Why the medical comes first
The Class 1 medical is the cheapest item in your training budget and the only one that can end the project on day one. Book the initial examination at an approved aeromedical centre (AeMC) before signing anything with a flight school. Initial certificates must be issued at a centre; revalidations can later be done by individual examiners (AMEs).
What the examination covers
Plan for half a day: medical history questionnaire, eyesight and colour vision, hearing (audiogram), ECG, lung function, blood and urine tests, plus a general physical. Bring glasses/contact prescriptions, any specialist reports, and a list of medications. The examiners are not trying to fail you — most findings lead to additional tests, not denial.
The common worry list
Eyesight: correctable vision within generous limits is fine; laser surgery is usually acceptable after a healed waiting period with stable results. Colour vision: failing Ishihara plates triggers more precise secondary tests (CAD or lantern) that many people pass. Asthma, ADHD history, anxiety/depression: not automatic bars — outcomes depend on severity, treatment and stability, assessed case by case. BMI and blood pressure: managed thresholds, often resolved with a GP letter and follow-up readings.
If something gets flagged
A deferral means the AeMC needs specialist input before certifying — it is not a refusal. Get the requested reports quickly, stay polite and persistent, and if you receive an outright denial, use the formal review/appeal route; reversals happen. One practical tip: answer the history questionnaire truthfully. Omissions discovered later are treated far more seriously than the conditions themselves.
This guide is general information, not medical advice — your AME/AeMC is the authority on your individual case.