret the result of the examination, our team can provide guidance before you take any financial steps. The goal is for you to arrive on the first day of training with all administrative and medical matters already resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Class 1 medical certificate mandatory to start ATPL training?
Yes. A valid Class 1 certificate is required to practise as a commercial pilot (CPL/ATPL). Most schools require proof of medical fitness before formally enrolling students in the integrated ATPL programme.
Are glasses or contact lenses compatible with Class 1?
Yes, within the prescription limits set by EASA Part-MED. Refractive surgery is also compatible if the post-operative result meets the required standards, following a waiting period and specific evaluation.
What happens if I fail the Class 1 examination?
An unfit result can be reviewed. EASA provides for fitness with limitations (OML/OSL), which in many cases is compatible with flying for airlines. A reconsideration process before AESA also exists. Do not automatically assume a pilot career is no longer possible: consult a specialist aeromedical examiner.
Can I sit the initial examination in another EU country?
Yes. If you reside in another EASA country, you may sit the examination at an accredited AeMC there and then request validation from AESA when you are in Spain.
How often must the Class 1 certificate be renewed?
Every 12 months for pilots under 40. Every 6 months from age 40 if acting as commander in single-pilot commercial air transport with passengers. Renewals can be carried out by an authorised AME, not necessarily at an AeMC.
How long does the examination take?
Typically half a day (between 3 and 5 hours), though it may run longer if a test requires repetition or further assessment. Some centres allow the examination to be split across two visits.
Can the psychological assessment result in disqualification?
The psychological evaluation has been part of the initial Class 1 since 2016. It is not a generic personality test: it assesses the absence of disorders that could compromise flight safety. For the vast majority of candidates it presents no obstacle. If there is a history of psychological or psychiatric treatment, it should be disclosed and up-to-date medical documentation brought to the appointment.