One of the main priorities for any pilot, whether private or commercial, is keeping up-to-date with their aviation medicals. Having a physically fit and healthy pilot in charge of an aircraft is just as important as having a plane that passes all the safety regulations, so think of these medicals as your own safety checks before you can take to the air.
These medicals certify your physical ability to perform your duties but each one comes with its own regulations, requirements, and awarding authority. So, let’s answer all of your questions with our pilot’s guide. Heathrow Medical offers a range of specialist aviation medicals.
Who is The Relevant Aviation Authority for Me?
Each region of the world has its own governing body, also known as an aviation authority, that is responsible for the health and safety of the pilots, air crew, and airport controllers across their particular jurisdiction.
It is the responsibility of your particular authority, rather than the training provider that you have qualified with, to issue you with the right medical for your role. So, the first step you should take is to identify which body is responsible for the region that you operate in:
- UK CAA – UK
- EASA – All EU member states
- FAA – United States of America
- CASA – Australia
- GACA – Saudi Arabia (KSA)
- CAME – Canada
- Mauritian – The Republic of Mauritius
Which Class of Medical Do I Need?
Next up, it’s time to decide on the right class of medical for you. Not every medical from every authority will have the same classes.
The right class for you will depend upon the role you have, so which of the following applies to you?
- Class 1: Required for all commercial pilots in charge of commercial or passenger aircraft
- Class 2: Required for private and commercial pilots who are involved in non-commercial flights
- LAPL Medical Certificate: Required for pilots of single-engine piston aeroplanes that carry a maximum of 3 passengers
There is also a Class 3 medical that is required for air traffic controllers and ground staff.
How Can I Prepare for My Aviation Medical?
If there is any specific documentation that you need to bring to your appointment then you will be informed of this by the Aero-Medical Centre (AeMC) that you book with. However, it is a good idea to gather the following information ahead of time as you will be required to show them all to the doctor conducting your medical.
- Your passport as this is the only proof of identity that an AeMC will accept.
- A printout of your GP summary medical history (this may require a written GDPR request to your GP).
- Any patient access documentation with details of your medical history.
- Details of any current medical issues that have developed since your last appointment.
- Your current eye prescription and glasses or contact lenses, as well as details of any laser eye surgery you have undergone.
Several aviation medicals will also require you to register with the aviation authority directly by making an account on their online portal, so make sure you do this if this applies to you. Your AeMC will be able to advise you if you have any questions.
What Can I Expect from My Medical?
The exact medical tests involved in each of the assessments will differ from one to the next – however, as a pilot, there are particular standards of health and physical fitness that are expected from you no matter what.
With this in mind, the assessments that you can expect to undergo for all aviation medicals include:
- A discussion of your medical history and any current conditions, including those that you are receiving treatment for.
- A physical examination of your respiratory and cardiovascular systems, as well as your overall fitness.
- A vision and hearing test.
It is also not uncommon for a medical to require these additional tests:
- A blood test to evaluate haemoglobin and cholesterol levels.
- A urine test.
- A saliva drug and breath alcohol test.
- A bone and muscle test.
- A psychological evaluation of mental and emotional fitness.
- Further tests if any conditions are found that do not immediately disqualify you.
What’s Next?
You will usually find out on the same day if you have passed your medical and will either receive your certification directly from the aeromedical examiner or from your aviation authority in a few days.
If you are required to return to the AeMC for further tests, don’t worry – whilst there are certain medical conditions that can prevent you from obtaining your aviation medical certificate, they are limited to severe conditions that cause frequent incapacitation or pose an ongoing threat to your life. Minor hearing loss, corrected vision, and controlled medical conditions are all permissible provided that you monitor them and inform your examiner of any changes.
Once you receive your certificate you will be cleared for duty and can enjoy your career with confidence until your medical needs to be renewed. The duration of each certificate varies, and whilst most Class 1 certificates will need to be renewed every 12 months and most Class 2 certificates are valid for two to five years depending upon your age, it is always best to check the guidelines for renewal well in advance of the expiration date.
Aviation Medicals in London
No matter where in the world you are based, you will need an in-date pilots’ medical certificate to verify your suitability to pilot an aircraft.
So, whether this is your first time attending a medical examination or your final renewal before you retire, as a fully-approved AeMC.
