Class 1 medical - weight issue
 

Hello!

I've just been accepted to the CATC and am awaiting a date to have my class 1 medical.

I was wondering if anyone had any idea what the acceptable weight ranges are? I have a BMI of 27 and could do with losing a couple of stone but I'm fairly well proportioned due to being tall!

Apologies if this has been mentioned before and thanks for any info!

Winter

All I can say is that I know of some extremely large people who have passed their Class 1 for ATCO and pilot. I think a lot depends on your general fitness. If you're overweight with high BP you might have problems.

Good luck anyway.

G'Day Winter

With regard to your BMI, 27 is classed as overweight but not obese, so I don't think you'll have any dramas!!!

Like HD says, there are plenty of large people who pass their medicals with no problems, so I don't think you have anything to stress over.

The CAA limit is a BMI of 35. I passed my initial with a BMI of 33, it is now down to 28 and falling. You should have no issues with it.

BMI is a method used to determine how much fat you are carrying. BMI of 35 is the limit for the licencing authorities to accept you without basicaly any questions.

BMI over 35 will be accepted, however, you most very probably will be asked to present a report from your Cardiologist and also a report from your Flight Testing Officer of your counties licencing authority, or from your Training Capt. or simulator instructor of the airline you work for, in that you have no problems of maniputaling the aircraft that you are on, and that you can perform all the emegency procedures without any difficulties. In Australia, a stress ECG is also asked for by CASA.

So, all being equal and you are in good health otherwise, then a BMI of over 35 is acceptable, BMI does not take into account your hereditary predisposition, its just a mathematical weight for height equation and that's it, so as some one said somewhere, maybe Arnie would fail the BMI test as muscle is heavier than fat.

p.s. I'm going on a diet after the festive season, as they (the authorities) are on my back over this as well...cheers.

Thanks for the reassurance!

My class 1 medical is on the 20th January. Time to go back to the gym and work off those mince pies!

All the best,

Winter