Classes of medical certificates
The certificate of psychophysical fitness is divided into five categories: the 1st class, which is used by professional pilots; the 2nd class, for enthusiasts (private pilots, glider pilots, hot air balloon pilots); the medical examination for LAPL, which is a second “reduced” class that takes into account the very limited operations that can be carried out with this license; the medical examination for cabin crews; and finally the 3rd class medical examination, for flight controllers.
As we have already mentioned during our journey, it is always good to undergo these visits before starting any training activity to avoid any unpleasant inconvenience. It may happen that you have some abnormal parameters, which in normal life do not involve any limitations and which perhaps you have never noticed but which fall within the limitations of a certain type of certificate.
If you decide to become a professional pilot, for example, by opting for a modular course, it is best to request a 1st class check right from the start of the PPL, otherwise you run the risk of having to stop after the first phase.
To obtain the 1st class, it is necessary to contact the Aeromedical Centers which are clinics (public or private) certified by EASA to take these exams. Instead, for other visits, it is possible to request an appointment in one of the medical offices (also obviously certified) that can now be found in almost every city and whose list is on the websites of the national aeronautical authorities.
For renewal, however, you can go to doctors certified for both the 1st and other classes.
