Skydiving Medical Certificate: What You Need for Tandem, AFF, and License

Wondering whether you need to see a doctor, get blood tests, or bring a stack of paperwork before you can go skydiving? The answer depends on what you want to do — and the difference between a tandem jump and starting an AFF course is significant. This article explains exactly what ENAC (Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile, the authority that regulates skydiving in Italy) requires, who can issue the necessary documents, and how to get organized so you don't waste time.

The basic principle: there's no single answer

Italian skydiving regulations cover three very different situations, each with its own medical requirements. Understanding which category applies to you is the first step.

Consider Mario: 34 years old, 80 kg, no known medical conditions. He wants to do a tandem jump with his girlfriend next weekend. He doesn't need any prior medical examination — he'll sign a self-declaration of good health directly at the drop zone (DZ) on the day of the jump. That's it. Now imagine that after that tandem, Mario decides to sign up for an AFF course (Accelerated Freefall — the standard progressive pathway to becoming an independent skydiver). From that point on, everything changes: a specific medical document is required, issued by a specific type of examiner.

Scenario 1 — Tandem jump: self-declaration, nothing more

A tandem jump is an experience in which you jump attached to a Tandem Master (TM — an ENAC-certified instructor with a specific Tandem Master rating), who manages all the equipment and the safety of the jump. You are not the licensed skydiver: you are the passenger. That's why the medical requirement is minimal.

What you sign on tandem day:

1. A self-declaration of good health, in which you state that you have no conditions that would make the jump inadvisable.
2. The school's liability waiver (standard at all DZs).

No prior medical examination is required, nor a certificate from your family doctor, nor blood tests. However, if you have known medical conditions (cardiac issues, epilepsy, serious orthopedic problems, recent surgery), you have a moral — and often contractual — obligation to disclose them. The school reserves the right to refuse to let you jump in the presence of certain risk factors, at its own discretion.

Important: the fact that a tandem jump requires no medical examination does not mean it is risk-free. Tandem Masters follow strict safety protocols, but no jump carries zero risk. The self-declaration is your responsibility — fill it out honestly.

Scenario 2 — AFF course and first license: the ENAC Class 2 medical certificate

Here, everything changes. To enroll in an AFF course at an ENAC-certified skydiving school, you must present an ENAC Class 2 medical certificate (often referred to simply as "Class 2" or, in international terminology, "Class 2 AME"). This document cannot be issued by your family doctor. It is issued exclusively by an authorized ENAC medical examiner.

What the ENAC Class 2 involves:

It is a standardized aeronautical medical examination designed for individuals involved in civil aviation activities in non-pilot roles. It assesses:

1. Cardiovascular system (ECG, blood pressure, Holter monitor if indicated)
2. Respiratory system
3. Nervous and neurological system
4. Vision and hearing
5. General review of medical history

This is not a standard competitive sports medical examination (the kind you get to run a marathon or play football). They are two different things, with different protocols. A competitive sports medical certificate does NOT substitute for the ENAC Class 2.

How to find an authorized ENAC medical examiner:

1. Check the official ENAC website (enac.gov.it) in the section dedicated to aeronautical medical personnel: you'll find an up-to-date list of authorized centers and examiners by region.
2. Ask directly at the skydiving school where you plan to enroll: in most cases they can point you to the nearest center and give you practical guidance.
3. At some larger, more established DZs, an authorized ENAC medical examiner holds periodic examination sessions directly on site, especially in spring when courses begin.

Don't rely on word of mouth for this: always verify that the examiner is actually on the current ENAC list.

Scenario 3 — Already holding an ENAC license: keeping your Class 2 current

If you already hold an ENAC skydiving license (the only license recognized under Italian regulations — ENAC rules do not include A/B/C/D licenses, which are an international FAI/USPA convention used by schools to indicate experience levels but carry no regulatory weight in Italy), you must maintain three currency requirements to keep it "active":

Currency requirements for an active ENAC license:

1. At least 15 jumps in the last 12 months, including at least 1 in the last 3 months.
2. At least 10 minutes of freefall (the free-flight phase before canopy deployment) every 12 months.
3. A valid ENAC Class 2 medical certificate.

If any of these requirements lapses, the license becomes "inactive" and returning to activity requires check jumps with an instructor in accordance with the school's procedures, as well as renewal of the medical certificate. It's not a catastrophic situation, but it does require planning.

