Aviation Medical Examination

To train as a pilot you must undergo an Aviation Medical examination. These are “general” medicals and anyone with good general health should have no trouble passing.

The tests include an ECG (for the heart), an audio test and an eye test (note: wearing glasses/contact lenses does NOT prevent you from passing this medical. Your eyesight would need to be very poor before it becomes a problem).

For basic questions you can contact us (we are not aviation medical experts) or if your question is of a more complex nature contact your nearest aviation medical examiner.

If you are studying for the Commercial Pilot Licence you will need a Class 1 Aviation Medical. If you are ONLY studying for the Private Pilot Licence then a Class 2 aviation medical is all you need.

Whilst the aviation medical can be done after arrival in Australia, it is always advisable to do it before you depart if there is an approved examiner not too far away from you.

There are a number of doctors overseas who are approved by the Australian CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) to conduct these examinations. Click Here to view CASA’s list of approved overseas doctors.

Aviation Medical note:

Before you book your Aviation Medical you need your ARN (Aviation Reference Number)

The ARN is just a number that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) will allocate you so that they can identify you in all future dealings with you. For example, when you do an exam, a flight test, security clearances, medicals, license issue etc

To get your ARN you need to complete the ARN application form that can be downloaded here, then scan and email to CASA at clarc@casa.gov.au. With your application you will also need to send a scanned copy of some identification. There is a list of accepted documents on the application but the most common identification to use is the photo page of your passport.

The ARN should be issued within 5 working days and you can then use this to book your aviation medical.

On the application form, please ensure you tick “email” as your preferred method of contact so that CASA emails the ARN straight to you.

THEN:

Once your ARN is issued you then need to register with the MRS (Medical Records System) https://mrs.casa.gov.au/Applicant/

Note: the certification you are registering for is a Class 1 medical

Once you are registered, you can then make your appointment with a CASA approved medical examiner for your aviation medical.

The list of CASA overseas medical examiners is available here

When you return home to convert your licence you will need to pass a local aviation medical. You can contact your local Civil Aviation Authority (or equivalent) to find out more. Click here for a link to a list of most Government Aviation Authorities worldwide.