Aviation Medical FAQs
Answers to common questions about aviation medicals and appointments with Altitude Aeromedical in Farnborough.
Do I need a medical for a Private Pilot Licence?
A Medical Certificate is the minimum medical standard for a UK Part-FCL Private Pilot Licence (PPL). Other licences and flying privileges may have different medical requirements.
Do you provide initial medicals?
Yes. Altitude Aeromedical provides initial medical examinations as well as revalidation and renewal appointments.
What is the difference between revalidation and renewal?
Revalidation is undertaken while your existing Medical Certificate is still valid. Renewal applies when your certificate has already expired.
A medical can normally be revalidated up to 45 days before expiry without losing the remaining validity of your current certificate.
How long is a Medical Certificate valid?
Validity depends on your age:
- Under 40: normally 60 months, but not beyond your 42nd birthday.
- Age 40–49: normally 24 months, but not beyond your 51st birthday.
- Age 50 and over: 12 months.
What happens during a medical?
The assessment depends on whether your examination is an initial, revalidation or renewal and on your individual circumstances. It may include review of your medical history, physical examination, eyesight, hearing, blood pressure, urinalysis and other investigations where required.
Will I need an ECG?
For a medical, an ECG is required at the initial examination, at the first examination after age 40, at the first examination after age 50 and every two years thereafter. An ECG may also be required where clinically indicated.
What if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
Please bring your glasses or contact lenses with you. You should also bring your most recent optician's report where applicable.
See Preparing for Your Medical for the full appointment checklist.
Can I have a medical if I take medication?
Taking medication does not automatically prevent you from holding a Medical Certificate. The relevance will depend on the medication, the condition being treated and the applicable UK CAA medical requirements.
Please bring details of your current medication to your appointment.
What if I have an existing medical condition?
Many medical conditions can be compatible with aviation medical certification, but additional information or specialist reports may sometimes be required.
If you have a significant medical condition, recent diagnosis, operation, hospital treatment or significant change in medication, please contact Altitude Aeromedical before your appointment.
Will I receive my medical certificate on the day?
Where all applicable medical requirements are met and no further information or investigation is required, it may be possible for your certificate to be issued at the appointment.
In some cases, further medical information, investigation or UK CAA input may be required before a certification decision can be made. Attending a medical examination does not guarantee that a certificate will be issued.
Do I need to complete anything before my appointment?
Yes. You should complete the required UK CAA Cellma medical application before attending your appointment.
Please see Preparing for Your Medical for details of what you need to complete and bring with you.
Do I need to provide a urine sample?
Yes. Urinalysis forms part of the medical assessment, so please arrive reasonably well hydrated and able to provide a urine sample.
How much does a medical cost?
An initial medical including ECG is £250. Revalidation or renewal is £200.
An additional ECG or audiogram, where required, is £50 each.
See Appointments & Fees for further information.
Do I have to pay when I book?
A £50 deposit is payable when booking online. This secures your appointment and is deducted from the total examination fee. The remaining balance is payable at the clinic.
Where are the medicals carried out?
Appointments take place in a private consulting room within North Camp Pharmacy, 39–41 Camp Road, North Camp, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 6EN.
See Farnborough Clinic for further information.
Is parking available near the clinic?
Yes. There are public parking options within walking distance of the clinic. Some on-street parking has a limited maximum stay, so please allow sufficient time.
See our Parking page for more information.
Can I fly to Farnborough for my medical?
Some pilots may choose to fly into Farnborough Airport and continue to the clinic by local transport. Pilots are responsible for making their own arrangements with the airport and checking current access, PPR, handling and other operational requirements before travelling.
See Finding the Clinic for travel information.
When are appointments available?
Clinics are held on selected Fridays and Saturday mornings. Dates vary according to availability rather than following a fixed repeating schedule.
The online booking system shows the current clinic dates and appointment times available.