Would I fail a Class 1 Medical??

[topcat1]

Hi

Just out of curiosity, if i was to consider applying to become an air traffic controller, would I fail a Class 1 medical on being overweight. I have have an clean bill of health with regards to hearing, eyesight, blood pressure etc. No medical problems at all.

Can anyone advise?

Thanks!

[Crazy Fokker]

I'm pretty sure that ATC guys have to go for a class one just the same as pilots. Therefore, I'm guessing they face the same criteria. So if your BMI is far above 25 might be worth a phone call to check.

[DeltaT]

Thought it was class 3 for ATC?

[Romeo India Xray]

I believe it is class 1 for ATC - Scotland used to have a class 3 when the UK had a 3 tier medical system. Now it is JAR FCL-3 rules and only 2 classes. ATC need class one (unless something has changed a lot recently). Call the med division in Gatwick and ask, or live off salad for a while.

[gingernut]

Looks like I picked the wrong week to give up donoughts....

Previous posts would suggest being overweight alone wasn't an issue, however authoritative posters suggest the boys in the white coats now get twitchy when your BMI approaches 38.

Happy controlling

[fatboy slim]

38 is quite high in my experience. My AME likes me to keep below 30 and I have had dealings with one very weight sensitive company doctor was adamant that bmi >30 was a no-no.

Are there any CAA limits on bmi or is it based on ohter factors when conducting the medical - BP, pulse, ECG etc?

[topcat1]

Now i'm worried

Hi

Now I'm a bit worried. Around 3 years ago I lost 3 stone but I am now back to square one. I can't seem to stick at diets long enough where the weight stays off. As I have said though, I have a clean bill of health in all other areas.

[fatboy slim]

topcat - go and get a young and active dog from a rescue centre. Hour long walks a day on days off, half an hour every evening. You can't not go out cos you dont fancy it - as the pooch will drag you out.

Its been good for 25lbs weight loss for me! And a joy to have around the house.

PS should make clear that i'm a pilot not ATC but the class 1 requiremants are the same. You should email the CAA medical lot at Gatwick and ask if there is a top limit for BMI.

[C172 Hawk XP]

This might be of interest to those reading this thread. Just noticed a mention of BMI in a letter from the CAA Medical Dept.

Currently under JAA pilots with a BMI over 35 must provide a report from a CFI or Training Captain confirming that their weight does not interfere with any tasks in the cockpit environment, paying special attention to all emergency procedures

ATCO medicals are presently still under the old UK rules, not JAR, but I would think that the general thinking at LGW would be similar.

[CharlieLima]

Interesting to note, could anyone state exactly what examinations they go through for the class 1, do they take blood for example, and what kind of diagnostics do they run on it if they do.

Charlie. It is also worthwhile doing a search on Med Forum for the answer to your question regarding examinations. A few threads have well over a hundred posts that detail what to expect.

Kind regards,
Med Mods (Hawk)

[Spitoon]

Take a look at the CAA web site - this is a good starting point

[throw a dyce]

Topcat1,
I am an ATCO and your weight is always recorded at each medical.If the BMI is too high then they will snag it quickly.
I have always had trouble keeping weight off,so I have a simple system.Eat less,move more.Cut out the crap biscuits,high sugar stuff etc,and take exercise.For me it's cycling and walking.I even cycle to work as much as possible now.That means about 90+ miles a week,and I feel really well.Sleep a lot better and save a huge amount of money in petrol.
Diets don't work,because you pile the weight back on when you come off them.
Good luck.