European Class 3 Medical - Asthma
 

Just seeking some up to date information from people who have taken/passed the new medical.

I have mild asthma which requires twice daily use of a preventer and I rarely suffer from symptoms of asthma in normal day to say life, hence I rarely have to use the reliever inhaler.

The NATS website states: "A past history of asthma may be acceptable but significant symptoms at time of application are likely to be disqualifying."

The CAA website states (with regard to the European Class 3): "Assessment of asthma is on an individual basis."

Having not been asked to mention this in my initial application to NATS, I'm now wondering how much of a problem this may be. My understanding is that the class of medical examination has changed recently for NATS (was just UK Class 1 ATCO). Does this mean the European medical is more thorough and difficult to pass?

It's not clear from the CAA website how much a medical examination would cost (i.e. if I was to book it independently before going through the 3 NATS Selection Stages). Does anyone have any ideas? I can't imagine how gutted I would be if I passed Stage 3 only to fail the medical!

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

I believe the ATCO medical has been downgraded somewhat. However, for a definitive answer you would be best advised to ring Gatwick. They are very helpful.

I think that in the end you pay for your own medical (if you pass stage 3), so if it worries you I guess you can go and take the medical now. If you pass you can go on with the application process and you don't have to be afraid of failing the medical if you go all the way through.

If you don't pass stage 3 you will have lost the money spent on the medical, but that might not be to bad in order to be able to relax.

Don't take this as 100% granted though as the source that says that the medical is payed by us is not NATS themself (even though he is a NATS employee).

Unless things have changed drastically, NATS pays for all ATCO medicals. However, if you pay for one yourself before joining NATS don't expect to get the money back!

Ah OK. Well the easiest way would still be to call them and ask so start with that and hopefully they can tell you straight away if you should consider getting an erly medical or not :)

I have mild asthma, and have / had no problems obtaining / retaining my medical.

I was asked to run round the building a couple of times when down at the CAA, and my peak flow taken before and after.

If you're well controlled with the usual medication, and don't suffer from sudden attacks, then it shouldn't be a problem. Out of interest, when do you find yourself needing to use the reliever?

ATB

Thanks for all your replies, think I will give them a call..

Cuddles, I occasionally use my reliever when I'm in a dusty environment, and can get a bit "wheezy" after hard exercise. I can't imagine it ever being an issue in a work environment but then again I don't know how good my peak flow would be.

NB I have never had an asthma attack!

Cheers

TCR - almost identical situation to you & had no problems getting or renewing my ATCO medical.

HTH

If that's the case, you ought to be OK. What are your spirometry results like?

As far as peak flow does, I'm at about 80% of where I should be, and can be wheezy after exercise. Not too bothered by dust though.

Paying for your medical in advance, imo would be a waste of money if considering nats. They pay for their own. Even if you had a class3 medical, you will likely end up doing it again. On top of this Nats for initial entrants have varying requirements that are different to the class 3 medical ..eg ..sight test. previous thread on this. Check with the med team at srg and swanwick, if you have any doubts. Good luck

Had it since 5yoa and not a prob with old Class 1. Use Salbutamol as and when required but don't bother with Becotide.

Medical Branch at the time were happy so long as I wasn't on steroids taken orally; which I've never had.

If anything Bren the European Class 3 medical requirements for ATCOs are now even more stringent! A blood test is now required, and a very comprehensive eye examination and report by an optometrist is a pre-requisite for spectacle wearers .

I had an asthma attack 28 years ago just before entering ATC and had salbutamol inhalers ever since, it was a worry for me but I have an allergic asthma and the doctors said it wasn't a problem so have had a Class 1 ever since and no problems