Medical test questions (PPL/ATPL)

[machineman9]

So as some of you might know, I was looking to go into the armed forces as a pilot. However, due to a recently developed medical condition, that option is likely to go out of the window.

I'm of course still enthusiastic about getting up in the air, and I'm still looking at gaining my PPL - Or even going towards the ATPL (British Airways are recruiting a certain number of cadet pilots each year, right around this time). University is my first choice regardless, as I will need a fall-back, but the piloting is a very close second.

I'm just trying to check my eligibility for the medicals before I proceed. It makes sense to know if I can apply before I do and get turned down. I've heard that some pilots out there have the same medical issue, but that they could still fly. However, I cannot find a specific document listing the "Yes" and "No" accepted conditions. Bear in mind, this is for a UK license.

I had a look on the CAA website but I could not find a comprehensive list. I'm sure a lot of it is subjective (will it affect my performance?) but is there an official guideline which I could look at too?

Though my eyes aren't perfect, their vision is at least 100% perfect, so that won't be an issue.


Cheers!

[tcco94]

I've read online for the U.K. they have a class 2 (needed to get PPL) and then a class 1 for CPL or ATPL...

I got my medical a couple months ago for my private because I'm going to college and doing the whole professional aviation route also so I went in and got a Class 1 medical just to make sure I wouldn't have any issues I learn down the road to keep me from being a commercial pilot.

Also not really sure about vision for U.K. medicals but my vision is 20/400 and I got my class 1 medical. My medical does say "holder must wear lenses at all time" but I still got it.

Hope I could help for as much as I know.

[machineman9]

Well my sight is better than 20/20 unaided, so that shouldn't be an issue 

I think they're saying that I need to write in with questions as most of the analysis will otherwise be done for real.

[Rocket_Bird]

I don't know how things are in your country, but for the most part, I can't imagine your medical standards being too different from what we have here in Canada.

The key thing about obtaining a medical is you can't have any condition that would knock you out or otherwise incapacitate you in the cockpit.

[machineman9]

It's an abdominal problem, but I'm still waiting back for test results and a full analysis. But as you say, 'the less you know', so I'll be keeping it secretive unless it should come up in a formal medical exam.

It's nothing serious, but it's enough to not let you into the armed forces. Most likely because they'd have to accomodate for a particular diet. I'm no doctor (but I would like to do a doctorate in engineering one day) and I don't see any reason why it would incapacitate me. It's most likely a dietary fix, and I hear some pilots just take their own food to accomodate for that anyway.

[Rocket_Bird]

The armed forces tends to carry somewhat stricter medical standards than civil aviation, I believe.  Sometimes unreasonably so, though if anything, they do keep their standards high.  I doubt something dietary will keep you from an aviation medical though, and I think you should be able to obtain one just fine--even a class 1. 

[Mictheslik]

Unless there's something seriously wrong you should have no problem getting a class 2. It's basically height, weight, urine sample (for diabetes), a simple sight test (long stick with letters placed down it), a hearing test (the AME goes 'can you hear me' and the response has to be 'yes' to pass ) and an ECG (to make sure your heart's OK)

It's basically what you'd expect if you went in to a hospital and asked for decent health checkup

Class 1 is a little trickier, and one of my friends failed his for an eyesight issue (he wears glasses, but his uncorrected vision was too poor I think) He's now in the states, where the Class 1 is a lot less strict

.mic

[C]

Most likely because they'd have to accomodate for a particular diet.

As an equal opportunities employer, HM Forces are used to catering for lots of varying dietary needs...

[machineman9]

Most likely because they'd have to accomodate for a particular diet.

As an equal opportunities employer, HM Forces are used to catering for lots of varying dietary needs...

Well as I was going through the list, I saw things such as egg allergy and nut allergy being problematic. Neither are an issue for me (though I despise egg, it is more of a mental allergy!). I could imagine medicines and treatments possibly containing such ingredients, but it seems more like a dietary thing.

I'm also very confident in their ability to cater for most others - Particularly vegetarian, halal, vegan (there's usually a grassy field around each base

[C]

If I get better and stay better, I should be suitable. But at the same time, the length of my university course means I could be nearly 25 by the time I graduate - Not good when the entry age onto training is 24! I could always pass up a few of the years (industrial year, or my masters) but I'll play it by ear. I'd love to join up, but my age and my goals are in conflict.

Yeah, and just remember what you think you want to do now, and what you think's the best course of action after 2 years maybe quite different too.

As for University Air Squadron - do it if you can (just learn a bit about the system and be confident in your achievements to be competitive at the interview!)

[machineman9]

Yeah, and just remember what you think you want to do now, and what you think's the best course of action after 2 years maybe quite different too.

As for University Air Squadron - do it if you can (just learn a bit about the system and be confident in your achievements to be competitive at the interview!)

Well I'll know which direct I'm headed for sure, two weeks on Thursday! The dreaded results day (again!)

So quite possibly university, or going for the BA pilot scheme, or just into work. Fun times for me 

[Fozzer]

...... just remember what you think you want to do now, and what you think's the best course of action after 2 years maybe quite different too......

In two years time... ...

...especially when Buxom Betty, from next door, looks at you with a big, knowing smile on her face...whilst rubbing her fat tummy at the same time!...

A new course in your life?.....Driving a Perambulator?... ..!

Paul...Been there, got the Tee Shirt!... ... ... ...!

..when it comes to making plans...tomorrow is a completely different day!... ...!