Returning to Flying After a Medical Delay

The process of restarting, especially in this case, will involve assessing the medical certificate. Keep reading to find out more.

Stopping flight training due to medical issues is understandably soul-crushing and disappointing, but many pilots return after months or even years away with tremendous success.

If you are returning to flying after a medical delay and feeling down or have almost given up, then maybe this guide is what you need to hold on a little longer for your aviation dreams.

The process of restarting, especially in this case, will involve assessing the medical certificate.

Let’s look at the process in detail below.

Getting Your Medical Situation Cleared

PPL pilots require a Class 2 Medical Certificate to obtain their licence. Returning pilots need to find out whether their medical certificate expired, was delayed, or suspended since their last training session.

Before booking lots of flying, you will first need to confirm your medical status with the flight school.

Sherburn Aero Club houses a Certified Medical Examiner (CME) right inside the school, so you do not have to go anywhere else.

Your medical status will revolve around the following situations:

1. Medical Expired

If your medical certificate has expired, then you normally need a renewal rather than revalidation, unless your medical delay was caused by a disease that could hinder your ability to fly.

This can include anything from heart issues, uncontrolled diabetes, epilepsy, and more. The CME will be able to explain your specific situation to you directly and help you get around it if possible.

You will need reports, valid and latest test results, or a letter from a specialist before the CME can make a decision.

2. Medical Suspended or Refused

If your certificate has been refused or suspended, then you will need to follow the CAA medical review process, where you will have to go through all the medical checks from the beginning.

If you are declared a pass, then you will be able to continue training. However, if the results don’t come back as you expected, then you can speak to your CME for your options.

The CAA typically allows pilots with health issues to fly so long as their medical condition is under control. These candidates will be subject to more frequent testing, but it doesn’t mean that they will not be able to fly.

Keep Your Expectations in Check

After taking a long medical break, we recommend that you keep your expectations in check and take things slow. You will likely be required to focus on rebuilding confidence first before you are allowed to fly freely.

An instructor will be tasked with conducting a reassessment flight, which will include:

• Aircraft handling
• Radio confidence
• Circuit work
• Emergency procedures
• Navigation skills
• Decision-making

These tests will help you continue freely in your aviation journey. Even if you fail the reassessment flight, then don’t worry. The entire point of this flight is to figure out your weaknesses so that the instructor can work towards fixing them.

Your Old Experience Is Still Valid

Pilots returning after years usually think that their old experience is invalidated. The good news is that your old hours will still count. However, this doesn’t make training easier for you.

Even though your old hours will count towards your licence, you will be expected to complete at least 45 to 60 hours additionally to be deemed airworthy.

Your instructor will look at your previous experience and determine the best way forward. The silver lining to all of this is that since your previous hours will count, you will have a more robust logbook than your peers who are just starting!

Always Be Honest with Your Instructors

This isn’t just about morality. If you are suffering from a health condition that has recently flared, then you will have to convey this information to your instructors.

Never keep your instructors in the dark and always keep them informed about your situation. The instructors need to know that you can man the aircraft yourself and can fly safely.

If you are currently going through a flare, then your best bet will be to stay grounded until things are under control. If you cannot manage your medical condition during any stage of your training, then you will always have to inform the CME and your instructors.

This is done for legal reasons and to keep everyone else in the sky safe. On top of recent developments about your health, you will also be expected to share the following:

• How long you have been away
• Total hours flown since you stopped
• Last flight date
• Details about the last flight
• The nature of your medical condition

A good school like Sherburn recognises skilled pilots, so even if you have a medical condition that is under control, you will be pushed to greatness like everyone else and be treated fairly and equally.

Why Choose Sherburn Aero Club?

Sherburn Aero Club has been operational since 1964 and continues to pride itself on producing top-class pilots and offering top-notch aviation services.

The flying club opened a flight training school in the 1970s that offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.

It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country. It is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs, whether you are taking to the skies for an experience flight, starting your flying career, or have your own aircraft and are looking for hangarage.

Sherburn Aero Club’s fleet of aircraft includes the Piper PA-28 Cadet, the Piper PA-28 Warrior, and the Cessna 152 Aerobat (2-Seater). Major investments include an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse providing our members with a great environment while giving them the opportunity to pursue their love for flying.

Call us at 01977 682 674​​​, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on PPL licence requirements, medical conditions that stop pilots from flying, and returning to flying after a medical delay.

Photo by Byron Breytenbach on Unsplash