VGS medical

[_Artemis_]

I've got my VGS medical this month, but have got conflicting reports about eyesight requirements for glider pilots from the guys at my local VGS - do your eyes need to be of a certain strength uncorrected by glasses/contacts (and if so, what strength?) or are they only concerned with how good your eyesight is with glasses/contact lenses?

Will still join as ground crew even if I can't fly but would be good to know whether my (really quite bad) eyesight is going to be a major drama. Would very much appreciate any information.

[NightFlit]

I believe the minimum corrected vision for VGS Instructors on selection, is 6/12 corrected and uncorrected vision is 6/36, Colour Perception 3 or Colour Perception 4 (with a restricted medical).

Soft contacts are permitted as long as a reserve pair of glasses is with you.

If you then fall outside these limits you have to see an ophthalmic defense specialist before clearance from the CFMO. I'm not sure if this is also permitted on selection.

Although I am open to correction.

[A Sayers]

VGS Medical v CAA/JAA Class 1

Hi.
CAA/JAA Class 2 medical is a higher standard than the gliding medical. The class 1 is higher still.

[NightFlit]

Yes you are right, however the waver still has to be accepted by the Unit, by a statement of health.

Regarding the level of stringency, the Class 1 is less stringent on the visual acuity standards. I'm not completely familiar with the Class 1 Medical procedures, but I gather the overall medical is much higher. However, flying restrictions will still exist with the CP standards, if CP3 isn’t met.

[_Artemis_]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated. Second line down on the chart it is: that should be ok - phew!

[A Sayers]

Visual Acuity

Hi NightFlit.
Class 1 visual acuity is more stringent than on a glider medical. If you wish the chapter and verse I will pm it.

[boswell bear]

The bottom line on the chart reads:

Made in China

[scottyhs]

Never knew you needed a medical to operate a lawnmower.............

[background]

Scotty,

Maybe you joined a VGS you would be flying the cadets and not making the tea.

[Lyco360]

Gliding medical more stringent with eyesight then JAR Class 1? That surprises me. My initial Class 1 was the longest eye examination I've ever had. Especially compared to the VGS Initial Gliding Instructors medical, where reading the line three up from the bottom was all it entailed...

Maybe those nice Air Force doctors have decided too many promising new pilots were getting through and upped the standard...

Lyco

[NightFlit]

The eye assessment is by far more indepth on a Class 1. But regarding the VA requirments, I was under the assumption there was no limit on uncorrected VA for a Class 1, therefore the RAF Medical requirments (not the assessment) is more stringent no?

[A Sayers]

Nightflit

No.

Hm. Must be at least ten characters. I say again. Everything about a class one medical is to a higher standard than a gliding medical For the latter it is only a slight exageration that you need a pulse and not much more.

Nightflit, pm on way

[360BakTrak]

I thought with a civi medical that just meant you needed an RAF medical every other time one was due? If that makes sense?!

[scottyhs]

Background - No thanks, i dont fancy catching a nasty case of waltism!

By the way first post in a year! Wow i guess time doesnt change complete to**ers then does it! Oh well, Guess you cant grow up after a certain point can you???

[NightFlit]

Re: Colour vision restrictions for VGS instructors

If you have CP4 the restriction is on Navigation and Transit Flying.

[A Sayers]

Class 1s and VGS medicals.

The CFMO has stated that an RAF medical is not required for holders of the CAA/JAA class1.
Check it out, but that really is the policy.

[XL319]

my VGS medical was a chat more or less.....class 1 medical was hours long, and quite intensive....

[highhope]

Hi all,

Just found this thread after searching VGS medical standards; there's very little on the net about it.

I'm a PPL under a class 2 medical at Leeds, I'm hoping to join the Linton Squadron soon and have a meeting with the Sqn Ldr this saturday.

I don't meet the class 1 standards for hearing as my left ear has a hearing loss at one mid range frequency (2000htz, 45dB) - rediculous really as it's never posed a problem and my other hearing (remaining frequencies and right ear) is excellent.

This has never posed a problem I guarantee, never will - due to the beurocratically inflexible approach of the CAA's medical standards (which assumes if one has a hearing loss, then other frequencies must be affected), I'm prevented from a career in the UK.

I'm hoping that this isn't the case with gliding instructing for a VGS - a golden opportunity for me to do what I do best!

Anyone know the exact hearing requirements? Is it a full audiogram?

Thanks for your help

Tom

[TommyOv]

Hi Tom

I had my VGS medical recently and the audiogram seems to be exactly the same as it was when I went to OASC (test each ear on a range of frequencies). The standards to pass are lower, though.

I also have a civvie Class 2 Medical and the RAF doc assured me that the standards for VGS flying are lower than the ones required for this, so if I were you I wouldn't worry at all.

Hope this helps.

[highhope]

Ahh!!

That's music to my deaf ears!

Thanks