Class 2 Medical
Last updated: April 20, 2026 · Maintained by Aviatr Editorial Team
What is Class 2 Medical?
A Class 2 Medical Certificate is the EASA medical required for private pilot operations — PPL holders, LAPL holders opting for full Class 2 privileges, flight instructors teaching under a PPL license, and student pilots during PPL training. Validity is 60 months under age 40, 24 months age 40-50, and 12 months from age 50 onwards.
| Attribute | Class 2 |
|---|---|
| Validity under 40 | 60 months |
| Validity 40-50 | 24 months |
| Validity 50+ | 12 months |
| Required for | PPL, LAPL, recreational flying |
How is Class 2 Medical used?
Class 2 exams are shorter and less stringent than Class 1, reflecting the lower operational risk of non-commercial single-pilot flying. The exam covers vision, hearing, cardiovascular function, and neurological status with a medical history review, but does not include the routine chest X-ray or extended ECG required for an initial Class 1. Class 2 holders self-certify before every flight as required by EASA Part-MED, and any new medication, diagnosis, or significant symptom must be discussed with the AME before resuming flying privileges. Many pilots switching from commercial to recreational flying after retirement renew their Class 2 rather than Class 1 to simplify the medical-exam overhead and extend their active flying years. Cost of a Class 2 is typically 150-300 euro depending on country and AME. The age-tiered validity means younger pilots enjoy long five-year windows between exams, while older pilots need to schedule renewals annually to maintain uninterrupted access to their PPL privileges.