Today, I received my first-class medical certificate which is required for commercial pilots in Europe. Prior to this, I had a second-class medical certificate, which is less expensive, but it’s sufficient for a private pilot license that I currently hold.
Normally, the initial first-class medical examination should be taken only in a hospital. Subsequent examinations can be performed by an aeromedical examiner approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). As I had never held the first class certificate, the only option available to me was the hospital.
However, there was only one approved hospital in the Czech Republic, and the earliest available date was August 14, which coincided with my travel to Moscow.
Therefore, I researched alternative options in Austria, Poland, and Hungary, and ultimately chose Poland because it was on my way home, the examination could be done without prior booking, and the cost was around 150 euros, as compared to approximately 500 euros in Austria.
The doctors were professional and friendly, and the entire process took approximately four hours, including waiting time. Although most doctors did not speak English or Russian, they spoke slowly and clearly in Polish, and provided printed instructions in English. It turned out that Polish is very similar to Russian, and the examination was a smooth and hassle-free experience.
The result was ready the same day. I now have confirmation that I am fit to fly and can continue my studies to achieve a higher level of certification!
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