RPL & PPL Medical Certificate Australia: Class 2 Requirements Explained

Before you can solo, before you sit your theory exam, and certainly before you hold any pilot licence in Australia, you need to pass a medical examination. For student pilots pursuing an RPL or PPL, that means obtaining a Class 2 medical certificate from CASA.

This guide explains everything you need to know: what the Class 2 medical involves, how to find a DAME, what conditions can affect your application, and what to do if your first assessment doesn't go smoothly.

What medical certificate do I need for an RPL or PPL?

In Australia, the medical certificate requirements depend on which licence you're pursuing:

Licence	Minimum medical required	Who issues it
RPL (Recreational Pilot Licence)	Basic Class 2	CASA Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME)
PPL (Private Pilot Licence)	Class 2	CASA Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME)
CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence)	Class 1	CASA Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME)

The Basic Class 2 is a streamlined version of the full Class 2, introduced when the RPL replaced the Student Pilot Licence. It has slightly reduced requirements — appropriate for the day VFR privileges an RPL covers. If you later progress to a PPL, you will need to apply for and be issued a full Class 2 medical certificate, which may require additional assessment. This is not an automatic upgrade — you should discuss this with your DAME when the time comes.

In practice, many DAMEs can assess both standards during the same consultation, so it may be worth asking about obtaining the full Class 2 certificate from the outset if you plan to progress to a PPL. This can save time and cost later.

What is a DAME?

A Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) is a medical doctor authorised by CASA to conduct aviation medical assessments. They are not CASA employees — they are private practitioners (usually GPs or specialists) who have undertaken training in aviation medicine and been approved by CASA to issue certificates.

DAMEs can issue Class 2 and Class 3 medical certificates directly. For Class 1 certificates, they can examine you but must refer the assessment to CASA's Aeromedical Branch for final issuing.

You can find a DAME near you using the CASA website's DAME locator tool. There are DAMEs in all major cities and most regional centres with an aerodrome.

What does the Class 2 medical examination involve?

The DAME examination typically takes 30–60 minutes and covers the following areas.

General health history

You'll complete a detailed medical questionnaire covering your past and current health conditions, medications, hospitalisations, and mental health history. Be thorough and honest — CASA cross-references information and non-disclosure of a material condition can result in suspension or cancellation of your certificate later.

Vision

Your DAME will test the following aspects of your vision:

• Distant visual acuity: Must meet CASA's prescribed standards in each eye separately and binocularly (corrected or uncorrected). Your DAME will assess whether your vision meets the required standard for the class of medical you are applying for.
• Near vision: Assessed for the ability to read instruments at typical cockpit distances.
• Colour vision: Must be able to correctly identify aviation signal colours (red, green, white). Defective colour vision does not automatically disqualify you — additional colour vision testing (such as the Farnsworth D-15 or similar) may be required, and an operational colour vision restriction may be imposed instead of outright refusal.
• Visual fields: Peripheral vision assessed by confrontation or perimetry.

Hearing

You must be able to hear a conversational voice at 2 metres with each ear separately. If there is doubt, a formal audiogram will be requested. Hearing aids are generally not permitted for Class 2 medical holders, though this is subject to CASA's case-by-case assessment.

Cardiovascular

The cardiovascular assessment covers blood pressure, pulse, and an ECG (electrocardiogram). The ECG becomes mandatory from age 40 onwards for Class 2 renewal. Borderline blood pressure readings may require further investigation before the certificate is issued.

Neurological

The examination includes a basic neurological assessment covering reflexes and coordination. A history of epilepsy, stroke, or significant head injury requires careful assessment — these don't automatically disqualify you, but they do require additional specialist review.

Mental health

This is an area where many applicants have questions. CASA's approach has evolved significantly in recent years. A history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions does not automatically disqualify you from a Class 2 medical. What matters is:

• Whether the condition is stable and well-managed.
• Whether any medications used are on CASA's approved list.
• Whether the condition itself or its treatment could impair flying ability.

Be honest with your DAME. Many pilots successfully hold medical certificates with managed mental health conditions. Concealment creates far more risk than disclosure.

Urinalysis

A urine sample is checked for glucose (screening for diabetes), protein, and blood. Abnormal results may trigger further investigation before the certificate is issued.

General physical examination

This includes assessment of height and weight, abdomen, and musculoskeletal system. Obesity alone does not disqualify you, but conditions associated with it (sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes) may require additional assessment.

How much does a Class 2 medical cost?

DAME consultation fees for a Class 2 medical typically range from $200 to $400 across Australia, with higher fees common in metropolitan areas. The consultation fee does not include:

• Blood tests (if required).
• Specialist referrals.
• Any follow-up investigations CASA's Aeromedical Branch may request.
• CASA's certificate administration fee (included in some DAME fees, billed separately by others).

Phone ahead and ask your chosen DAME what their fee includes and whether they bulk-bill Medicare for any component. Aviation medicals are not routinely bulk-billed, but some practitioners offer partial Medicare rebates for the general physical examination component.

How long is a Class 2 medical valid?

Age at issuance	Validity period
Under 40	4 years
40 or older	2 years

You must hold a current medical certificate when exercising the privileges of your licence. Renew before the expiry date — you cannot legally fly on an expired medical, even by a single day.

