Aviation Medical Guide
Need a CASA aviation medical? FMP explains what's involved, which class you need, and why booking early avoids delays. Sutherland Shire pilots and students welcome.
An aviation medical is a CASA-required comprehensive medical examination that confirms a pilot or air traffic controller is medically fit to hold their licence. It must be conducted by a CASA-Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME), not just any GP, and covers vision, hearing, heart health and a general physical review including assessment of any drug and alcohol concerns and mental health assessment to ensure you are fit and healthy and we can address any stressors to enable you to continue to work to the best of your ability.
Do I need a DAME, or can my regular GP do it?
Only a CASA-accredited DAME can issue an aviation medical certificate. This distinguishes it from most other GP appointments, however most DAME are also GPs, but not all GP are DAME. Our DAME are very experienced and are also known as Aviation Medicine Specialists with additional expertise and experience.
Meet Dr Tony Schiemer, FMP's Aviation Medicine Specialist
Aviation medicals at FMP are conducted by Dr Tony Schiemer, a CASA-Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) based at Kirrawee Family Medical Practice. Dr Schiemer brings a pilot's perspective to the role, working as an aviation medicine specialist a few days a month around his own commercial flying roster. That means he understands not just the clinical requirements but what's actually at stake for pilots and students trying to keep their licence current. Dr Tony is also able to conduct space medicals for Virgin Galactic.
Meet Dr Annalyse Crane, FMP’s Aviation Medicine Specialist and Specialist General Practitioner.
Aviation medicals are available at Kurnell and Kirrawee with Dr Crane. She is a CASA designated Aviation medical examiner (DAME), she enjoys seeing women who fly and control and works full time across both sites. She is able to provide return to work clearances and is known as a Mental Health safe haven DAME who manages complex mental healt and drug and alcohol concerns for aviation professionals.
What class of medical certificate do I need?
CASA issues several classes depending on your licence type. A Class 1 (for commercial and airline pilots) is valid for one year. A Class 2 (student and private pilots) is valid 2 years.Since 2024, CASA has also offered a Class 5 Medical Self-Declaration for recreational flyers, described as the most significant deregulation of private pilot medicals in Australian aviation history. Dr Crane does not provide Class 5 medicals, Dr Tony does.
What actually happens during the appointment?
A typical aviation medical covers vision and hearing checks, a cardiovascular and general health review, and any additional tests relevant to your age or licence class. For Class 1 and complex Class 2 cases, CASA's own service delivery time is up to 20 days once your DAME submits results, which is one of the main reasons to book well ahead of any flight review or training deadline.
Why shouldn't I leave it until the last minute?
Because processing isn't instant. If a follow-up test or specialist report is needed, a late booking can leave you without a current certificate right when you need it. Booking months ahead, rather than the week before a flight review, gives time to sort out any issues before they become a problem.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an aviation medical cost? CASA charges a separate application fee on top of your DAME's consultation fee. Costs vary by clinic, so it's worth confirming both when booking.
Do student pilots need a medical before their first flight? Not to fly with an instructor, but a Class 2 or Basic Class 2 medical certificate is required before flying solo.
Can I renew my medical online? The CASA Medical Record System (MRS) must be completed before your DAME appointment, but the examination itself must be done in person.
What happens if a health issue is flagged during my medical? In most cases, CASA can still issue a certificate with conditions attached. A DAME can talk you through what that might look like for your specific situation.
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please speak with your GP before making any changes to your health care.
