Class 2/Class 1 medicals- What are they? How do I obtain them?

If you've read my previous post, you'll know by now that the basic medical requirement to apply for programs is a class 2 and class 1 has to be obtained before course commencement.

What is a Class 2 medical?

Pilots have to be in pristine health all the time. Why? well, the lives of passengers and fellow crew at your hands (LITERALLY!) So we have to get ourselves routinely evaluated from authorized doctors/hospitals. For first time applicants, Class 2 medical is the initial medical that has to be obtained.  

You can find a list of DGCA approved doctors in this following link:  

http://dgca.nic.in/medical/class2-ind.htm

STEPS:

• Use the above link to find a doctor who is closest to you (City/area.)
• Next, Contact the doctor. I know this sounds condescending, but the fact is that each doctor has their own methodology to go about the whole process. So the best information will be obtained from them.
• You will probably get an appointment in a couple of days, you'll be required to carry passport size photographs/ digital copies, along with your original 10th and 12th certificates and photocopies.
• The list of tests that will be carried out can be obtained from your respective doctor.
• cost? Well, this is going to vary from Doctor to Doctor and will be informed upon enquiring with the doctor.

Once you get checked out, if everything is fine you will get what is known as Form-35. 

This isn't your medical per se, your doctor sends all the reports to the DGCA, which will be reviewed by a panel of their doctors and then approved. It used to take at least a month to get it by post.

What is a Class 1 Medical?

For exercising your rights as a pilot in India, you require a class 1 medical. Well, what is it? It's pretty much the same as a class 2 medical- Just way more thorough. Once class 2 Medical has been obtained with an application/case number attached, you can apply for a class 1 medical. The class 1 medical can only be obtained from these locations:

Govt:

• Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), Subroto Park,New Delhi 
• Medical Evaluation Cell (East) 2. 5 Air Force Hospital,  Rowriah, Jorhat (Dist)  Assam
• Medical Evaluation Centre (MEC), Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), Indian Air Force, Vimanpura Post, Bangalore

Civil

• Dr. Balabhai Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai
• Apollo Hospital, Chennai

LINK: http://dgca.nic.in/medical/c1exam.pdf

Note: Go through the link and follow the procedures listed for getting an appointment. Keep reviewing the DGCA website for more current procedures/ locations.

Form 35 Class 1 Medical

Form 35 class 2 medical