Becoming a UK AME

[QDMQDMQDM]

I'm a totally non-military GP with a fixed wing PPL and a big love of flying and I'd love to become an AME, but from what I can gather it's pretty much a closed shop, largely limited to ex-military types waiting for dead men's shoes. One of our local AMEs had to wait almost 15 years before the CAA let him in.

Any AMEs out there have any advice or thoughts? Feel free to PM me.

QDM

[Circuit Basher]

Well, on another thread, you now seem to be able to use the phrase 'alternobaric vertigo' with gay abandon, so that's 2 of the qualifications sorted. ;) ;)

My AME in Blandford was a lapsed PPL who was not ex-military. I believe (from my long association with RAF testicle jugglers ;) ) that the main requirement to make the leap from GP / Specialist to becoming an aviation specialist is a deep understanding of the aeromedical aspects of the human frame. Not only will you need to have a pretty good understanding of FCL3, but also be able to instinctively adjudge what are and are not relevant conditions / suitable prescriptions and when to refer to the Belgrano for advice. From your many contributions on this forum (and the fact that you must have now got a deep appreciation of the sorts of issues you're likely to face), I would reckon you've got more than enough appreciation of these.

I reckon you should approach the Belgrano with questions regarding any specialist training that may be required, or approach your AME and ask if you could 'shadow' him / her for a few days.

So if you become an AME, would there be a discount rate for PPRuNers?? You could always set up a tent at PPRuNe fly-ins and do Class 2 renewals on a 'while you wait' basis :D

[Edited for typos]

[moosp]

If you would like to get qualified under the HKG CAD we need you out here. Due to Ong-oing (sic) problems of retirements and resignations amongst the CX AMEs who used to provide aircrew medicals for that airline (and others) we are now down to four in Hong Kong.

The four remainders' experience levels vary greatly, from longtime AME work to relative new boy. We miss the "Johns" and the "Perisher".

[QDMQDMQDM]

Interesting thought re HK. Will PM you.

QDM