Dr Michael Dobson is a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). He graduated from Deakin University Medical School in 2016 and has experience working in the Australian Defence Force since 2005.

Depending on your age, class of medical certificate and medical conditions, additional investigations may be required prior to your aviation medical examination. Please refer to the CASA website (https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certification/aviation-medicine/44-special-reports-and-tests-required-medical) for further information or contact our reception for further advice.

Prior to attending for your aviation medical examination, please ensure you have completed the health questionnaire and made payment to CASA via MRS (https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certification/avmed/pilots-and-air-traffic-controllers).

If you wear corrective lenses, please ensure you bring two pairs to your aviation medical examination appointment.

For more information on the CASA process for aviation medical certificates, please refer to the CASA website (https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certification/avmed/pilots-and-air-traffic-controllers).

Fees:

Please contact our reception team on 03 5975 2633 for information regarding Aviation medical examination fees.

Other associated costs (depending on age and license type):

• ECG performed by Dorevitch Pathology ($66 approx.)
• Blood tests arranged through and pathology through Dorevitch Pathology (cost varies depending on tests required)
• Hearing test (costs vary according to provider)
• Aviation ophthalmology examination (Optometrists and Aviation Ophthalmologists set their own fees)

Why is an aviation medical certificate required?

To maintain and enhance aviation safety, a valid medical certificate appropriate for the class of licence is required for the licence holder to legally exercise the privileges of their specific licence.

CASA issues aviation medical certificates to applicants who meet the relevant medical standard.

Each class of medical certificate also has a medical standard set out in tables in Part 67 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations.

Classes of medical certificates

Class 1 medical certificate

You need a Class 1 medical certificate for these licences:

• Air Transport Pilot Licence
• Commercial Pilot Licence (other than balloons)
• Multi-crew Pilot (aeroplane) Licence
• Flight Engineer Licence
• Student Flight Engineer Licence

A Class 1 medical certificate is valid for one year, unless otherwise advised. A Class 2 certificate is generally granted at the same time as a Class 1 certificate but generally valid for longer.

Class 2 medical certificate

You need a Class 2 medical certificate for these licences:

• Recreational Pilot Licence
• Private Pilot Licence
• Commercial Pilot (Balloon) Licence.

Commercial pilots with a Class 2 medical certificate can only fly commercial flights without passengers if the maximum take-off weight is less than 8618 kilograms. This includes in-flight training. Student pilots must have a Class 2 (or Basic Class 2) medical certificate before they can fly solo.

Certificates are valid for four years if you are under 40 years on the day of your medical examination or two years if you are over 40 years.

Basic Class 2 medical certificate

A Basic Class 2 medical certificate is available as an alternative to a full Class 2 certificate for private operations and has the following operational restrictions:

• Only private day operations under the visual flight rules (VFR) and below 10,000 feet
• A maximum of five passengers
• Only piston engine aircraft
• Maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of less than 8618kg
• No use of operational ratings (e.g. instructor rating, instrument rating)
• No use of flight activity endorsements (e.g. aerobatics, low level)

* These restrictions don’t apply if a suitably qualified pilot with a valid Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificate is in a control seat.

You can get a Basic Class 2 examination from any medical practitioner who does medicals for commercial motor vehicle drivers. The medical standard is exactly the same as the commercial driver standard (Austroads). You will be issued a Basic Class 2 medical certificate if you unconditionally meet the standard (except for glasses and hearing aids).

If you don’t pass your Basic Class 2 medical, or you have a pre-existing medical condition, you will need a full DAME assessment to apply for a Class 2 medical certificate. DAMEs have more flexibility to consider the specific circumstances in an aviation context.

Class 3 medical certificate

You need a Class 3 medical certificate for these licences:

• Air Traffic Control Licence
• Flight Service Officers

A Class 3 medical certificate is valid for two years, unless otherwise advised.

Recreational Aviation Medical Practitioner’s Certificate

The Basic Class 2 medical certificate does not replace the Recreational Aviation Medical Practitioner’s Certificate (RAMPC). A current RAMPC is still valid if you have a recreational pilot licence, but with the following restrictions:

• Only single engine piston aircraft (fixed wing or helicopter) with a maximum take-off weight of 1500kg or less
• Only day operations under the visual flight rules (VFR) and below 10,000 feet 
• No more than one passenger on board
• No acrobatic flight

If you have a RAMPC you must:

• Meet the Australian Fitness to Drive unconditional private drivers’ requirements (https://austroads.com.au/drivers-and-vehicles/assessing-fitness-to-drive/for-private-vehicle-owners)
• Not have any of the disqualifying conditions as detailed in the CASA RAMPC application form (https://www.casa.gov.au/files/recreational-aviation-medical-practitioner%E2%80%99s-certificate-rampc-form-166)