Comparing the two types of Class 2 Medical: Standard and Basic
The Basic Class 2 medical was introduced in 2018 as a welcome attempt to try and reduce the cost to recreational and General Aviation, the key difference being that any GP can do a class 2 basic wherease only a DAME can do a standard class 2.
Many recreational and private pilots are recognising that it makes sense to see a DAME for both types of medical, but why?
- Many DAMEs are also GPs and will charge the same for their time.
- Some non-DAME GPs will charge more than a DAME – or vice-versa.
We charge the same for both The Basic and the Standard Class 2 medical.
Futhermore, consider that:
- There are approximately twice as many GPs as private pilots in australia.
- The Basic Class 2 is every 2 to 5 years depending on age.
The average front desk staff and GP will simply not be familiar with the process for getting a basic class 2.
This brings us to the main differences between the two types of medical:
- The time validity for the basic class 2 is slightly longer than the standard class 2 for pilots under the age of 40 years.
- The CASA processing fee is lower for the basic than the standard class 2 medical.
- Pilots flying IFR, more than 5 passengers, or non-piston aircraft will need a standard class 2 medical.
How about pilots with known medical problems? The Basic class 2 uses the Australian Roads commercial finess to drive whereas CASA has its own standards.
Let’s check describe the two types of class 2 medical in more detail.
STANDARD CLASS 2 MEDICAL
How long is a standard class 2 medical valid for?
- Age under 40 years: 4 years
- Age 40 or more: 2 years
Standard Class 2 Checklist
- Log onto CASA online medical registration system (MRS)
- Apply for your medical certificate
- Complete the online questionnaire in full
- Submit the medical online and complete the CASA processing fee
- Make sure you click the final submit button!
- See DAME who completes the application
BASIC CLASS 2 MEDICAL
A Basic Class 2 is more restricted than a standard class 2:
- Piston engines only
- No aerobatics
- Day visual flight rules
- Altitudes up to 10,000 feet
- Up to 5 passengers
How long is a basic class 2 medical valid for?
- Age under 40 years: 5 years
- Age 40 or more: 2 years
Where do I find the questionnaire?
Log onto CASA online medical registration system (MRS), apply for the basic class 2, download and print off the questionnaire.
Basic Class 2 Checklist:
- Log onto CASA online medical registration system (MRS)
- Confirm correct email and address
- Apply for your medical certificate
- Download and print medical questionnaire
- Complete your questions on the questionnaire
- Take your printed-off CASA medical questionnaire to your appointment
- Complete required tests and medical examinations
- Log back into MRS and finalise application
- Pay CASA processing fee
You must bring your medical questionnaire to your basic class 2 appointment.