Common reasons for medical deferral or restriction

A deferral means your DAME is referring your application to CASA's Aeromedical Branch for further review. It is not a refusal. Common reasons include:

• Blood pressure: Readings above 155/95 mmHg typically require treatment before a certificate is issued, or monitoring over multiple readings.
• Colour vision deficiency: Requires additional testing; may result in a limitation rather than refusal.
• History of mental health treatment: Requires additional documentation; approved antidepressants (SSRIs) are now accepted in many cases.
• Diabetes: Diet-controlled or tablet-controlled type 2 diabetes may be approved; insulin-dependent diabetes generally disqualifies for Class 2.
• History of cardiac arrhythmia or cardiac surgery: Requires specialist review and may have operational limitations.
• Sleep apnoea: If treated (CPAP), may be acceptable with compliance monitoring.
• Epilepsy: Generally disqualifying unless seizure-free for 10+ years without medication.

Special medical certificates

If you have a condition that prevents you from holding a standard Class 2 certificate, CASA can issue a Special Medical Certificate with operational limitations. These allow pilots with certain conditions to fly with restrictions — for example, requiring a co-pilot, limiting flight to daytime VFR, or requiring specific medical monitoring.

The Special Medical Certificate process is individual and may take some time, but it means a medical condition that doesn't meet standard requirements isn't necessarily the end of your flying career.

Tips for a smooth DAME appointment

1. Get your paperwork together first. Bring a list of all current medications (including supplements), any specialist letters about past conditions, and your glasses or contact lenses if you use them.
2. Get a good night's sleep beforehand. Sleep deprivation can temporarily elevate blood pressure and affect alertness during the examination.
3. Disclose everything. CASA takes honesty seriously. If a condition comes to light after your certificate is issued that you didn't disclose, you risk suspension or cancellation — and potentially criminal liability for flying with a known condition.
4. If you're borderline on blood pressure, attend the appointment well-rested, avoid caffeine on the day, and give yourself extra time so you're not rushing in. Some DAMEs will take multiple readings over the appointment.
5. Ask questions. If you have a condition you're unsure about, call CASA's Aeromedical Branch or the DAME before your appointment. They can give you a realistic sense of whether your condition is likely to be an issue.

The medical doesn't have to come first

One common misconception: you don't have to obtain your medical certificate before starting theory study or even before your first training flight under instruction. You are not exercising the privileges of a licence when flying dual with an instructor.

This means you can start your ground school and theory exam preparation immediately, before you've even booked a DAME appointment. Many students do exactly that — they study for the theory exams while completing their medical paperwork, so both are ready around the same time.

However, you must hold a current medical certificate before you can fly solo. So don't leave it too late — DAME appointments can sometimes be booked out weeks in advance, and if your application is deferred to CASA's Aeromedical Branch, it may take additional time to resolve.

What comes after the medical?

Once you hold a current Class 2 medical certificate, you're cleared to fly solo and to sit your CASA RPL theory exam. The RPL theory exam is administered by CASA (via its approved examination provider), not by individual flight schools. Here's what to expect:

• For RPL: A single BAK (Basic Aeronautical Knowledge) exam. The exam is 2 hours in duration, and the pass mark is 70%. The number of questions is not publicly specified by CASA. The exam fee is $189.53 ($124.53 invigilator fee + $65 CASA fee). You may also need additional endorsement exams for cross-country and controlled-airspace operations.
• For PPL: Seven separate subject exams (Air Law, Human Performance, Meteorology, Navigation, Aircraft General Knowledge, Flight Performance and Planning, and Operational Procedures).

The Pilot Exam is built specifically for Australian student pilots preparing for these exams. You can start with a free practice exam — no credit card required — and work your way through 1,000+ CASA-style questions across all theory subjects.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a medical certificate to get my RPL in Australia?

Yes. To exercise the privileges of an RPL you must hold at least a Basic Class 2 medical certificate issued by CASA. The medical must be current at the time of each flight.

What is a Class 2 medical certificate in Australia?

A Class 2 medical certificate is a CASA-issued aviation medical that certifies a pilot is medically fit to exercise the privileges of a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL). It is assessed by a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME). The standard is less stringent than a Class 1 (required for commercial pilots).

How much does a Class 2 aviation medical cost in Australia?

The cost of a DAME consultation for a Class 2 medical in Australia typically ranges from $200 to $400 depending on the examiner and location. This does not include any additional specialist referrals or investigations that may be required.

How long is a Class 2 medical valid in Australia?

A standard Class 2 medical certificate is valid for 4 years if you are under 40 years of age. If you are 40 or older, it is valid for 2 years.

Can I still get my RPL if I wear glasses or contact lenses?

Yes, in most cases. Corrected vision that meets CASA's visual acuity standards is acceptable for a Class 2 medical. You will need to wear your corrective lenses while flying and carry a spare pair.

What happens if a medical condition is found during my DAME examination?

If your DAME finds a condition that may affect your fitness to fly, they may defer your application to CASA's Aeromedical Branch for further assessment. This does not automatically mean you will be refused — many conditions are manageable with additional monitoring, medication restrictions, or operational limitations.

Do I need to have my medical before I start flight training?

No. You can begin flight training under dual instruction and start your theory study before obtaining your medical. However, you must hold a current medical certificate before your first solo flight. It's wise to start the medical process early in case of delays.