Download as PDF files for printing
Medical Fitness Validation and Procedures (updated 5/2/03)
Medical Fitness Requirements - Briefing Notes for Pilots (updated 5/2/03)
Guidance Notes on the Medical Fitness Required for Glider Pilots (updated 5/2/03)
DVLA Standards
Self Declaration Form (with GP endorsement) (updated 2/4/03)

On the 1st March 2003 the BGA adopted the medical requirements already used by other branches of UK recreational aviation. This is an attempt to prevent the EU requiring all solo pilots having to have JAR Class 2 medicals. The new rules are based on those used by the DVLA in assessing fitness for private car drivers (Group 1), and for minibus and HGV drivers (Group 2). The requirements for flying gliders (and “Turbos”) are in line with current BGA requirements and are as follows:

Pilots flying solo musto meet DVLA Group 1 standards.
Instructors and all pilots flying P1 dual must meet DVLA Group 2 standards.

(Professional instructors and instructors aged over 70 will still have to have a JAR Class 2 medical.)

What are the main changes?
The main change is that the self-declarations signed by pilots must be countersigned by the pilot’s General Practitioner. The GP will usually be able to do this based on the pilot’s medical records, but an examination may be needed. A fee may be charged for the certificate. Pilots who only fly as P2 may continue to self-certify. It is important to make sure that your GP understands that s/he is simply certifying that in their opinion you are fit to drive a car

You will need to obtain a declaration form to be signed by you and your GP. This form contains additional information relevant to flying. You may also need to take a set of information sheets, should you suffer from certain medical disorders. This documentation and further details of the new requirements are available from the BGA website and from the links at the top of this page.

Can I fly solo without a certificate?
A medical certificate countersigned by your GP is required before a first solo flight, then at ages 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and thereafter annually. Current club members will be covered by the present system until they reach the next age increment. This means that, for example, a 17 year old solo pilot will not need a new medical until he or she is 45 and a 54 year old will need one when he or she is 55. All Club members who join after 1st March 2003 will need a medical signed by their GP before they can go solo. If you are joining a summer course and think there is a possibility that you may go solo you will need to have a medical certificate signed by your GP in order to do so.

If you are between age groups when you first go solo, say 47, you can renew the certificate at 5 year intervals on the anniversary of the first, at 53, 58, 63, 67 and thereafter annually.

Evidence of a higher medical, for example a JAR Class 2, will supersede these requirements. Re-assessment will be needed after serious illness.

It is the personal responsibility of every pilot to obtain a medical certificate at the appropriate time. This must be filed in the Club office before the existing certificate expires. The certificate may be obtained up to 6 weeks before the date that it is due.

What if I do not have a certificate?
Pilots without a valid medical will not be allowed to fly a club or private glider and will not be covered on the club or their own private insurance.

If you have any queries please contact the Club office. If the staff can’t answer your question and you can’t find the answer from the paperwork filed with the medical records, then please contact me.

Gliding abroad?
A JAR medical is a requirement for flying in most European Countries. If you are intending to fly abroad, then rather than paying up to £55 for your GP to sign a DVLA certificate, it may be more sensible to get a JAR Class 2.

MGC CFI January 6th 2003

Download as PDF files for printing
Medical Fitness Validation and Procedures (updated 5/2/03)
Medical Fitness Requirements - Briefing Notes for Pilots (updated 5/2/03)
Guidance Notes on the Medical Fitness Required for Glider Pilots (updated 5/2/03)
DVLA Standards
Self Declaration Form (with GP endorsement) (updated 2/4/03)