Do RAF ATCOs require a CAA medical?

[littlehobo75]

I was accepted for training by NATS in June this year. I have found out today after multiple appeals that I would not be granted a CAA medical because my pre-laser surgery eyesight is 0.5 dioptre outside the requirements. According to the CAA this is a purely political decision as there is no medical evidence for the uncorrected and pre-surgery refractive requirements. Indeed the FAA and CASA no longer have them. Unfortunately a couple of European states want to keep the regulations despite all evidence to the contrary (probably the French!)

Anyway, what I was wondering is, do the RAF & RN require their ATCOs to have a CAA Class 1 medical?

[Lookatthesky]

No they don't.

You will need to pass an RAF/RN medical though, although their website isn't exactly helpful. Maybe a telephone call to your local RAF/RN careers office would help?

Good luck

[Grabbers]

Although you will need your head examining.:E

[DC10RealMan]

Littlehobo,

You must always remember that you will be a military person first and atco second. That may mean occupying a foxhole and getting shot at as part of your military role.

[glider insider]

As a serving ATCO who is investigating laser surgery myself, I have recently been given all the rule book to read, and unfortunately the RAF do not accept applications from those who have already had laser surgery. I believe they consider the long term effects unknown. Once you are serving, you have to go through the approved centres if you wish to have the surgery, which has to be completed by a consultant surgeon (thereby doubling the cost). Sorry if this is not the news you were hoping for.

[littlehobo75]

Ironic that as I was reading this thread there was a banner ad for Laser surgery at the bottom of the page!