Getting into the aviation industry and becoming a commercial pilot is one of the most prestigious and rewarding careers in India. A commercial pilot earns a very handsome salary and enjoys many different perks. Certain steps must be followed in order to get your commercial pilot license. You need to got through a proper commercial pilot trainingto obtain your CPL license. The most important step in becoming a commercial pilot is to clear the DGCA medication exams. These are the standards set by the DGCA for aspiring candidates to become commercial pilots. These medical exams ensure that you are physically and mentally ready to fly an aircraft and can handle the duties and responsibilities of a commercial pilot. If you are an aspirant who wants to know about these medical exams, you have come to the right place.
In this blog, we will provide a complete guide about the DGCA Class 1 & Class 2 Medicals for Commercial Pilot Training in detail.
Understanding of the DGCA class 1 and class 2 medicalsÂ
These are the two standards set by the DGCA for the aspiring candidates. You need to clear these exams or get clearance medically before you can start your professional flying or start your flying learning training. These are two different types that are needed for the following scenarios
Class 2 medical: This is considered the entry-level exam or a health clearance to start your flying training. You must have a class 2 medical before you start your training to fly an aircraft.
Class 1 medical: This is a health clearance that is needed to fly the aircraft professionally. You must have your class 1 medical successfully done before you apply for your CPL license and flying commercially.
Understanding of the class 2 medicalÂ
Class 2 medical is the first step towards your dream. You need to have a class 2 medical certificate or certification before you can board the plane. This is your basic health assessment that signifies that you are fit and ready to start your flying training. If you do not have your class 2 medicals, flying schools will not accept you as a student to teach you to fly.
What is included in the class 2 medicalsÂ
The class 2 medical involves the general test for the body functions
The medical includes the measurement of your height, weight, and normal fitness.
They will check your vision and color blindness as well.
You will have to go through the hearing test to check your hearing capacity
Your blood markers will be checked along with urine tests
Respiratory tests will be there, along with the heart and overall body checkups
Lung tests will also be required to check your physical fitness
These tests ensure that you are fit and fine to fly an aircraft, and no issues will bother you while learning or flying an aircraft.
Where can you give the DGCA medical exams or checkups?
DGCA has a list of approved medical examiners who green-light the candidate for the medical exams. They can be checked on the DGCA website. They are present PAN India and can be checked in your state as well.
These medical certificates are generally valid for 2 years, and the validity varies with age. Older candidates have less validity for the medical exams.
It is a mandate that must be done in order to start your flying training. Without the class 2 medicals, you will not be entertained. This will help you to get your student pilot license which will be needed during the flying training. This will be the first step in your journey to obtain your main CPL license.
The class 1 medical: standard for flying commercially and professionallyÂ
Understanding the class 1 medicalÂ
The class 1 medical is a more in-depth and rigorous assessment of the health. The CPL candidates must have a class 1 medical before they apply for their CPL license. It’s just not mandatory for the CPL candidates, but also for the professional pilots who are flying professionally.
This involves the assessment of a deeper level to check your health, stress tolerance level, physical stress, and many other criteria that come with professional flying.
What is included under the class 1 medical exams?
Class 1 medicals include all the class 2 medical tests
Vision tests, including visual field tests and other detailed tests of vision.
Hearing tests (detailed hearing evaluation).
Proper examination and test of the Ear, Nose, and Throat.
Neurological evaluation.
Psychological testing.
Lung function tests are also done.
Treadmill or stress ECG if required.
Comprehensive blood and urine tests.
Where are class 1 medical procedures performed?
These are deeper tests and are not performed with the regular doctor. They have done so under the guidance of the DGCA-approved facilities. These are mainly done in the Air Force medical boards, DGCA-approved aviation medical center or hospitals and designated clinics.
What will be the validity of the class 1 medical certificate?
The class 1 medical certificate will be valid for the following time period
It is valid for 1 year if you are under the age of 40 years.
It is valid for 6 months if you are above 40 years of age.
Periodically screening and checkups are mandatory for a commercial pilot test
What is the process to follow to book the DGCA medical exams?Â
Book class 2 medical exam
The first step is to book your class 2 medical exam. It is the first mandatory step before you apply for the CPL license and class1 medical certificate. Get your tests done under a DGCA-approved medical center and wait for the results.
Class 2 assessmentÂ
The doctor will send your class 2 medical assessment to the DGCA, and you will receive it from them. You will get it from the email or DGCA approved online portal.
Start applying for your Class 1 medicalÂ
Once you get your class 2 medical certificate, you can apply for the class 1 medical. You need to provide your documents and a class 2 medical certificate during the application for the medical test.
Get your tests done under the DGCA-approved facility and wait for the assessment for the DGCA. When you clear your Class 1 medical screening, you will receive this Class 1 medical certificate that will be a big achievement in your journey towards becoming a commercial pilot.
