CAA/JAA Aviation Medical & related issues
Join Date: Jun 2000
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I had my medical on a Monday morning, having got up at 5am for the first flight down. All morning being prodded and having strobe lights flashed at me, and getting lots of jelly-stuff in my hair (they have showers, but you have to ask). Don't bother wearing a suit, you just look more of a plonker when you run round the building (they made me do it), and anyway they give you a dressing gown to wear.
Ask the Doctor (most of the stuff is done by nurses) to give you a class 2 certificate at the same time, it doesn't cost anything extra, and you get the certificate immediately (you'll need it for going solo) rather than waiting weeks on the post.
On the plus side, the nurses are very very cute (so they should be for £400 / hour).
I cheered myself up in the afternoon by having a couple of hours on a proper simulator, to remind myself of what I was aiming for (not that I'm aiming to fly Tridents, but it's closer than a Cesspit 152).
Ask the Doctor (most of the stuff is done by nurses) to give you a class 2 certificate at the same time, it doesn't cost anything extra, and you get the certificate immediately (you'll need it for going solo) rather than waiting weeks on the post.
On the plus side, the nurses are very very cute (so they should be for £400 / hour).
I cheered myself up in the afternoon by having a couple of hours on a proper simulator, to remind myself of what I was aiming for (not that I'm aiming to fly Tridents, but it's closer than a Cesspit 152).
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: UK
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Hi all,
thanx for the replies. So am I right in thinking then that you do not run around a building? I was thinking of going to the gym and working out a bit, but then I don't smoke or take drugs so I should be reasonably fit anyway - just a little underweight, but I cannot see that being a problem! B.T.W. do they measure your height/weight? Just out of curiosity! Yes it is G-ATOM I will be training in. That is the a/c I was sitting in when the big Polar came by. I cannot wait to get started. I think it will prob be Sunday, but it could well be Saturday - depending on who is training me. I have to phone Steve tomorrow and he will let me know. Anyway and more info on the medical will be cool. Im phoning them tomorrow to get it booked. That will be me skint for the rest of the month until payday hehe.
Rossco
I am not looking forward to getting a puff of air in my eye!!!!
thanx for the replies. So am I right in thinking then that you do not run around a building? I was thinking of going to the gym and working out a bit, but then I don't smoke or take drugs so I should be reasonably fit anyway - just a little underweight, but I cannot see that being a problem! B.T.W. do they measure your height/weight? Just out of curiosity! Yes it is G-ATOM I will be training in. That is the a/c I was sitting in when the big Polar came by. I cannot wait to get started. I think it will prob be Sunday, but it could well be Saturday - depending on who is training me. I have to phone Steve tomorrow and he will let me know. Anyway and more info on the medical will be cool. Im phoning them tomorrow to get it booked. That will be me skint for the rest of the month until payday hehe.
Rossco
I am not looking forward to getting a puff of air in my eye!!!!
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Andover, Hampshire, UK
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Rossco;
EGDR summerised the medical pretty well. If you're booking it now you'll probably get a appointment for about this time in October; thats the time scale mine was in when I booked it in July. BUT there is no question do the Class 1 if you intend to train for an ATPL and find out if your ok.
As for height/weight, unless you are at one of the extremes; i.e. fat/short or thin/tall you should be alright there - but I don't remember them doing that with me. BTW I almost nodded off during the epilepsy test, she saw the readings enter a very relaxed state and she started talking to alert me!
BTW: BTW means Between the words...
The only thing I questioned were the eyesight requirements, so I took a sheet to Boots and had an eyecheck before booking the Class 1; after all £20 is much less than £400. If there were anything serious that would fail you you'd probably know it in the back of your mind.
Hope this helps!
SS
EGDR summerised the medical pretty well. If you're booking it now you'll probably get a appointment for about this time in October; thats the time scale mine was in when I booked it in July. BUT there is no question do the Class 1 if you intend to train for an ATPL and find out if your ok.
As for height/weight, unless you are at one of the extremes; i.e. fat/short or thin/tall you should be alright there - but I don't remember them doing that with me. BTW I almost nodded off during the epilepsy test, she saw the readings enter a very relaxed state and she started talking to alert me!
BTW: BTW means Between the words...
The only thing I questioned were the eyesight requirements, so I took a sheet to Boots and had an eyecheck before booking the Class 1; after all £20 is much less than £400. If there were anything serious that would fail you you'd probably know it in the back of your mind.
Hope this helps!
SS
Join Date: Apr 2000
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HI again,
Thatnx Skysoarer. Well I would come under the tall/thin issue, but again thats only coz I have a high metabolism rate i.e. i eat like a horse but dont put on a pound in weight. Did they make your run around a building or run on a treadmill and if so for how long?
rossco
Thatnx Skysoarer. Well I would come under the tall/thin issue, but again thats only coz I have a high metabolism rate i.e. i eat like a horse but dont put on a pound in weight. Did they make your run around a building or run on a treadmill and if so for how long?
rossco
Join Date: Mar 2001
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Read the summary again
NO, repeat NO running around, on a treadmill,no 1.5nm in 11min, up the walls or around Gatwick !!
