Class One Run down

[maxdrypower]

Not sure if this has been done before. Enough people seem to post regarding what happens on the day .
So here is a run down of the day at Gatwick
Prior to look at this ere site :-

http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?ca...=90&pageid=527

There are 3 forms to fill in one for hearing one for eyesight and one general medical form . These can be printed out from this site. It does say you have to print them and bring them with you on the day. One chap I was with didnt , he was given them there and then with no drama and filled them in while he waited.
To arrange your appointment contact the number given on the above site or if your feeling lazy 01293-573700. Given about two weeks notice you can pretty much choose your date . The medical costs 310 quid and must be payed for when you book an apt .There are two apt times 9:45 and 12:45 each day you choose .
You will recieve confirmation in the post with instructions for the day. This will also give you directions to gatwick and Aviation house. It states that parking is at a premium and they advise using public transport. On the day I attended there was more than ample parking available .You are advised you will be there for about three hours . I found this to be accurate.
A brief wait in reception and you will be called in to the waiting area of the medical centre. there were 3 other chaps present at the same time as me , not sure if that is the norm .
Each person then gets taken off to a different area at about the same time and once finished you are swapped round .

I was taken firstly to the hearing tests . this consists of sitting in the fridge like thing pressing the button when you hear the beeps .

Next was the ECG , very quick takes about 5 minutes

From there It was into another room where I did the spirometry . Lung function tests . You get two seperate tests firstly take a deep breath and expel all the air you can into the tube . you did this twice . Then you do the same again but this time expel it as fast as you can . the machine takes the readings and you either pass or fail . I believe the scores required can be found on the website.

I was then blood tested , by way of a small prick to the finger . This tests Heamoglobin and Cholesterol . Again required results are on the site. I seem to recall 5.5 or below is good for Cholesterol and between 15-17 for Heamoglobin . Smokers will have higher on the Heamoglobin apparently.Im not sure if this is a pass/fail or an advisory result. You also do the pixx test here as well I believe for blood sugar and possibly other things . If you are having a morning apt dont eat frosties prior to your apt

Then a quick height weight test ,usual methods . No BMI or anything similar .I am actually overweight by quite a bit but it wasnt mentioned at any stage .

Then a swap to the optical chap . It was a very thorough eye exam . Im sure most will have done an eye test before . Very thorough indeed. One chap failed this on the day and walked away a shattered man .He had also started the GS (lessons to be learnt there)

Then a quick trip to see the actual Dr (the optometrist does the eyes and a technician does everything else) The Doctor quizzes you a little bit about general health then listens to chest and back with stethoscope then all being well issues your Class one there and then . No drama at all.

Like I say not sure if this has been done before but hopefully some may find it useful. All this info is correct as of end of Feb 2008.

[jezbowman]

Thanks for the run-down. It's always useful to know what to expect and be as prepaired as possible although from the many accounts you read on here it seems eveyone's mileage varies. I have my initial class one booked three weeks from now, so it's good to hear that things are pretty much as I expected.

I'll just add one thing though - when I booked (at the end of Feb for a mid Apr booking) I was given the choice of three times: 8:30, 9:30 or 12:30. This came as a surprise since what I had read on here suggested it was either of 8:30 or 12:30 to choose from. I thought I would share this as it may be of use to anyone planning "in and out in a day by air" visits to LGW.

[George Semel]

Three hours for a physical, you got to be kidding. My last one took an hour and only because my Flight Surgeon and I had a nice long chat about things. Good guy dose his exam's in his hangar at the airport, you walk in past the V-35 and into the office, you fill out the form he dose the physical he then issues a medical and stamps a Beech V-35 on the back. They you write a check for 90 USD or 39 Euro's and you vist for a while and that is that. Oh its the UK so about 45 Pounds. and I stand corrected.

[DanAus1983]

Is it likely that any surprises will show up on the blood tests/ECG? I've done all of the tests, and I called the doctor today and the results are in from the pathology, but the receptionists can't give results out over the phone.

I'm stressing that there will be something random, like a dodgy heart valve or similar that would automatically exclude me, although I'm young and not over-weight so I'm sure everything will be fine.

It's amazing that ones dreams and career can hang in the balance over a simple test, although obviously it's for good reason.

[maxdrypower]

Cant comment matey . As said above all our tests are done on the day . I assume you havent been to Gatwick for your medical (Judging by your location) If you fail the Class one here for any reason they may well refer you to your GP for further tests then review it . I cant comment on the Aussie version

[Shiver me timbers!]