BlockqouteÂ
DGCA medicals ensure pilots are fit to fly safely and professionally.
ConclusionÂ
Becoming a commercial pilot is a big responsibility that defines your character and personality. It is a big job that must be done with full responsibility and focus. GHCA class 1 and class 2 medicals are mandatory for the candidates and pilots to ensure their own safety and that of their passengers. Cleaning these medical exams is a major milestone in your journey towards the CPL license.
Narain Aviation is a top flying school that provides you with industry-based learning in getting your CPL license. The school is run by the air force veterans and aviation industry experts. Feel free to check the courses and services provided by the school for aviation industry aspirants.
Contact detailsÂ
Flying school – Narain Aviation
Address – M-170, 2, 2nd Main Rd, East Of NGEF, Kasturi Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560043
Contact – +91-9148402949
WhatsApp – 919945225068
E-mail – [email protected]
Frequently asked questionsÂ
Which is the best flying school for commercial pilot training?
Narain Aviation is the most trusted flying school for commercial pilot training.
Is it mandatory to have a class 2 medical before I start my flying training?
It is mandatory to have a class 2 medical exam cleared before you start your flying training in a flying school.
What is the validation for the class 1 medical certificate?
It is valid for 1 year for candidates aged less than 40 and 6 months for those above 40.
Where can I appear for my DGCA medicals?
These are done in the DGCA-approved medical center or hospitals. You can check in your state or city on the DGCA website.
Can I do the class 1 medical before the class 2 medical exam?
You cannot appear in the class 1 medical exam before you pass the class 2 medical exam.
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He had served in the Meteorological Branch of the Indian Air Force for over 25 years. He not only has had years of experience in operational weather forecasting across the country but had also served in the capacity of Joint Director involving administrative and policy matters.
He was part of IPKF in Sri Lanka and served during various operations. He was actively involved in issuing timely forecasts for cyclones over Kutch and during earthquake at Bhuj.
He has deep knowledge of Meteorology and forecasting based on years of experience having served in most parts of the country. This practical knowledge mixed with years of teaching experience is very helpful in his current assignment.
Besides all of the above, he has had the opportunity of teaching Met for over five years to young trainee pilots at flying academies in Bidar and Hakimpet. At these places, young trainees from Fighter and Helicopter stream were trained to become pilots’ in the Indian Air Force.
A Squadron Commander in the IAF, she has handled the responsibilities of a Senior Air Traffic Controller, Radar Controller and a Duty Air Traffic Controller. She was the operational and administration head for more than 70 personnel in a squadron, which included officers and airmen.
Implementation of Airport procedures and enforcing field rules and regulations at diverse IAF bases with varied traffic conditions.
Successfully handled Aircraft operations as Senior Air Traffic controller at busy Air Force bases like Tezpur, Jodhpur, Bidar and Hakimpet which have complex flying environments, handling mixed traffic of defence as well as civil airplanes.
Successfully delivered results while working under challenging conditions and resource constraints. Possesses the ability to integrate and motivate diverse teams by creating positive work environment to facilitate high grade performance.
A retired fighter pilot, with versatile experience of 30 yrs. in the IAF, comprising Flying Training primarily, Operations and Flight Safety, apart from Surface to Air Missiles and Radars.
Over 17 yrs as a pilot, including second-in-command of a Flying Squadron. Total Flying of 2,350 hrs (4000 sorties), on Maruts, MiG-21s, Kirans, HT-2s and HPT-32s. Have force-landed aircraft without engine power twice, as a trainee (jet trainer aircraft) and as an Instructor (propeller trainer aircraft).
Qualified/Chief Flying Instructor twice at the Air Force Academy, 900 hrs instructional flying with trainees. Chief Ground Instructor at AF Stn Bidar, handling all Ground Training for flying
Commander of a Missile Squadron of 375 technical, operational and support personnel, for 3 yrs. Best Guided Weapons Squadron twice, 1997-98 and 1999-2000.
Director/Senior Flying Training Officer at HQ Training Command IAF, Bangalore for 5 yrs. Responsible for induction and operations of Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers and Flight Simulators at Bidar, Flying Instructors’ School at Tambaram and Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT).
Qualified Flying Instructor, trained at Flying Instructors’ School, Tambaram, Chennai(1990) Second in Flying and fifth in overall merit at commissioning.
Air Marshal Ravinath Gururaj Burli (Retd) has a distinguished record of four decades of service. He has been an instructor at Flying Instructors School (FIS), Tactics And Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), Defence Services Staff College (DSSC).
He was Commandant at Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, where he trained the young air force cadets learn flying training.
He brings his immense knowledge to train young students at our institute in Navigation, Instruments and Radio aids. His passion for teaching is amazing and fabulous.
These are the two standards set by the DGCA for the aspiring candidates. You need to clear these exams or get clearance medically before you can start your professional flying or start your flying learning training. These are two different types that are needed for the following scenarios