No, non, nil, ne, ne, nope, naw, ei, nein, nei, lie, nullus, meiyou, nej !
I hope that is clear !!!
NO, repeat NO running around, on a treadmill,no 1.5nm in 11min, up the walls or around Gatwick !!
No, non, nil, ne, ne, nope, naw, ei, nein, nei, lie, nullus, meiyou, nej !
I hope that is clear !!!
Join Date: Aug 2001
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Who said the nurses were cute?
Did you have the eye exam?!!
Nothing to worry about rossco mate, only probs I had were Blood Pressure-almost broke the sphyg.!
Still waiting on word and that's over 10 days, but should be OK fingers crossed.
Never got the butt/finger test by the way!
Summary above is accurate though, and you won't be asked to run around the building 1st. Only if you fail the blow test! (Athsma)
Anyhow guid luck!
VORDME
Did you have the eye exam?!!
Nothing to worry about rossco mate, only probs I had were Blood Pressure-almost broke the sphyg.!
Still waiting on word and that's over 10 days, but should be OK fingers crossed.
Never got the butt/finger test by the way!
Summary above is accurate though, and you won't be asked to run around the building 1st. Only if you fail the blow test! (Athsma)
Anyhow guid luck!
VORDME
Join Date: Apr 2000
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Hi there guys,
Thanx for the replies. I am curious as to what the "butt/finger test" is? But never mind! One other question though - what in god's name do you wear to the medical? Is it a formal occasion i.e. suit and tie, or just jeans and T-shirt. I am unsure about this and do not want to walk in in a suit when it is only jeans and top. I have booked my Class 1 yesterday and it is on 23rd October at 1245pm. All in all it doesn't look that bad to me, so hopefully I will pass it ok. What did you think of the day Vordme? I feel I am going to be more nervous doing this than going down for a BA interview, as this really does decide my future a lot. I thought you found out on the day whether or not you pass and then certification was sent out within two days? Maybe I am wrong. Let me know how you got on anyway and what it was like!
Cheers
Rossco
Thanx for the replies. I am curious as to what the "butt/finger test" is? But never mind! One other question though - what in god's name do you wear to the medical? Is it a formal occasion i.e. suit and tie, or just jeans and T-shirt. I am unsure about this and do not want to walk in in a suit when it is only jeans and top. I have booked my Class 1 yesterday and it is on 23rd October at 1245pm. All in all it doesn't look that bad to me, so hopefully I will pass it ok. What did you think of the day Vordme? I feel I am going to be more nervous doing this than going down for a BA interview, as this really does decide my future a lot. I thought you found out on the day whether or not you pass and then certification was sent out within two days? Maybe I am wrong. Let me know how you got on anyway and what it was like!
Cheers
Rossco
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Mad_Jock - I didn't get the finger test, but the meat & 2 veg got a thorough inspection.
EGDR - I had to run round the building, having confessed to having been asthmatic. They did the peak flow test, made me do two laps round the Belgrano (through the loading bay, past the smokers at the back door) and then more peak flow. Then they told me I wasn't asthmatic any more - result!
Rossco - wear whatever's comfy, it's very informal.
EGDR - I had to run round the building, having confessed to having been asthmatic. They did the peak flow test, made me do two laps round the Belgrano (through the loading bay, past the smokers at the back door) and then more peak flow. Then they told me I wasn't asthmatic any more - result!
Rossco - wear whatever's comfy, it's very informal.
Join Date: Mar 2001
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Take your own dressing gown . I did and had a much more enjoyable experience.
Think somebody is getting confused with a finger up the bum and the doc rapping his hands around your glands (the ones below the waistline - you pay good money for it , so enjoy it )
Think somebody is getting confused with a finger up the bum and the doc rapping his hands around your glands (the ones below the waistline - you pay good money for it , so enjoy it )
Join Date: Aug 2001
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Rossco mate,
Wear whatever you feel most comfortable in.
I was at BA Medical in the morning so wore a shirt and trousers but most at the CAA wore casual stuff like jeans and a top. It doesn't matter really coz they soon stick you in a lovely white terry toweling number!
There is nothing to worry about, just have a few drinks of water to flush out the crap in yer bladder in the morning. (stay off the booze for a couple of days prior) RELAX.
You will get Cardiogram, Audiogram, Brain Scan, Medical, Specimen, Lung Function, Eye Exam, Tympanogram (lugs), Chest X-Ray, Finger-prick blood samples,weight&height and thats about it.
Nothing to worry about.
If you are halfway fit and healthy then its a formality. As I said my BP was ballistic! but everything else was ok so just chill!
Let me know how you get on.
All the best
VORDME.
Wear whatever you feel most comfortable in.
I was at BA Medical in the morning so wore a shirt and trousers but most at the CAA wore casual stuff like jeans and a top. It doesn't matter really coz they soon stick you in a lovely white terry toweling number!
