Whether you dream of piloting a commercial plane through the skies or of seeing the world as a cabin crew member, an aviation medical examiner can help open the door to a long and exciting career.
These examiners are experts in their field, and they will be your guide as you navigate the medicals required to receive your certifications and take to the skies. This includes all initial and renewal medicals, as well as any specialist examinations, to ensure that you meet the necessary health standards required for your role, so read on to explore the important role of these vital healthcare professionals.
The Role Of An Aviation Medical Examiner
Aviation medical examiners (also known as aeromedical examiners, or AMEs) are specially qualified to assess and certify the physical wellbeing of all those who work in aviation. Their responsibilities include conducting a range of medical examinations, reviewing medical conditions and history, and issuing the relevant medical certificates, but also extend to offering specialist advice and referring unsuccessful applicants to the relevant specialists for further analysis or treatment.
From veteran pilots to first-time cabin crew, attending an appointment with an AME is an essential task to tick off your list. Their examinations protect the health and safety of anyone who travels the skies, which does not just include yourself and your fellow aviation professionals, but also everyone whose safety relies upon your physical wellbeing whilst travelling.
With their industry-specific knowledge and medical expertise you will be able to obtain or renew the relevant certifications in no time, so let’s take a look at the different medicals available from an aviation medical examiner.
What Medicals Does An Aeromedical Examiner Offer?
If your role will take you overseas then it’s important that you hold the correct medical certificate required by your aviation authority. Different medicals are required to comply with the specific aviation requirements of different countries, including:
- CAA: Civil Aviation Authority (UK)
- EASA: European Authority for Aviation Safety (all EU member states)
- FAA: Federal Aviation Administration (United States)
- CAME: Canadian Association for Medical Education (Canada)
- CASA: Civil Aviation Safety Authority (Australia)
- GACA: General Authority of Civil Aviation (KSA)
- DCA: Department of Civil Aviation (Mauritius)
Most of these global regulatory bodies also offer different classes of medicals depending upon your specific duties, which assess the health conditions that are of concern to pilots, cabin crew, and ground controllers. Only specialist AMEs that are certified by the relevant authority will be able to conduct these medicals, so bear that in mind when researching the right medical for you.
Pilot Medicals
Class 1 and Class 2 medicals, required by the CAA, EASA, FAA and CASA, are for individuals who are obtaining or renewing their pilot’s licence.
Generally, a Class 1 medical is necessary for commercial or airline transport pilots, to ensure that they meet the highest standards of health and wellbeing, whilst Class 2 medicals are for private (and also some commercial) pilots. The specific guidelines for each medical will differ depending upon the governing body issuing the medical certificate (for example, FAA Class 2 medicals are for commercial pilots, whilst Class 3 medicals are for private and recreational pilots), so make sure that you check the right one for you when booking your appointment.
Cabin Crew Medicals
Most aviation authorities require all cabin crew members to undergo medical assessments to maintain the relevant health standards. These medical assessments are conducted as part of the pre-commencement screening process for all new cabin crew members, and then at regular intervals as required by the relevant governing body.
The aeromedical examiner conducting these medicals will assess any specific health conditions that may affect your ability to safely perform your duties in the air or on the ground, and it is important that you are as honest as possible when discussing your health and medical history with your examiner.
Ground Crew Medicals
Aviation medical examiners are responsible for maintaining health standards across the entire global aviation community and this extends to the essential personnel at ground level.
These medicals, alongside airside driving medicals, address the unique health requirements that are relevant for ground crew members and air traffic controllers across the world. This includes hearing and vision standards, as well as a full physical medical examination, and once you have successfully passed this examination you will receive the medical certification needed to maintain your licence.
Book Your Aeromedical Appointment Today
Whether you need an initial Class 1 medical, or a pre-employment cabin crew medical, or any other kind of aviation medical assessment, Heathrow Medical is the partner for you.
Their team of certified AMEs have been providing a range of aviation medical examinations for over 20 years, so book your appointment with a qualified aeromedical examiner today.
