What You Need For Your First Medical

Commercial Pilots (CPL, ATPL) Class 1

If you think you may want to become a Commercial Pilot, it is best and cheapest to get the class 1 medical first, rather than a class 2 then later a class 1. When you get a class 1, you get a class 2 automatically.

A class 1 certificate lasts up to one year. If you do not use your class 1 you can let it expire and fly on the class 2. The class 2 certificate lasts up to five years. If you are at a flying school, they will probably require you to maintain your class 1 certificate. Don’t let you class 2 expire by more than 12 months, otherwise you will have to do another initial medical.

Private Pilots (PPL) Class 2

A Private Pilots Licence (PPL) needs a class 2 medical certificate. This can be with IFR or without IFR. IFR is Instrument Flight Rules, and allows flying into cloud.

IFR flying is a lot of work to get and maintain. Most private pilots do not need IFR.

You also get a class 2 medical when you get a class 1.

Air Traffic Controllers Class 3

An air traffic controller’s medical is similar to that for a commercial pilot. The periods between medicals however are different.

You should get your class 3 medical certificate before you enrol in your training course. You can also get a class 1 and 2 medical certificate at the same time. The tests required are the same.

Getting your first CAA medical

Get a CAA ID and pay the CAA fee.
Request a booking with your preferred Aviation Medical Examiner.
Fill in your CAA application form.
Get the extra reports you need done before you see your AME (blood test, special eye report).
If you book with Specialist Medicals, a lab form will be sent out with your booking confirmation email.

Get a CAA ID Number

Please download and fill out page 1 of the form here, then send your request for an ID number to the CAA at med@caa.govt.nz. It may take a few working days to get a CAA ID. You must include a scanned copy of your photo ID (passport or NZ drivers licence) when you send it to the CAA.

You cannot start your medical without this.

If you have had a CAA medical in the past or have a CAA ID number already, you will use that number for your medical. The CAA in Wellington can advise you what your number was/is. Phone +64-4-560-9466.

Pay the CAA Fee

Search online for “CAA online medical fee”.
This is a filing fee that is paid to CAA each time a medical is applied for. The money goes to the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority). You must pay this and provide the receipt number to your ME before they can see you for your medical examination.

Blood Test

You will need fasting lipids and either fasting glucose or HbA1c. Fasting means no food or drink except for water for 8-10 hours prior.

You can request a lab form from your GP or your medical examiner. You can use results that are up to 12 months old. If you have these results, email them to your ME.

If you are on blood pressure or other medication, you may need to do extra blood tests – check with your medical examiner first. If this is a renewal, check your previous MAR (Medical Assessment Report) and certificate issue letter to see if there is anything extra needed.

Audiogram

If you want to be a commercial pilot, you need this for your first medical. If you want to be a private pilot that can fly under IFR you need to have this done.

This can be done on the day at the ME clinic. If you wish to have it done by an audiologist, they must use the CAA form.

Special Eye Report

Most pilots or controllers only need this for their first medical, and then again at age 60, 65 and 70.

Search for “CAA approved optometrists”.  The optometrist must be approved by the CAA, and they must use the CAA Special Eye Report form.

Bring that report along to your medical or have it sent to your ME.

Things to take with you to your medical

You must have filled out your application and sent it to your ME before you go for your medical.

Take:

• Your passport or New Zealand drivers licence.
• Your CAA fee receipt.
• If you wear glasses, take your spare pair as well.
• If you wear contact lenses, take them but do not wear them.

You do not need to fast when you see the doctor for your medical.

It is not compulsory to have the blood, audiometry, and eye reports done before your medical, You can do them afterwards.

You will be asked to provide a urine sample for testing for protein and glucose only when you go for your medical.