To get your CASA medical certificate, you’ll need to book an appointment with a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The process includes a medical questionnaire, a pilot medical exam, and tests such as hearing and eye exams. It also includes blood tests and an ECG. While some medical conditions require additional review, most future pilots can obtain a Class 1 aviation medical. With good preparation, success is likely.
Key Summary
- A CASA Class 1 Medical Certificate is required for commercial pilots in Australia.
- A CASA-approved DAME must conduct your pilot medical examination.
- The assessment includes a medical exam, hearing test, eye test, blood test and ECG.
- Dementia, psychosis and epilepsy are automatic disqualifiers.
- Clinicians assess most other medical conditions and medications on a case-by-case basis.
- Pilot students should book their CASA medical early.
- SAR Aviation Medical and Dr Sean Runacres are experienced providers of aviation medical exams in Australia.
What Is a CASA Class 1 Medical Certificate?
A CASA Class 1 Medical Certificate is the highest level of aviation medical certification in Australia. You must do this to:
- Obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
- Apply for an Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)
- Work as a professional or airline pilot
This Class 1 aviation medical confirms you meet the health standards for safe commercial flight operations.
Who Needs a Class 1 Aviation Medical in Australia?
You will need a CASA Class 1 medical certificate if you are:
- Training to become a commercial pilot
- Planning an airline career
- Working as a professional pilot in Australia
At Holmes Institute Aviation, we strongly encourage students to complete their pilot medical exam in Australia. We recommend doing this before or early in flight training.
What Happens During a Pilot Medical Examination?
A Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) must conduct your aviation medical exam in Australia.
According to Dr Sean Runacres from SAR Aviation Medical, a CASA Class 1 medical has five main parts.
- The medical examination
- A hearing test for pilots
- An eyesight test to meet CASA requirements
- A blood test
- An ECG test for pilots
Step 1: CASA Medical Questionnaire
Before attending your appointment, you must complete the CASA medical questionnaire online. This outlines your medical history, medications and any existing conditions.
Step 2: The Physical Examination
During your pilot medical examination, the DAME will:
- Review your CASA questionnaire
- Examine your heart and lungs
- Check your abdomen
- Assess joints, muscles and mobility
- Evaluate overall physical health
Step 3: Additional Testing
You will also complete:
- A hearing test
- An eye test to confirm you meet aviation eyesight requirements
- Blood testing
- An ECG to assess heart rhythm
You may need further assessment depending on your medical history.
Spotlight on SAR Aviation Medical and Dr Sean Runacres
When booking your CASA medical certificate appointment, choosing an experienced DAME is important.
Dr Sean Runacres is a medical doctor and CASA-approved Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) at SAR Aviation Medical in Australia. He holds a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and is completing his night rating. This means he understands the passion and commitment needed for aviation.
Dr Runacres holds the Australian Certificate in Civil Aviation Medicine (ACCAM) and has also completed the Advanced Practical Aviation Medicine course with Monash University. This advanced training, delivered within the Singaporean Air Force, provided hands-on experience in:
- G-force exposure
- Spatial disorientation
- Night vision training
- Ejection seat simulator training
This specialised background in aviation medicine gives him deep insight into the physical demands placed on pilots.
Why Choose SAR Aviation Medical?
Dr Runacres knows a CASA Class 1 medical certificate is more than paperwork. It can shape a pilot’s career, income, and future.
He recognises that:
- A medical clearance supports your professional flying career
- CASA medical approval can impact your livelihood
- Careful, thorough assessment matters
While CASA makes the final certification decision, Dr Runacres works closely with pilots and their doctors. He ensures all options are explored before medical clearance is declined.
For student, commercial, and airline pilots in Australia, SAR Aviation Medical offers pilot medical exams. They bring experience, aviation knowledge, and a clear understanding of CASA medical rules.
Medical Conditions That May Affect Your CASA Medical
Many aspiring pilots worry about what disqualifies them from a CASA medical.
There are three automatic disqualifiers:
- Dementia
- Psychosis
- Epilepsy
All other medical conditions are assessed individually. CASA considers:
- Diagnosis severity
- Stability
- Risk factors
- Reports from treating specialists
Most medical conditions, when properly managed, do not automatically prevent you from obtaining a CASA medical certificate.
Medications and Flying: What You Need to Know
When assessing medications under CASA medical requirements, two factors are considered:
- What the medication does to your body
- The underlying medical condition
Some medications may affect alertness, cognition or cardiovascular function. However, many pilots successfully maintain certification while managing medical conditions under supervision.
The key is transparency, documentation and working closely with your DAME.
How to Prepare for Your CASA Medical Examination
To prepare for your Class 1 aviation medical:
- Book with a CASA-approved DAME
- Complete the CASA medical questionnaire thoroughly
- Follow all pre-appointment instructions
- Bring required documentation
- Attend all required tests (hearing, eyesight, ECG, blood tests)
Reading and following instructions carefully will make the process much smoother.
Why Getting Your Medical Early Is Important
If you are planning how to become a pilot in Australia, your medical certificate should be one of your first steps.
Completing your CASA Class 1 Medical Certificate early ensures:
- You meet the medical requirements for commercial pilots
- There are no unexpected delays
- You can confidently progress through flight training
At Holmes Institute Aviation, we recommend securing your aviation medical before committing to full commercial pilot training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CASA Class 1 medical cost in Australia?
Costs vary depending on the DAME and any additional specialist testing required.
How long is a CASA Class 1 medical valid?
Class 1 Medical is only valid for 1 Year and must be renewed annually to continue flying as a commercial pilot.
What disqualifies you from a CASA medical?
Dementia, psychosis and epilepsy are automatic disqualifiers. Other conditions are assessed case-by-case.
Can you fly if you take medication?
It depends on the medication and the underlying condition. CASA assesses both carefully.
When should I get my pilot medical examination?
Ideally, before or early in your commercial pilot training.
Conclusion
Obtaining your CASA Class 1 Medical Certificate in Australia is an essential step toward becoming a commercial pilot. While the pilot medical exam is thorough, it keeps flying safe. It also helps qualified pilots build rewarding aviation careers.
With preparation, transparency and support from experienced providers such as SAR Aviation Medical, most applicants successfully meet CASA medical requirements.
If you’re planning a future in aviation, getting your CASA medical early gives you clarity, confidence, and momentum. It also helps as you start your training journey.
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