Your guide to the ICAO Class 1 medical — what to expect

Of all the gates between an ambitious teenager and a pilot's seat, the Class 1 medical is the most quietly worried about. It shouldn't be.

What it actually is

The Class 1 medical certifies that you meet the physical and mental standards set in ICAO Annex 1 to operate commercially. It is renewed annually until age 40, and every 6 months after — it's structured, predictable, and largely about disclosure.

“The medical is not a test you fail. It's a baseline you record.” — Dr. Amani Habib · AME-II, Cairo

Tests, in the order you'll see them

1. Eyesight — distance, colour vision (Ishihara), depth perception
2. Audiogram — both ears, frequencies 500–3000 Hz
3. ECG — resting 12-lead
4. Spirometry — lung capacity
5. Urinalysis — drugs of abuse, sugar, protein
6. Physical exam — head-to-toe with AME

Total time on the day: 3–5 hours. Bring your passport, any reading glasses you depend on, and a list of medications you currently take. Eat normally — there is no fasting requirement for Class 1.