PPRuNe Forums - Initial Class One Medical

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Initial Class One Medical

Hi all

I would like to go for my class on medical in the next few weeks but I’m unsure whether I will pass it.

One of the last questions is ‘Medical rejection from the forces’ - 2011 I applied for the RAF and was reject as when I was younger (13/14) I had prolonged back pain which were supposedly ‘growing pains’. A CT scan later it turns out that 2 of my dics are slightly curved - I have no pain, I can sit for long periods, run, swim, literally everything without any problems.

Will I be stumped when applying? I don’t want to be wasting £500+ if it’s a dead cert I won’t pass.

Many thanks

If you can sit for long periods, run & swim then I do not see how your 'slightly curved discs' will prevent you from the safe operation of an Aircraft.

You will have a general musculoskeletal assessment by the AME at the initial Class 1. I suggest that you fully disclose your history on the forms (facts and diagnosis by any clinicians only) and if you have a copy of the CT scan take it with you. The AME/CAA may request that you see a specialist just to confirm that your back is in good health or he may just conduct the standard musculoskeletal examination and if he is happy that will be it.

The guidance for what to expect for the musculoskeletal exam can be found here : https://www.caa.co.uk/Aeromedical-Ex...e-material-GM/

I am not a medical professional and this is my laymans interpretations of the assessment criteria and your history. My feeling is that you will not be 'stumped' when applying based on you now being in good health but you may get a deferral which is not anything to worry about, more a compliance with regulatory requirements.

Good luck and let us know how you get on :)

I would assume the RAF is a whole different ballgame. They don’t assess you for the, essentially, sitting down job of airline flying but for years of military training/officer school, likelihood to recover physically after an epic arse-kick by an ejection seat, and for being good material for all the years they will want to keep you after the worlds most expensive training. They will be looking for reasons to not let you, in order to get things right from the start.

A civilian class one is the opposite: you are approved until proven otherwise kind of thing. Don’t worry.

Quote:

A civilian class one is the opposite: you are approved until proven otherwise kind of thing

Absolutely not true.

However, on the basis that you had bulging discs which have now settled, I suspect you will be OK provided you can crouch and touch your toes with no pain or limitation, and have no bowel or urinary issues and normal sensation in your legs.A spinal surgeon would do no more so good luck