Class 1/2 Medical Exclusion?
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Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 1
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From: United Kingdom
Class 1/2 Medical Exclusion?
I've wanted to be a pilot for as long as I can remember but accepted that I would need some funds to achieve my dream. I got a job in IT at 16, at 22 I'm earning 50/60k per annum in the North of England, managed to secure a mortgage, so of course my eyes have now turned back to my longer term goal and dream of being a pilot, knowing I'm now lucky enough to maybe be able to finance this over the coming years, especially if I hour build, take a modular approach, and continue to progress in my existing career. I know airlines often do funded courses now, I didn't do badly at school, all A/B/C grades, but I know there will be some incredibly talented people at these courses so I think for my I'd rather go forward with my own approach, taking flying as a hobby at first...
HOWEVER, I sadly had an operation on my right ear in September 2023 due to infections, where I lost some of my hearing on that side. My post operation hearing test showed 15-30DB loss at all ranges, however at 2000Hz only I showed a 40DB loss. CAA specifies at this range you must have no more than 35DB loss. I asked about a hearing aid at the hospital appointment but I was told I didn't really need one, as with both ears my hearing was at an acceptable range. Of course this has hurt my idea of one day being a pilot in any capacity, and I wanted to ask here if anyone else has seen people succeed in becoming a pilot with this level of hearing loss. I've currently signed up to get my medical, and contacted an AME, who I'm sure will have answers, but I'm stirring at night thinking about what I'm going to do if I simply cannot be a pilot ever due to this loss of hearing. According to the CAA, hearing aids are acceptable, but I can't find a great deal of real people online who have to use hearing aids to meet requirements in the air. I'm guessing an "aviation" hearing aid is going to cost dearly? Day to day to put things into perspective I have no issues hearing. Note, I've asked doctors and an AME regarding my ear operation and what that does in terms of pressurisation, no real concerns there, I've also flown as a passenger many times since the operation. Could be wrong though, any input there is welcomed also.
Funnily enough I can see from a quick Google search the USA permits the use of both ears for audiology tests, opposed to the UK which demands that each ear must meet requirements. I can't just move to America though, so this isn't the most useful for me I don't think. Any advice ahead of my potential medical greatly appreciated, and if it's the case I cannot follow my dream here I'll have to start being more realistic about things for the future.
HOWEVER, I sadly had an operation on my right ear in September 2023 due to infections, where I lost some of my hearing on that side. My post operation hearing test showed 15-30DB loss at all ranges, however at 2000Hz only I showed a 40DB loss. CAA specifies at this range you must have no more than 35DB loss. I asked about a hearing aid at the hospital appointment but I was told I didn't really need one, as with both ears my hearing was at an acceptable range. Of course this has hurt my idea of one day being a pilot in any capacity, and I wanted to ask here if anyone else has seen people succeed in becoming a pilot with this level of hearing loss. I've currently signed up to get my medical, and contacted an AME, who I'm sure will have answers, but I'm stirring at night thinking about what I'm going to do if I simply cannot be a pilot ever due to this loss of hearing. According to the CAA, hearing aids are acceptable, but I can't find a great deal of real people online who have to use hearing aids to meet requirements in the air. I'm guessing an "aviation" hearing aid is going to cost dearly? Day to day to put things into perspective I have no issues hearing. Note, I've asked doctors and an AME regarding my ear operation and what that does in terms of pressurisation, no real concerns there, I've also flown as a passenger many times since the operation. Could be wrong though, any input there is welcomed also.
Funnily enough I can see from a quick Google search the USA permits the use of both ears for audiology tests, opposed to the UK which demands that each ear must meet requirements. I can't just move to America though, so this isn't the most useful for me I don't think. Any advice ahead of my potential medical greatly appreciated, and if it's the case I cannot follow my dream here I'll have to start being more realistic about things for the future.
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 743
Likes: 1
From: Kilmacolm
You really need to go and attend an Aeromedical Centre for your initial Class 1 medical as an AME cannot issue these. Only an Aeromedical Centre will be able to guide you further. With that said, CAA guidance:
https://www.caa.co.uk/aeromedical-ex...e-material-gm/
Specifically:
This means there may be a route. However, you'll probably need to obtain all pertinent medical reports from your operation and possibly attend and obtain reports from specific specialists in order for the Aeromedical Centre/CAA to make a determinations in your case.
Before spending any money on flying go and get your initial Class 1 Medical or at least able to obtain one with the Class 2 -> PPL -> Class 1 with SSL route above. I would recommend speaking with an AMeC about your predicament and find out what reports they would like you to obtain in advance.
A list of AMeCs can be found here:
https://www.caa.co.uk/commercial-ind...l-certificate/
https://www.caa.co.uk/aeromedical-ex...e-material-gm/
Specifically:
Initial Class 1 applicants with hearing outside the standards set out in MED.B.080 (a)(1)(ii), who can demonstrate stability and no significant underlying pathology, may be considered for Class 2 certification initially with a satisfactory report from a functional hearing test (see Profound Hearing Loss below). Following the issue of a Class 2 medical certificate, the successful completion of PPL training will be considered to demonstrate that hypoacusis does not interfere with the safe exercise of the privileges and Class 1 certification will be considered with SSL (Special Restriction as Specified) limitation “Functional Hearing Assessment Required within 3 months of renewal/revalidation medical”.
Before spending any money on flying go and get your initial Class 1 Medical or at least able to obtain one with the Class 2 -> PPL -> Class 1 with SSL route above. I would recommend speaking with an AMeC about your predicament and find out what reports they would like you to obtain in advance.
A list of AMeCs can be found here:
https://www.caa.co.uk/commercial-ind...l-certificate/