I booked mine yesterday and was offered 8.45am, 9.45am, 12.45pm or 13.45pm.

Heading down on 14th April (13.45pm). Hope I don't have to wait for postal results because it's the last appointment of the day

[maxdrypower]

Ooh bit of a change then times wise , good update . You shouldnt have to wait matey , You see the Dr last and he has it in his hand . Im not sure they do postal votes , If you pass all the tests you will walk away with your class one

[jezbowman]

When I booked mine at the end of February I asked for an appointment during the week beginning Monday 14th April and was told the first available was 8:30am on the Tuesday 15th April. I'm there on Tuesday 15th at 9:30am. Maybe each week day has a different set of appointment times?

[Shiver me timbers!]

It's about 1 mile away so yes it's walking distance but by the looks of it (see link) this would involve walking down the A23

You'll get information in the post in the next few days with directions from airport terminals / train stations etc using buses etc. I'm probs gonna get a taxi. Surely can't be more than a fiver.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl...57077&t=h&z=15

[ChriSat]

There is a free bus from the airport to the aeromedical center

Chris

[Ouseburn]

Do we have to get the Eye Examination form and Hearing Requirements form filled in by someone prior to attending the initial medical, or is it simply the case of printing them out for the medics at Gatwick to fill in?

[betterfromabove]

Medical

Quite staggering.

Have had to have a yearly medical for my (non-aviation) job every year for the last 5 years, even though I'm in my thirties.

Is often twice as rigorous as this, lasts half a day & is done privately & has NEVER cost more than 350 euros (call it 250 pounds).

What are we talking.....experts please pile in here....75% mark-up. This from a "government" agency.

Again, staggering.

[dunelmitepilot]

Otorhinolaryngology (did I spell that right!?) form

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I am going for an initial class 2 medical exam a week tomorrow. I have downloaded the three forms. The actual application form and the opthalmology form are fine-took that to my optician and he filled it in with no problems. This is all on the assumption that you have to get all these three forms filled in but, I have no idea where to go or what I should do for the otorhinolaryngology form. Having never had any ear problems etc I have never had to be referred to anyone for an audiogram or any of the other tests on MED163. Is it just a case of getting filled out what you can and they will simply check it, or if you couldn't get the form filled out, they will carry that particular test out for you on the day. I would appreciate anyone's advice on this so thanks in advance!

dunelmitepilot

[topcat1]

Thanks for the info

Hi

I found your information very interesting and helpful. I am hoping to become an Air Traffic Controller in the not too distant future but was really worried that my weight would be an issue for passing a Class One medical. I keep good health in all other aspects that you mention, its just my wieght that concerns me. I do not appear to look seriously overweight - I look pretty average (carry it well I think!). I just wondered if weight alone would go against me.

Thanks!

[gingernut]

Yep, it's good to be prepared, but to be honest, 99.99% of the times, nothin at all to worry about. Trouble is, you tend to focus on the process, rather than the outcome. (Not many fail).

Having said that, recently changed employer and had to attend a medical.

So worried, I nearly posted a thread on pprune!!


(I became very nervous when they came at me with a needle to test for Measles antibody-actually grabbed the nurses arm, filled up with tears and vowed never to tell anyone it was just a scratch again:-))

But hey needle phobics, it's just a scratch!!

[topcat1]

Class One & BMI

Hi again,

Thanks for that.

I had posted questions a few days ago and many people reckoned if you had a BMI of over 30, 35 you'd be in trouble. I could possibly be bordering on that. I would find it highly embarrassing to fail on that alone. I do feel I'd stand a fighting chance of passing a course - I just like my food - you know? My weight is up and down. When I out my mind to it and focus, I can lose it. problem is I can't keep it off for long - always have lapses!

So you really don't reckon I'll have an issue?

(Anyone else out there have any comments/advice on this subject?)

Topcat1

[The_Pharoah]

for what its worth...did most of my Class 1 Medical this morning (and passed!). Here's what I did after I filled out my CASA forms:

With nurse
1. weight/height calc (BMI = 29 )
2. blood pressure
3. urine test
4. Eye test (one eye closed - vs chart)
5. hearing test (I struggled with this one - think I have slight tinnitus)
6. ECG (lay down on hosp bed while they attach things to your chest, arms and feet to measure your electrical impulses)

With Doc
1. Ear, nose check
2. did stretch type exercises including a squat jump sort of thingy
3. (this was the hard one) - stood heel to toe, arms crossed and eyes closed for 1 min (had to balance).
4. Doctor did his prodding - stomach, reflexes, groin (hernia check), throat, etc.
5. Discussions re broken bones, exercise, etc. I indicated that I had dislocated my AC joint (he was the doc who actually saw me back then!!) and he laughed and changed the form - I think its mainly if its a large deformity or something that they consider.

and that was it!! actually, not fully it..I still have a blood test tomorrow (he mentioned that the only way to fail that was if I was a raging diabetic!! lol) and an eye test - I've done full eye tests previously so I'm not worried.

