Frequently asked CAA related questions
1. What should I bring to my medical examination?
Please bring along your last medical certificate and photo proof of identity. You will be asked to complete and sign an application form and new pilots will be asked to sign consent so I can access your medical record on the CAA database.
2. Does a Class 1 initial examination still have to be done at an AeMC (Aviation House, Gatwick)?
Initial class 1 exams are not done any more by the CAA AeMCÂ at Gatwick Airport but in aeromedical Centres in the UK instead.
3. My son wants to learn to fly. What age can he solo?
He cannot solo until his sixteenth birthday. Under EASA there is now no lower age limit for a Class 2 initial medical.
4. I have been told I am colour bind, are you able to examine me and tell me if this will prevent me from becoming a commercial pilot?
You can make an appointment to have your colour vision assessed at the CAA at Gatwick Airport by the relatively new “CAD” test which they have developed with London City University. Phone 01293 573700 #1. This is now regarded by the CAA as the definitive test in assessing colour vision deficiency and is only available there.
5. Can I take antihistamines for my hay fever while I am flying?
The following medication is acceptable to use whilst flying: lotratadine,
desloratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine. You cannot fly within 24 hours of taking other antihistamines.
Beconase and Flixonase nasal sprays are also permitted
6. Should I phone the CAA if I am unfit to fly?
Please feel free to contact me if you think you may not be fit to exercise the privileges of your licence (the CAA expect this). If you are Class 1 I will liaise with the CAA as necessary and issue you an official ?Unfit? letter if appropriate. If you are Class 2 It will usually be appropriate for me to determine if you are unfit.
7. I have been told I am obese, will this affect my medical?
There is now a defined protocol for assessing those obese pilots whose BMI exceeds 35. This involves a cardiovascular risk estimation and also a medical flight test.
8. Do I have to have a Class 1 medical to instruct?
No, from 17 September 2012 with the UK implementation of EASA, pilots with Class 2 medicals can be paid for Instructing.
9. I have an OML limitation on my Class 1 licence, does this affect my Class 2 privileges?
No. An OML only applies to Class 1 privileges, eg a pilot with a Class 1 medical with OML can instruct on the basis of his Class 2 status as single pilot.
10. Has EASA made it easier or harder for pilots?
Regarding medical standards there have been some positive changes including certification in depression, diabetes requiring insulin, and use of anticoagulants. However asthma, obesity and hypertension are now more onerous.
For Class 2 pilots, the above still apply but the vision refraction limits have been abandoned (although an optician’s eye prescription is still required at Initial medical ).
11. I have an NPPL and several medical issues. Will I pass the new LAPL when my next medical is due?
If you have significant medical conditions your GP is required to refer you to an AME to determine if you will require a restricted LAPL medical certificate to replace your NPPL.
12. Can my GP issue an LAPL medical certificate?
Only if you have no significant medical history. In this situation an AME or a GP in your own practice with access to your medical records can issue an LAPL aviation medical certificate if he is happy to take this responsibility. It may be worth clarifying his/her fee first as it may well exceed my fee.
13. I wear contact lenses. Should I wear them to my medical?
If you wear contact lenses whilst flying you are required to have available in the aircraft one pair of spectacles which correct for all required distances. You should wear contact lenses to alternate medicals when only your corrected vision will be assessed. At the other medicals you should remove your contact lenses 24 hours prior to the medical and bring along your spectacles for both uncorrected and corrected vision assessment.
14. Should I bring an updated optician’s eye prescription to my medical?
You should do so if your prescription has changed since your last medical. Previously 2 year comprehensive eye forms were required for all Class 1 pilots who needed corrective lenses. This has not been the case for several years with the exception of those pilots with high refractive error or a lot of astigmatism who may still need infrequent comprehensive eye form to be completed by an optician. Please discuss with me at your next medical if you think this may apply to you.
Eye prescriptions are not require for Class 2 pilots, but if you have one please bring it along to your next medical.
15. I am a Class 2 pilot and I see that EASA now only require an ECG every two years from age 50 instead of yearly. Can I still have an ECG at my annual medicals?
Of course.
16. I would like my PSA and cholesterol checked can you do this for me?
No problem. Just alert Sandra when you book your medical and we will have everything ready. I use a private laboratory in London ( the same one the CAA use). I can in fact undertake any blood tests or investigations that your GP is capable of organising and have your results emailed to me so you know the result within 24 hours.
17. What are the rules about taking Viagra?
All medication for Erectile Dysfunction can cause significant side effects and you should not fly within the following periods after taking the medication:
Viagra 12 hours
Levitra 12 hours
Cialis 36 hours
It is also important you discuss with your GP the appropriate dose and any other medication you may be taking which could interact adversely.
Still have questions?
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Alternatively, you can email your question to us at info@examinair-norwich.co.uk.