Cabin Crew and medicals

[EGCC24L]

Does anybody know what is involved in a "Cabin Crew" medical
i.e whats depths they go into? Does it compere to an old ppl class 3 or does it depend on the airline?

[Q-Tee]

Depends entirely on the airline and the governing body's requirements in the applicable country

[SocialFlyer]

Hey,

As far as the medical goes, I can say during my experience some years ago now during a medical with Southern Airlines (Cabin Crew) it was found that I had a significant hearing loss in one of my ears. The main concern was if there was a disease (which there was not)... I was employed by them and this didn't impact my application. I did have to attend a specialist and have a clearance from him ie..pressure etc..... I remember the doctor saying the main concern with the hearing was that if there was a loss it was identified as "pre existing", therefore a employee could not make a claim against the airline.

Hope this helps...

Cheers

SocialFlyer

[Q-Tee]

Soicial Flyer is right .... a lot of the medicals (in australia) are to set a 'bench-mark' so as the employee cannot claim flying caused them a disability which they already had before joining the company

As for epilepsy, bi-polar etc .... without sounding mean, most airlines have so many applicants that they would probably favour people without such 'complications' than those afflicted.... they would never tell you that is the reason though (that would be discrimination ;) ) I think thats why most airlines say the medical isn't the last step, so if you really push, they can make up another reason for not hiring you :yuk: Unfortunatley it is a supply and demand equation, at the moment there are far more people around the world wanting to be crew, than positions available .... so airlines will choose only what they think to be the 'best' applicants at the time. This may mean the 'least complicated' ..... just my views though.

[overhere]

Anything that could effect the safety of the aircraft or your ability to perform all the required duties.

I would imagine things like Epilepsy and Diabeties would both be concerning. I know that particular airlines have issues with early stage MS too.

I know other people that have been excluded for sinus issues and cardiovascular fitness too.

Every country is different though.

Things to remember about the job...
1. The unusual hours and time zone changes that may effect things like taking medication at particular times and body clock changes effecting conditions,
2. The fact that in a major incident (mainly a ditching) you may not have access to medication for considerable periods of time (in some cases days),
3. You need to be able to swim, lift heavy objects (bags, doors and people),
4. You need to excellent level of health and a excellent immune system as flying will take it out of you and you tend to pick things up very easily,
5. You handle/serve food and come into direct contact with people,
6. Oxygen is thinner, even in the pressurised cabin, if you have a cardiovascular issue flying will be a problem (its very different working in the cabin to being a passenger),
7. There are issues with preexisting conditions that could through the above, compromise your ability to perform your duties safely, that could cause you to become ill in the air or in the event of an emergency and could cause you to have an injury that the airline would end up responsible for.

[flapsforty]

JB, the experts in this forum can perhaps shed some more light, and probably from a different angle than the contributions garnered on the CC forum.
The medicals sticky at the top of this forum is also well worth perusing. :ok: