In this guide, we will demystify the UK aviation medical requirements for various pilot licences and explain how these licences allow for safer flights.
Pilot training entails not only mental training but also building and maintaining physical acumen. If you look at private pilots, you will immediately notice their mental and physical fitness. This quality which makes them highly capable of operating aircraft.
As per the CAA, there are strict regulations around pilot fitness which is why every pilot needs to secure a aviation medical certificate.
UK aviation medicals are an important factor in aviation because they decrease the risk of aerial emergencies. A fit pilot is not only capable of controlling the aircraft during scheduled flights, but it also allows them to carefully manoeuvre the aircraft in emergencies.
As per the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), all pilots must possess an appropriate and valid medical certificate. This certificate confirms that the pilot is physically fit to fly in all conditions – and that they have no current medical problems that may hinder their ability to control their aircraft.
In this guide, we will demystify the UK aviation medical requirements for various pilot licences and explain how these licences allow for safer flights.
TYPES OF UK AVIATION MEDICAL CERTIFICATES
When it comes to UK aviation medicals there are two primary types of medical certificates: Class 1 and Class 2.
Class 1 (CPL, ATPL, MPL, FEL)
Class 1 is the most comprehensive medical certificate and is reserved for pilots seeking to obtain a commercial licence (except for those issued for balloons). This medical certificate covers a broad range of physical and even mental attributes and pilots need to clear all of the minimum requirements as outlined by the CAA (more on this below).
Needless to say, the commercial licence programme is more extensive and therefore more expensive than a regular Private Pilot Programme. Since the Class 1 certificate covers more attributes, it is pricier but also offers more opportunities compared to a Class 2 certificate (more on this below).
A Class 1 certificate is designed for aspiring pilots who hold also hold a air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), which is necessary for all those wishing to fly with a commercial airline, Multi-crew Pilot Licence (MPL) with an aeroplane rating, Flight Engineer Licence, as well as Student Flight Engineer Licence.
This certificate requires a thorough examination of various health parameters such as cardiovascular health, vision, and even diabetes.
Class 2 (PPL, LAPL)
The Class 2 medical certificate is for aviation enthusiasts who don’t want to take up commercial activities in aviation. In other words, this certificate is for private pilot licence holders who only fly recreationally.
The requirements for this medical certificate are relatively relaxed as compared to Class 1. It covers fewer physical and mental attributes and mainly focuses on the bare minimum requirements for overall health. The cost for the Class 2 is relatively lower as well, but it doesn’t open as many doors as the Class 1.
The Class 2 is sufficient if you wish to obtain a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) or a CPL with a balloon rating.
It is important to keep in mind that the Class 1 certificate is modular to some extent. For example, if you wish to obtain a PPL with an instrument rating (IR), you’ll need to undergo hearing tests in line with Class 1.
VALIDITY OF MEDICAL CERTIFICATES
The validity period of these certificates varies!
The Class 1 medical is typically valid for one year, the validity drops to six months if you are:
- either 60 years or older,
- or if you are 40 or above and carry out single-pilot commercial air transport operations.
Meanwhile, the validity of the Class 2 medical, which is for PPL and LAPL holders, also depends on how old you are at the time of examination.
Here is a summary of the validity of these medical certiicates:
- If you are under 40 years of age, your certificate will last for 60 months.
- If you are issued with a Class 2 medical before the time you turn 40, it won’t be valid once you turn 42.
- If you are between the ages of 40 and 50, the certificate will be valid for two years.
- If you are over 50, your certificate will only be valid for one year.
OBTAINING A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
Here is what you can expect when you start the process of obtaining your first medical certificate:
Medical history
The first step is to collect all of your medical history in one place. An Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) will be tasked to go through the complete medical history of the candidate, this is why you must provide all of the required documentation in a neat and organised folder.
A record of vaccinations, as well as that of any prior illnesses, should be presented to your AME. At this point, you should also let your AME know of any illnesses that might run in the family, or if you’ve ever been on certain medication.
Eyesight test
Being able to see is naturally an important aspect of operating an aircraft. This is why all candidates require a thorough eye exam before they are allowed to take off. Great eyesight is important because it can help pilots navigate, spot anomalies, and inspect their aircraft for safety and maintenance.
The AME will perform various eye exams, the goal of which is to ensure that your eyesight isn’t too bad and that you can see clearly with your glasses/contacts. Pupil reaction to light will also be monitored along with how you perceive colours. It is important to keep in mind that you are allowed to wear contacts and glasses, however, if your eyesight is too weak, then you may not be eligible for a medical certificate.
Colour vision test
The AME will perform an additional colour vision assessment along with your eye exam.
Your colour perception will be tested by asking you to distinguish between different colours, after which you will be required to take the Ishihara test. This test is for assessing colour blindness and consists of 24 colour plates. It is considered clear if a person can identify the first 15 colours presented with ease.
Those who are unable to identify the colours during the assessment will be deemed unfit and will not be able to obtain a pilot licence.
Physical examination
Physical examination can differ and every AME will have different ways of performing a physical exam. This will include a thorough check-up of all your vitals.
First, superficial attributes such as your height and weight will be recorded, as well as physical features such as eye and hair colour.
In addition to this, your pulse rate and rhythm will also be monitored to make sure your heart is healthy. An ear, nose and throat check-up will also be performed, with the doctor checking to see if you have an obstruction that can affect head movement.
An examination of the thyroid gland is also common while assessing the neck. The AME may additionally examine your abdominal area to check for any warning signs of gastric or other organ-related issues. Finally, the AME will also check your reflexes to assess your basic neurological health.
Hearing test
A speech-based hearing test may be administered by the AME to ensure your ability to hear correctly. The AME will carefully test out your hearing on each ear to make sure that you do not have significant hearing loss outside of what is expected depending on your age.
