If you are embarking on professional pilot training, or may consider it in the near future, we recommend getting a medical (class one) done as soon as possible. This medical is a requirement for any person undergoing any form of professional training.
So, taking into account that you are just starting out with your training, we presume you have not had a medical examination before, this means you will need to book in for an INITIAL medical examination. This initial examination, is probably far more in-depth than anything you have had before and is carried out down in Gatwick at ‘Aviation House,’ HQ of the Civil Aviation Authority. The initial medical examination will last around half a day and involves many tests being carried out as well as a thorough check of your medical history.
Upon passing your medical, you are awarded with a certificate which is valid for one whole year. After this year is up, you will need to visit your local Aviation Medical Examiner or (AME) for a general check up to make sure of no serious deteriorations. This check-up will take place once a year until you are above a certain age; this check-up then becomes a six-monthly occurrence.
To find out what happens on the day, why not head over to our blog, where we have an article on “A day at the CAA.”
Requirements for gaining a Class One Medical (Courtesy of the CAA website):
Medical History - these are questions about any previous illness declared on your application form. You will be asked about them by the examining doctor, and if there is any major illness in your past, it is important to bring reports about it from your family doctor or specialist. Simple appendicitis or a broken arm are not regarded as major illnesses.
Eyesight - this is the commonest cause of difficulty during the examination. The exact requirements and eye examination form are listed at JAR Class 1 Visual Standards. If you are in any doubt you should take a copy of the standards to an optician who will be able to interpret them. This will allow you to have an initial eye test before coming to Gatwick. If there is any further doubt you should send the optician’s report to Gatwick for assessment.
Physical Examination - a general check that all is functioning correctly. It will cover lungs, heart, blood pressure, stomach, limbs and nervous system. Any changes, such as for example, a heart murmur, may need further tests which usually cannot be done at Gatwick and will have to be arranged elsewhere.
Ears - the audiogram is a test where you signify that you have heard sounds at different frequencies. If you have doubts about your hearing, the required hearing levels are listed in JAR Class 1 Hearing Requirements. Please download a copy of the required form prior to attendance at Aviation House. Instructions for completion of the form are also available. It may be possible for you to have a preliminary test at a local hospital. If you can hear a normal voice in each ear separately at 2 metres, you should not have a problem.
Electrocardiogram – (ECG) - this measures the electrical impulses passing through your heart. It can show disorders of the heart rhythm or of the conduction of the impulses, and sometimes it can show a lack of blood supplying the heart muscle. In the unlikely event of these changes showing on your ECG, further tests with a report from a cardiologist will have to be sought (these can sometimes be done at Gatwick). Most changes turn out to be of no significance and if they appear again on your subsequent ECGs they can normally be discounted, as they have already been investigated.
Electroencephalogram – (EEG) - this investigation is no longer required for an initial UK JAR Class 1. However, it may still a requirement in other JAR-FCL countries and they may require you to have an EEG if you wish to fly their aircraft professionally.
Lung Function Test (spirometry) - this tests your ability to breath deeply and to expel air from your lungs.
Haemoglobin blood test - this is a finger prick blood test which measures the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. A low haemoglobin is called anaemia and will need further investigation.
Cholesterol blood test - the same finger prick as above. There is no disqualifying level, but the possible health risks of a high cholesterol will be explained by the doctor at the time of your examination.
Chest X-ray – this investigation is no longer required for an initial UK JAR Class 1, but may be requested if you have any heart or lung problems.
Urine test - mainly looking for sugar (diabetes), protein or blood.
VISUAL REQUIREMENTS - CLICK HERE
AUDIO REQUIREMENTS – CLICK HERE
Finally, the cost of an INITIAL and also an annual check up CLASS ONE:
INITIAL COST: £330
RENEWAL COST: £ This varies between AME’s.
Be warned though, there are additional costs on the day if further testing is required. The CAA Scheme of Charges is accessible here.