Otherwise ladies and gents, I'm about to embark on my flying career at age 32. God help me!

[Ouseburn]

I did my medical CAA Class 1 recently and this is basically what happens during your visit to Aviation House:

When you arrive at Aviation House you get a security pass from the main reception desk and any bags you have with you will be tagged. You are then directed to the reception of the medical department where you provide them with some personal identification (either passport or photo driving licence) and the forms you were instructed to print out from the CAA's website when making the booking. You are then directed to the waiting room. There are lockers where you can store your personal belongings in during your visit.


You are then called to the first series of tests by a nurse. This nurse will do all the following tests:

- Height & weight.

- Urine test: a small paper cup (espresso sized) is then put into a hatch and you are instructed to go to the toilet where there is a cubicle marked for urine testing. The other side of the hatch is in this cubicle. You are required to half-fill the cup and return in into the hatch and go back to the waiting room when done. This tests for numerous things, including blood, diabetes and protein.

- Spirometry: The first test measures the volume of your lungs; you are given a tube to hold on to and are told to take a deep breath in and exhale normally through the tube. The second test requires you to exhale as quickly as you can through the same tube, this is measured 3 times. The criteria to pass requires you to exhale 70% of your lung capacity within the first 1 second of blowing. I found this test easier than anticipated, the nurse basically said that unless you have a respiratory condition then everyone does OK.

- ECG: You are asked to remove your shirt and lie down on the bed. 8 electrodes are connected to your chest and 2 to your ankles. The machine then takes reading of your heartbeat.

- Audiogram: You are asked to sit in a closed booth and to wear a set of over-ear headphones. You are given a button to be held in your hand. A series of low and high pitched tones are then played at random through the headphones and you are required to press the button whenever you hear a sound.

- Finger prick blood test: The nurse will prick your finger and take a tiny dab of your blood. This is to measure the your haemoglobin count and cholesterol. I was told that whatever the result of the cholesterol test, it is only done on an advisory basis.


You then return to the waiting room for the final 2 tests, which are the physical examination and the eye sight test:

- Physical exam: A doctor calls you in to their room, explains what they are about to do and asks you to strip down to your underwear and lie on the bed. You are given the option of having a chaperone present. The doctor will then check your pulse in various places on your body, check reflexes across your body and use a stethoscope to listen to your heart, abdomen etc. You are prodded for a while to check for stuff like hernias. The doctor also checks your mouth and ears at this point. You are then asked to stand up and whilst your eyes are closed, to put your arms in front of you and stand on one leg. This is to check your balance. You are then told to put your trousers back on and the doctor will then ask you to bend over and try touch your toes and whilst your bent over they will, what I can only describe as karate chop your back and ask you if it hurts. The doctor then checks your blood pressure and are told to put all your clothes back on. The doctor then asks you a few question about your medical history. Genitals and rectum are at no point checked during the physical examination.

- Ophthalmologist: The tests the ophthalmologist does are basically very similar to what a normal high street optician carries out, but perhaps just a tad more thorough. If you wear glasses and/or contact lenses, they will be checked.


If all is OK then you are instructed to return to the waiting room and wait whilst your certificate is printed out. Be patient, it took them around 45 minutes to get mine printed!

[The_Pharoah]

I did my opth test separately last saturday - I didn't heed the warnings about having dilated pupils by the end of it and walked straight out of the exam place into bright sunshine with no sunnies!! I literally had to block out my eyes which was a curious sight for many. Tried to purchase some sunnies but couldn't read the price! lol..ended up being picked up by the Mrs and driven straight home feeling quite sick. Recovered afterwards tho. all good.

[indi1988]

Weight

This is my first post, so here goes.
At the moment my weight is 125KG, im 6'2", what are the chances of me passing an initial medical for a PPL. I beleive I am fairly healthyish, I am losing that weight slowly by cutting down completly on sugars, salt and general junk - but am finding it very hard. I exercise a lot; vigorous badminton 2-3 times a week for 2-3 hours, gym 2-3 times a week, and generally dont easily get tired doing stuff. I am really quite worried, can someone please advise?