There is nothing to worry about, just have a few drinks of water to flush out the crap in yer bladder in the morning. (stay off the booze for a couple of days prior) RELAX.
You will get Cardiogram, Audiogram, Brain Scan, Medical, Specimen, Lung Function, Eye Exam, Tympanogram (lugs), Chest X-Ray, Finger-prick blood samples,weight&height and thats about it.
Nothing to worry about.
If you are halfway fit and healthy then its a formality. As I said my BP was ballistic! but everything else was ok so just chill!
Let me know how you get on.
All the best
VORDME.
Join Date: May 2001
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Bloody hell i was taking the pish hence the winking eye.
The summary is completely correct. And as for the fat/thin thing. Due to the fact that i am a chunky chap i did have some concerns about the weight thing. Aparently they will only fail you if you are over 35 BMI which is huge so there shouldn't be a problem there. And the thin thing is only a concern if your anorexic because this shows you are mentally unstable.
But saying that when they did the fat test on my blood i was 1.95. And the ultra skinny bloke was 5.2 and had to go to his doctor when he got home. Much prefer it round my gut than coating the inside of my veins.
MJ
The summary is completely correct. And as for the fat/thin thing. Due to the fact that i am a chunky chap i did have some concerns about the weight thing. Aparently they will only fail you if you are over 35 BMI which is huge so there shouldn't be a problem there. And the thin thing is only a concern if your anorexic because this shows you are mentally unstable.
But saying that when they did the fat test on my blood i was 1.95. And the ultra skinny bloke was 5.2 and had to go to his doctor when he got home. Much prefer it round my gut than coating the inside of my veins.
MJ
Join Date: Apr 2000
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Medical class 1
Hi,
I am soon to go down for the dreaded Class 1 medical at gatwick - 23rd october to be precise. I was just posting this last topic so anyone who has been can give me a last piece of advice. Anything I can do to prepare for it? Anyway I hpoe everything will go smoothly and I'll be fine.
Cheers
Rossco
I am soon to go down for the dreaded Class 1 medical at gatwick - 23rd october to be precise. I was just posting this last topic so anyone who has been can give me a last piece of advice. Anything I can do to prepare for it? Anyway I hpoe everything will go smoothly and I'll be fine.
Cheers
Rossco
Join Date: Sep 2001
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Rossco Hi!
You dont need any advice, or preparation; you'll be fine. If you can walk through the door chances are you'll pass one way or another, however:
I would have thought that if anyone was to slip up it would be on the eye exam or the ECG. Eyes usually cause the problems, but as long as you dont wear glasses then you should be fine. Colour vision is tested as well. Get a good nights sleep the night before and on the day, before you go in, try warming your eyes up by focusing on objects from a distance - I honestly believe that helped me.
The ECG can sometimes spring a nasty suprise, even if you show so much as extra ectopic beats, they will send you for extra testing. This doesnt mean disqualification - the CAA want their backs covered, and they're erring on the side of caution, but chances are you'll be fine either way.
The rest is fairly straight forward, stay away from loud music for a couple of days for the hearing test, try not to eat anything too sugary on the day of the medical and dont delve too far into your medical history when asked!
Its really very painless and wish you the best of luck!
Captain Evil
[ 05 October 2001: Message edited by: Evil...Captain Evil ]
You dont need any advice, or preparation; you'll be fine. If you can walk through the door chances are you'll pass one way or another, however:
I would have thought that if anyone was to slip up it would be on the eye exam or the ECG. Eyes usually cause the problems, but as long as you dont wear glasses then you should be fine. Colour vision is tested as well. Get a good nights sleep the night before and on the day, before you go in, try warming your eyes up by focusing on objects from a distance - I honestly believe that helped me.
The ECG can sometimes spring a nasty suprise, even if you show so much as extra ectopic beats, they will send you for extra testing. This doesnt mean disqualification - the CAA want their backs covered, and they're erring on the side of caution, but chances are you'll be fine either way.
The rest is fairly straight forward, stay away from loud music for a couple of days for the hearing test, try not to eat anything too sugary on the day of the medical and dont delve too far into your medical history when asked!
Its really very painless and wish you the best of luck!
Captain Evil
[ 05 October 2001: Message edited by: Evil...Captain Evil ]
Join Date: Sep 2000
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JAA Class 1 Medical Information
Hi There,
Does anyone know if the CAA carry out the class 1 medical on saturdays?
Also, how long, approx. does it take to complete.
Regards,
B1.
Does anyone know if the CAA carry out the class 1 medical on saturdays?
Also, how long, approx. does it take to complete.
Regards,
B1.
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: UK
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Not too sure about them completing the medicals on a Saturday... you could always give them a quick ring.
The medical takes approx 2.5/3hrs as long as everthing is running to schedule.
May take longer if you are older.
The medical takes approx 2.5/3hrs as long as everthing is running to schedule.
May take longer if you are older.