Class 1 medical.

[Eren_13]

Hi all, I'm Eren and I'm new here!

I'm studying for my PPL now, almost done but I am about to book up my Class 1 medical for future ATPL studies. I've held off as something has been worrying me quite a bit about my medical history.

A few years back I suffered from a mild case of depression which was thankfully very quickly cleared up and I am all good now. I am worried that this will go against me when I come to fill out the form for medical past. As I mentioned, it was only mild, I am now clear of it and it was a long time ago but could this be a problem?

[Scott C]

Don't worry about it. I was on anti-depressants for about 12 months - a number of different problems all came at once and after a while, I finally I crumbled!

I was just about 12 months clear of the pills when I went for my class 1 and all the doctor said to me was "That's in the past and you look happy and healthy now, so that's good enough for me!" Job done! :-)

[pipersam]

A quick search on the CAA website brings this up. Hopefully it's of some help to you:

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/2499/Depression%20FC%20FN.pdf

[Eren_13]

Thank you both for your replies. It's a worry gone which is good. I've been clear for some years now and the doctor said the same to me which was "you seem happy now" so that's a relief.

Thanks for that link pipersam, I searched the CAA site but never found that so that's helped. Will I have to declare it if its clear now or if there's no need for any more treatment is it considered 'the past'? Forgive me if these questions may sound silly, as you must be aware the CAA can be a frightening bunch at the best of times so I'd like to be at least a little prepared for the tests :)

[Darth_Bovine]

Hi Eren,

Glad you're feeling better!

My advice would be to speak to an AME who does class 1 renewals. Maybe your current AME covers class 1 so he may be able to help (this would be the best idea as he should already be aware of your history). He/she should be able to lay out the facts for you and put your mind at rest.

Good luck!


PS: re-reading the posts I'm aware that you might not have an AME (Aviation Medical Examiner) if you're early on in your PPL. But the advice about talking to one is still good IMHO before forking out cash to go to Gatwick.

[Eren_13]

Hi DB,

Thanks for your reply also. I have a Class 2 at the moment, did that at Stansted last year, I'm nearing the end of my PPL now so before I go any further, I thought it best to do the class 1 of course! Nothing was said then about my history. Would he have had it at that point?

[Darth_Bovine]

Hi,

He might have mentioned it if it were going to be a problem but I'm just guessing. You'd be best to speak to him before going to Gatwick, just to be sure.

Most AMEs are very helpful and want to keep people flying if they can. I'm sure you'll be fine!

Cheers,
DB.

[Eren_13]

Hi again DB

Spoke to my AME a couple of days ago, he reassured me that I should be ok - phew! Just have to collect a medical report from my GP and when I go off to Gatwick all should be cleared up. Thank you and all others for your replies in this. It's nice to know there are people around that will help :)

Thanks and all the best
Eren.

[Darth_Bovine]

That's great news Erin.

Good luck with it all!

Regards,
DB.

[Captainali]

Just wanted to know what age do you need to be to get a class1 medical certificate?;)