Today was a big day for me: I got my medical certificate and passed the ICAO English exam (which is required for a non-native speaker). I’m feeling pretty happy right now!
For those who don’t know, every pilot needs to pass a medical examination to ensure they are healthy enough to fly. There are three classes of certificates, with the first class being the most strict and expensive. This is usually required for commercial and airline pilots, while private pilots can get by with a second-class certificate. The third class is for air traffic controllers and probably for light sport airplane pilots.
To get a first-class certificate, you need to go to a special clinic, which can be quite expensive and require a lot of advance planning. In my case, I opted for a second-class certificate, which is cheaper and easier to get from designated physicians with special accreditation. Here in the Czech Republic, you need to book an appointment at least two weeks in advance.
After a thorough yet relatively fast inspection that took about an hour, I am now the proud owner of a medical certificate. I initially thought I could only obtain a second-class certificate, as getting a first-class one in the Czech Republic can be time-consuming and expensive. However, I later learned that I could obtain a first-class certificate in Poland, where the process is cheaper and faster. It’s strange that even within EASA, each country has its own regulations, procedures, and prices.
Passing ICAO English was a breeze for me, as I didn’t have any problems with the PPL theory and my English skills were good. I didn’t encounter any difficulties with understanding ATIS/AWOS either, although some practice might be needed. With this paperwork out of the way, I can now focus on flying and enjoying my journey to becoming a pilot.
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