Ideally, candidates should not have hearing loss of more than 35dB at 500Hz, 1000Hz or 2000Hz, or more than 50dB at 3000Hz in each ear separately.
If you wear hearing aids, the test is ideally performed without them. If the person with slight hearing loss fails to clear the test without the aids, the test is repeated with the aids, however, the presence of the hearing aid will be recorded in your medical file.
Lung health assessment
Pilots regularly face various pressure conditions inside the cockpit which can directly impact how you breathe. The AME will test your ability to rapidly expel air from your lungs, which may be difficult for those suffering from breathing issues.
Those with abnormal lung function will require detailed reports from a specialist to ensure their fitness level for flight.
Heart health assessment
The AME will conduct an Electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the electrical impulses passing through your heart to detect any cardiovascular issues.
Pilots must also ensure that they do not have high levels of cholesterol, since it may lead to arterial blockages and possiblly, heart attacks. Individuals with an increased risk of heart failure will not be declared fit to pilot an aircraft.
Blood test
Blood tests provide a glimpse into your overall health which is why they are routinely performed during medical examinations.
Blood work can help the AME look for infectious diseases and haemoglobin levels. Thorough blood tests can also help pinpoint any nutritional deficiencies and rule out the possibility of chronic health issues. They can also reveal your cholesterol levels, thyroid levels and other important parameters.
Urine test
A urine test helps determine the condition of your kidneys since it measures the amount of protein present in your urine.
The test can reveal your glucose levels and whether you have diabetes. The test can also reveal urinary tract infections that, if left untreated, can hinder your ability to fly.
Psychological evaluation
The AME will not only test your physical aptitude but also how well you fare mentally. Pilots are expected to be mentally fit and any type of neurological problem can hinder your ability to operate your aircraft.
The AME will collect information using your past mental health record. You may be asked about sleep patterns and alcohol use to get a better idea of your psychiatric history.
The examiner will be on the lookout for any signs of drug or alcohol abuse, and will also closely monitor your mood, speech, cognition, thinking, perception and insight throughout the test.
Keep in mind that your mental health is equally as important as your physical health. The ability to think quickly and clear-headedness are the keys to a successful piloting career and are necessary if you wish to fly an aircraft!
LIST OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT DISQUALIFY CANDIDATES
Here are some of the most important health conditions that may hinder your ability to obtain a valid UK aviation medical certificate:
Poor Heart Health
As mentioned above, heart health is important because it enables pilots to operate aircraft unimpeded.
Common conditions such as high blood pressure, benign heart murmurs, corrected congenital heart defects, and even certain types of arrhythmias are not always grounds for disqualification. However, if your tests reveal severe health problems, arrhythmia or other serious health-related conditions, then you may not be allowed to fly aircraft.
Here is what most AMEs look for as red-flags:
Uncontrolled Diabetes
People suffering from diabetes may be able to fly, however, there are certain conditions laid out by the CAA to ensure maximum safety.
Pilots with uncontrolled diabetes are subject to disqualification due to the severity and nature of their disease. A pilot that has had a hypoglycaemic episode in the last 6 months will not be issued a licence, especially if they aren’t getting treatment for their condition.
In either case, the CAA checks such cases individually and takes into account the full medical history of the pilot. If you have been receiving proper treatment through a general practitioner, then the CAA may also ask for an official support letter from your GP.
If your case is allowed, you will be asked to carry a valid blood sugar monitoring device and a valid medical certificate.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a terrible disease, and while many people can manage it successfully, it may add a lot of risk when operating an aircraft. As per the CAA, pilots with a history of epilepsy must disclose their ailment to the CAA.
Even with treatment, if a pilot has had a history of suffering from epilepsy, they will be disqualified due to the strict safety standards set by the CAA.
Cancer
Individuals with a recent cancer diagnosis must disclose the details of their illness to determine the extent of their disease. In most cases, the CAA will investigate such conditions individually where the complete medical history of the pilot will be taken into account.
Depending on the stage of cancer and ongoing treatment, a pilot battling cancer may still be allowed to fly if they can prove that their condition is stable and that the cancer is in remission. Naturally, individuals battling this ailment will be subject to more frequent screenings.
It is important to note that pilots undergoing radiation therapy or individuals with intracerebral malignancies will not be allowed to fly until their condition is stable. In the case of skin malignancies, pilots may still be fit to fly so long as they can prove that their condition is being treated and that they are in remission.
Several other conditions prohibit pilots from flying. Here is a roundup of some of the most important health conditions that can affect your ability to obtain a valid UK aviation medical certificate:
- Consistently Poor or Degrading Mental Health
- Severe Immunocompromised Conditions
- Pregnancy
- Skin Conditions such as uncontrolled eczema.
- Severe Substance Abuse or Addiction
- Ongoing Serious Infectious Diseases
- Serious Gastrointestinal Diseases and Conditions
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn offers pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
You are required to take medical exams to prove you are fit enough to take to the skies when applying for a licence, and the facility at Sherburn allows you to start your aviation journey on the right foot.
Our in-house AME, Dr Mark Bellamy, is rated to perform EASA Class 2 and LAPL. He also holds a fixed-wing PPL. Appointments are available every Monday and Tuesday, as well as occasional Saturdays.
We cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
We offer dedicated CPL training as well as comprehensive PPL (A) training and the required experience for operating aircraft at night.
In addition to this, the club also offers simulators for various training needs and to help new pilots gain confidence before the real deal.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
Call us on 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on pilot medicals, and contact Dr Mark Bellamy by email or telephone 07747 057574 for appointments!
Photo by Kevin Bluer on Unsplash
