Av medicals, class 1 & 2 differences?

Question

what are the differences between class one and two aviation medicals. i know what is involved in class two as i have had one and passed it.

i also know that a class one is renewed each year.

but, is the examination any different?

if so, what more is there?

i guess they are identical through all countries, but if it helps im in australia...

Answer 1

50 bucks. Seriously there all all kinds of waviers and more liberal limits for 3rd, less for 2nd and almost almost none for 1st with out major paper work and blessing. 1st class last 6 mo, 2nd last 12 mo and 3rd 24 months. You can't fly for the airlines, at least as a Captain, with out a 1st class medical. Co-pilot or First Officer requires a 2nd class but some airlines req 2nd officers get 1st class medicales.  

Also the 1st requires an EKG every other 6 mo check year or more when you get over a certain age. It gets repeated more often as you get older. I forgot the schedule. I recall age 35 is the first base line EKG.

If you are not an airline pilot don't get a 1st class. If you are not a flight instructor or need a commercial license for hire than don't get a 2nd. There is no prize or status having a medical of higher level than you need and it opens you up for more "probing".

BTW for men a prostate exam is optional. If you never had it done and are in your 40's better get it done, no extra charge for the finger, ouch, ha-ha. If you are a female and the doctor wants to do a prostate exam run don't walk, ha-ha.

Answer 2

Class one has an EKG standard, with class two that's only after 40 I believe. Furthermore the validity is different, class one is valid for one year if you're below 40 and half a year over 40.

I never had a class two examination, so I don't know if an EEG is standard there but it is in a class one and is valid for 5 years.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

Class 1 is much more strict and is taken by airline pilots, class 2 is slightly more flexible.