Fit To Fly In RAF, Unfit for CAA Class 1 Medical?

[Field44]

Has anyone ever been refused a Class 1 Medical when fit to fly in the RAF. I have recently applied for a CAA Class 1 Medical ( I am fit to fly in RAF) and have been initially refused. I have been referred to see an eye specialist at Gatwick because I have an in-balance in one of my eyes. (I wear glasses in RAF) I also have a history of shoulder dislocations, which I need to see a CAA Medic about. I somewhat assumed that if I was fit to fly in the RAF I would be fine for a Class 1 Medical!

I am not planning on leaving the RAF any time soon but would like the option of flying in Civi street.

Thanks for any replies.

Field 44

[Dengue_Dude]

The initial Class 1 is always the hardest to get - a bit like the first aircrew medical the forces do for you.

If you are currently flying, I would certainly approach the CAA Medical branch again - I've always had very good service from them and found them most approachable.

Even consider getting the MO who signed off your last military medical to pen a quick letter (if required).

Talk to them first. Good luck

[brit bus driver]

What we need is a specialist optometry department to take a look at that gammy eye for you..............:hmm:

[DGAC]

Take care that your enquiries don't jeopardise your current "A1" status!!

[Foghorn Leghorn]

Do you have to be A1 to fly in the RAF?

[MightyGem]

Do SAMs not do class 1s these days?

[EnigmAviation]

Not unless they are holders of CAA AME ticket and these are regulated by CAA

[BEagle]

Since 1 Jan 2009, no service MO may conduct a Class 1 Initial Medical. Those who hold AME status may, however, conduct revalidations and renewals and may conduct Class 2 Initial Medicals.

You can thank the JAA for the change in policy.....:mad:

[CirrusF]

Since 1 Jan 2009, no service MO may conduct a Class 1 Initial Medical. Those who hold AME status may, however, conduct revalidations and renewals and may conduct Class 2 Initial Medicals.

You can thank the JAA for the change in policy.....http://static.pprune.org/images/smilies/censored.gif


Are you sure that is a JAA policy? I get my Class 1 done by the French navy medical centre in Toulon.

[BEagle]

Those Service MOs who hold AME status my conduct revalidations, but are no longer empowered to conduct Initial Class 1 medicals.

Whether the French stick to JAR Medical rules, I have no idea....:rolleyes:

[teeteringhead]

Do you have to be A1 to fly in the RAF? Not to stay flying, Foghorn Leghorn, but to start flying.

Example: self and most helo pilots of my vintage (and many younger) are A2 for hearing, which I understand would preclude the initial issue of a Class 1 - at least without a fight!

For clarity, it's not just helos; A2 "cripples" fly in most (all?) forces.

"Don't worry, Sir," said the Doc, "it won't stop you flying and it's not bad enough for a disability pension!"

"About half two" I replied ..... don't think he got it ......

[minigundiplomat]

Is that the one on top of the hill?

[LFFC]

Is it also true that, as of this month, if you let your CAA medical lapse for more than a year, you will have to have it revalidated as if it were an initial medical?

[Dengue_Dude]

Even 10 years ago, my INITIAL Class 1 had to be done by the CAA at the Belgrano, Gatwick.

Fact IS, like all things, it's more difficult to GET the qualification than to KEEP it.

That said, my advice still stands - talk to them.

[Field44]

Field 44 is indeed on top of the hill, North of Petersfield.

Thanks for the replies. I am keeping my fingers crossed! Just worth bearing in mind for anyone looking to PVR (although less likely in these times) that getting a Class 1 Medical might be a good idea before commiting.

Field 44