How often must the Class 2 be renewed? The renewal frequency depends on the skydiver's age and may vary with updates to ENAC regulations. Don't rely on a fixed expiry date from memory: check the current version of the ENAC "Skydiving Licenses" Regulation (Ed. 3) on the official website, or ask the medical examiner at the time of your examination. Typically, below a certain age the certificate is valid for several years; above a certain age threshold, examinations become more frequent.

Summary table: medical requirements by activity type

Here's a quick visual summary to avoid any confusion:

| Activity | Required document | Who issues it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tandem jump (experience) | Self-declaration of good health | Signed by the jumper themselves | On the day of the jump, at the DZ |
| AFF course (first jump) | ENAC Class 2 medical certificate | Authorized ENAC medical examiner | Before starting the course |
| Maintaining ENAC license | Valid ENAC Class 2 medical certificate | Authorized ENAC medical examiner | Periodically (see current regulations) |
| Special ratings (CS, Instructor, Tandem Master…) | ENAC Class 2 + specific jump/training requirements | ENAC + medical examiner | According to the rating's requirements |

Conditions that may complicate the process: what to know in advance

Certain medical conditions require a more thorough evaluation before the ENAC medical examiner can issue the Class 2. This does not automatically mean disqualification, but it may mean additional tests and longer processing times. Here are the most common situations the examiner will look at closely:

Conditions the medical examiner will assess carefully:

1. Cardiac conditions or arrhythmias (including past history)
2. Epilepsy or history of seizures
3. Insulin-dependent diabetes
4. Psychiatric conditions requiring pharmacological treatment
5. Recent surgery (particularly orthopedic, abdominal, or thoracic)
6. Middle ear problems or severe chronic sinusitis (due to pressure changes during freefall)
7. Use of medications that affect reflexes or level of consciousness

If you fall into one of these categories, don't rule yourself out in advance: speak with an authorized ENAC medical examiner first. In many cases a solution can be found, possibly with additional specialist documentation. The important thing is not to conceal anything: your safety and that of others depends on the accuracy of the information you provide.

A concrete example: Luisa, 42 years old, 68 kg, hypertensive and on an ACE inhibitor. She wants to start the AFF course. She is not automatically excluded: the ENAC medical examiner will assess her blood pressure values while on medication, the stability of her condition, and the absence of organ damage. If her blood pressure is well controlled and her cardiologist has no contraindications, the Class 2 can be issued. Luisa will need to bring all her up-to-date cardiology documentation to the examination.

What to bring to your ENAC Class 2 examination: a practical checklist

To avoid showing up unprepared, here's what to bring as a baseline (always confirm with the specific medical center, as they may have additional requirements):

Document checklist for the ENAC Class 2 medical examination:

☐ Valid photo ID
☐ Health insurance card
☐ List of medications you take regularly (with dosages)
☐ Documentation of any chronic conditions (test results, discharge letters, specialist reports)
☐ Recent ECG if you are over 40 or have a cardiac history (some centers perform this on site)
☐ Glasses or contact lenses if you use them (vision testing is part of the examination)
☐ Documentation of any surgical procedures in the last 2 years
☐ Referral for additional tests if your doctor has already requested them

Don't bring reports from 10 years ago that are unrelated to current conditions: the medical examiner is interested in your health today, not your complete medical history from birth.

In summary: three scenarios, three clear answers

A quick recap, because ambiguity on this topic is not acceptable:

1. Want to do a tandem jump? → Self-declaration on the day of the jump. No prior medical examination required by law. Be honest about any health issues.

2. Want to start the AFF course at an ENAC-certified school? → ENAC Class 2 medical certificate, issued by an authorized ENAC medical examiner. Your family doctor is not sufficient. A competitive sports medical certificate is not sufficient.

3. Already hold an ENAC license and want to keep it active? → Keep your Class 2 current, along with the currency requirements (15 jumps/12 months, 1 jump/3 months, 10 minutes of freefall/12 months). Check your expiry dates regularly.

If you have any doubts about how the regulations apply to your specific situation, the ENAC-certified skydiving school where you plan to train is your first point of contact: they know the current regulations and can direct you to the nearest medical examiner. Don't put off the paperwork: without a valid Class 2 you cannot start the course, and obtaining one takes a few days to organize.