NATS Initial Medical Changes

[timelapse]

Having just been to my initial medical for NATS, I thought I'd let people know that the process has changed quite a bit for people starting at the college.

As of April, everyone will end up having 2 medicals, one by NATS and then another by the CAA. You'll either be asked to do the CAA one before you start, or if you're assessed as low enough risk, NATS will bus a load of us up to Gatwick one day and get them all done then.

The reason for the change is that since the CAA is the regulatory body, and because they issue the medical certificates, they have been told that they have to do the initial medical examinations now themselves.

So what happens is you have your full medical at NATS as before, then the doctor goes away and discusses your case with the NATS chief medical guy, who decides whether or not to make you get your CAA medical before starting the course.

Everyone who already has been through the medical before April and has their class 1 certificate is unaffected (goddamnit).

Whether you get a UK CAA Class 1 or a JAR Class 1.. I'm not sure.

[rickypbrown]

Phew...looks like I got there just in time! Thanks for the info Tony!

[EI9793]

Hi Timelapse, I had my initial medial last week as well and got told the same info. I’m hoping to start on the June course. Have you got your confirmation email back yet? I'm waiting on mine before handing in my notice.

[timelapse]

No I got a phone call today from the doctor, he said that he'd be sending a memo to HR who should be in touch. I'll let you know when they are.

[rickypbrown]

It's getting relatively late! Hope they haven't forgotten about us! lol

[kieranTsoarer]

getting late?! Haven't even started yet and im filled with a sense of disorganisation during application. Im starting on the June course, yet my medical last week was cancelled and the earliest available is this Friday! At this rate I cant see myself with a signed contract anytime before 2008!

[niknak]

Total Crap...:rolleyes: :ugh: :rolleyes:

The CAA do initial Aviation Medicals, not NATS, always have done, always will do.
Thereafter you can elect to go to Aviation House at Gatwick, or your local AME for the biannual, or, if over 40, the annual Medical.
Stop spreading rumours of no consequence.:rolleyes:

[timelapse]

what?
I guess the NATS doctor was lying then..

http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=49&pagetype=90&pageid=529
"The initial examination is done at the CAA Aeromedical Centre at Gatwick, except for National Air Traffic Services (NATS) ATCO students, who can have the examination at the NATS Medical Centre at London Heathrow."....

That's what's changing.

[niknak]

Naughty Niknak:=
note to self... check facts before posting.......:uhoh: :ouch:

[GT3]

I thought the NATS medical centre at LHR had closed???

[timelapse]

Yeah it's at Swanwick now.. CAA site hasn't changed to reflect that I guess.

[EGMC]

Kieran, I have my medical too this morin. i know i SHOULD be readin PPRuNe more often, cos its a shame if i dont see you today [especially as you're from my neck of the woods!]. Mine is at 2, stick around for a bit of yours is nearby.

I'm note sure how all this new med spec will affect me as i did the CAA medical last year [a waste of £ that was!].

anyway c u there to any1 going for medical today,
EGMC

[ramesescolossos]

I wouldn't worry, Im starting in June and Im not having my medical until the 11th, and the HR person said that there are people having it later then me! I havent had my contract through but was told they are waiting til theres a few and sending the last batch out together, should be getting it late next week id imagine, along with a list of accommodation.
Luckily im in decent if not fantastic shape and had my eyes tested 6 months ago and were more or less perfect, so im confident, touch wood.