CASA Aviation Medical — Class 5 Eligibility Checker & Guide
Most recreational pilots ask the same question first: "Can I just self-declare Class 5, or do I need a DAME for Class 1/2/3?" The interactive checker below answers it based on the CASA-published excluded-conditions list. Plus a plain guide to the certificate classes and what to bring.
⚠ This checker is a guide, not the official assessment. The Class 5 self-declaration is made by the pilot in CASA's MRS portal and you are legally responsible for its accuracy. If you have any doubt about a diagnosis or medication, discuss with your GP or a DAME before declaring.
Class 5 self-declaration — eligibility checker
Tick anything that applies. If you tick none, Class 5 is likely available to you. If you tick any, Class 5 is excluded and you will need to discuss a different class with a DAME (Class 1/2/3 or Basic Class 2).
The certificate classes — quick reference
Class 1
Commercial pilots (airline transport, commercial). Done by a DAME. Strictest medical standard.
Class 2
Private pilots — the standard most private licences are held against. Done by a DAME.
Class 3
Air traffic controllers. Done by a DAME.
Basic Class 2
A simpler pathway for some private operations — assessed against the Austroads commercial driving standard, with operational restrictions. A suitably qualified GP can perform this.
Class 5
Online self-declaration for certain private operations. No examiner. Subject to the excluded conditions checked above.
How to start — step-by-step
- Create an Aviation Reference Number (ARN) through CASA if you don't have one.
- Sign in to the Medical Records System (MRS) on the CASA website.
- Complete the online health questionnaire before attending your DAME, if Class 1/2/3.
- If applying for Class 5, complete the self-declaration through MRS and pay the CASA fee — no examiner appointment needed.
- For Class 1/2/3 or Basic Class 2: book the examiner, bring your glasses/contacts (and a spare pair), photo ID, any specialist letters relevant to existing conditions, and current medication list.
Cost
An aviation medical is for licensing, not your own healthcare, so it is not a Medicare service. You pay a CASA fee through MRS plus the examiner's fee. This is the same principle as a pre-employment medical or commercial driver medical.
Common condition-specific notes
Diabetes
Diet-controlled: usually compatible with all classes including Class 5, provided control is stable.
Non-insulin medications (metformin, SGLT2, DPP-4, GLP-1): usually compatible with Class 1/2/3 with DAME assessment; may be compatible with Class 5 if no medication causes altered sensation/cognition.
Insulin-treated: excluded from Class 5. Class 2 may be available with strict CASA conditions (annual DAME review, glucose monitoring requirements). Refer to CASA Clinical Practice Guidelines.
Blackout or fainting episode
Do not fly until assessed by a doctor to determine cause. A clearly identifiable simple vasovagal faint (e.g. from a blood draw, prolonged standing in heat) that is unlikely to occur in flight usually does not restrict flying. Blackouts of undetermined or cardiovascular/neurological cause typically need DAME review and may exclude Class 5.
Cardiovascular conditions
Hypertension, angina, MI, AF, valvular disease, pacemaker, ICD and others are addressed individually in the CASA guidelines. Most require DAME review and may have time-since-event waiting periods. Stable, well-controlled hypertension on a single non-sedating agent is generally compatible with all classes.
Mental health and ADHD medications
Non-sedating antidepressants (most SSRIs/SNRIs) — generally NOT excluded from Class 5, but always confirm with CASA or DAME.
Tricyclics, mood stabilisers, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines — excluded from Class 5.
Dexamphetamine (e.g. for ADHD) — excluded from Class 5 because it would produce a non-negative DAMP test. CASA assessment required.
Pregnancy
Routine, uncomplicated pregnancy is generally compatible with private flying. High-risk pregnancy is excluded from Class 5 and should be discussed with the obstetrician and DAME before flying.
For GPs seeing a pilot patient
Reporting obligation: If you become aware of a medical condition or treatment that may affect a Class 1/2/3 certificate holder's ability to fly safely, encourage them to notify CASA and their DAME — Part 67 of CASR places this responsibility primarily on the pilot.
Class 5 holders: there is no DAME, but if you diagnose a condition or commence a medication on the excluded list, advise the patient that their Class 5 declaration is no longer valid and they should not fly until they have either resolved the condition or applied for a Class 1/2/3 through a DAME.
Useful resources: the
CASA Clinical Practice Guidelines are the authoritative reference for condition-by-condition certification implications. CASA Aviation Medicine fact sheets cover diabetes, mental health, cardiovascular and other common areas. For a quick condition-by-condition lookup of fit/refer thresholds and waiting periods, see our
aeromedical certification reference.
You might also like