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| 08/01/2007 |
Getting back to flying after eye surgery
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Corneal surgery requires a period of THREE MONTHS after successful surgery. Following cataract surgery review can be undertaken after 3 months. Following retinal or glaucoma surgery the minimum review period is 6 months. For more information please contact Dr Hudson on 01477 532527 | |
| 08/01/2007 |
CAA Extended Eye examinations
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If you are a Class One pilot who wears spectacles or contact lenses for distance vision the comprehensive eye check regulations have been changed. The examination is now only for those pilots whose prescription exceeds certain limits (3 dioptres). If you have a VDL limitation on your certificate please contact your AME for further instructions. Pilots over the age of 50 who use glasses for distance vision are advised to still see their optometrist at least every 2 years for a routine eye examination. Pilots who require glasses for reading only (VNL) no longer require the comprehensive eye check but are also still advised to see their optician every two years for a routine check. | |
| 08/01/2007 |
Periodicity of medical examination
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From 1st December 2006 the periodicity interval for Class 1 medicals has been changed. Pilots over the age of 40 who operate in a MULTI PILOT capacity only require an annual medical examination up to the age of 60. Pilots over 60 years of age or Class 1 pilots betwen the ages of 40 and 60 who are operating in a single pilot capacity still require medical examinations every 6 months. If you are in any doubt please contact CAA licensing division or your CAA Authorised Aviation Medical Examiner for advice. | |
| 08/01/2007 |
CAA website address
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The CAA website address for the Extended Ophthalmic test form is: www.caa.co.uk/srg/med/default.asp?page=534 The extended eye examination is only required for Class 1 pilots whose refractive error is greater than 3 dioptres. If you are in any doubt whether you require this examination then contact your CAA Authorised Aviation Medical Examiner who will be able to advise you. | |
| 08/01/2007 |
ECG reading fee
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The CAA have now decided that for Class 2 private pilots if the ECG is reported as normal by the inbuilt interpretation facility in the ECG machine then the tracing does not need to be submitted to the ECG and thus the £27 ECG reading fee does not have to be paid. At Grasmere Medical Services we have ECG computer reading. If the ECG is read as 'abnormal' by the computer a second opinion from a CAA approved cardiologist is required and the ECG reading fee for this service is £25. | |
| 08/01/2007 |
Private pilot medical examinations
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Class 2 Private Pilot Medical Certificates are now valid for the following periods:- Under 40 years of age 60 months *40 - 49 years of age 24 months. (*A pilot's medical certificate issued prior to his/her 40th birthday is not valid beyond the 42nd birthday) 50 and over 12 months | |
| 16/06/2006 |
Proposed changes in periodicity of medicals
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ICAO have announced a recommendation to change the frequency of medical examinations for Class 1 pilots who operate in a MULTI CREW environment. From November medicals will only be required every year for pilots up to the age of 60. After this age the medical will be required every 6 months. Full details of this change have not been released but as soon as the new rules are announced this will be promulgated on this web-site. Class 1 pilots who operate on a CPL in the Single pilot environment will continue to have medicals every 6 months from age 40 as at present. We presume that ECG and Audiograms dates will be adjusted accordingly. | |
| 28/02/2003 |
Canadian and Australian Pilot medical examinations
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We are now able to offer medical examinations for the Canadian and Australian Aviation licensing authorities as well as for the FAA (USA). | |
| 28/02/2003 |
Laser Eye Surgery
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The CAA have recently relaxed the rules for Class 1 certification following LASIK surgery so that it is possible to have unrestricted certification at 3 months post-operatively if refraction at 2 and 3 months shows stability (less than 0.75 dioptres variation) and no glare or any other side-effects are noted. A report stating the refraction at 2 months must be provided. The greatest pre-operative Refractive Error is -5.00 for Class 1 and -8.00 for Class 2. For Class 1 there must be follow up at the Aeromedical Section (AMS) which is the CAA at Gatwick for UK at 3 and 12 months post operatively and for Class 2 local ophthalmological review at 3 and 12 months. Further reviews are only required if stability of refraction is in doubt or there are side-effects. For PRK the rules are unchanged that is 12 months post operative review. At this stage it is possible to get unrestricted certification. A further follow up at 24 months is required. | |
| 10/11/2002 |
Laser eye surgery
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LASIK eye surgery is now acceptable for both Class 1 and 2 unrestricted certification at THREE MONTHS post operatively if refraction is stable (less than 0.75 dioptres variation) and no glare or any other side effects are noted. A report stating the refraction at 2 months must be provided. The greatest pre-operative Refractive Error is -5.00 for Class 1 and -8.00 for Class 2. Follow up is required at the CAA at Gatwick for Class 1 at 3 months and 12 months post operatively and local consultant ophthalmologist review at 3 months and 12 months for Class 2. Further reviews are only required if stability of refraction is in doubt or there are any complications or side effects. Any pilot considering LASIK refractive surgery is strongly advised to contact their CAA Authorised Medical Examiner before having the operation. | |
| 08/02/2002 |
Local flying clubs
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We have now prepared a list of local flying clubs with information including telephone numbers and where known e-mail and website information with links to their web sites. Please e-mail us if you have any information or wish to be included.. | |
| 08/02/2002 |
Laser Eye Surgery
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Because of the serious implications on the flying careers of both Commercial (Class 1) and Private Pilots (Class 2)any pilot considering Laser Eye Surgery is urged to get in touch with Dr. Hudson on this web site before embarking on such a step. | |
| 08/02/2002 |
Examinations for UK Medical Certificates
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The following groups are still being examined to the old CAA UK medical standards;- Flight Engineers Flight Navigators Air Traffic Control Officers Commercial and Private Airship Pilots Commercial Balloonists Flight Service Information Officers | |
| 08/02/2002 |
AICs
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AIC can be found at the following website
www.ais.org.uk_aip/pdf/aic/aicpink/pdf
Recent circulars have been issued on:-
Medication, alcohol and flying Modern medical practice and flight safety Post-traumatic stress Pilots and spectacles The use of Melatonin Medication and Air Traffic Control Malaria |
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| 08/02/2002 |
Photo-chromic lenses
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The CAA do not encourage pilots to use photochromic lenses. These do not work well in the cockpit of an aircraft as the UV light is partly filtered by the windows. The lenses work by responding to UV light and so can take a long time to adjust. Thus if flying in a bright light and they have darkened then on descending through a cloud they may remain dark for too long and cause problems of visibility. Tinted lenses are acceptable but they should be of a NEUTRAL COLOUR and only slightly tinted. | |
| 08/02/2002 |
Bifocal Contact Lenses
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Bifocal contact lenses are NOT allowed by the CAA and pilots must NOT fly with this type of contact lens. | |
| 08/02/2002 |
Orthokeratology
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A new technique called Orthokeratology uses a tight fitting hard contact lens fitted overnight to attempt to correct for short-sightedness during the day. This technique is not acceptable to the CAA. | |
| 08/02/2002 |
Visual Requirements under the JAA rules
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A new set of Visual Requirements has been published by the Joint Aviation Authorities. There is a notice of proposed amendment which has been lodged by the UK. In summary these are;- Class 1 Initial 1. Minimum 1 year since PRK Corneal surgery. Treatment by LASIK may be less than 1 year but subject to a detailed ophthalmic assessment. 2. Maximum pre-operatice refraction of 5 dioptres. 3. Maximum diurnal variation of 0.75D. 4. No post-operative complications. 5. No increase in glare or contrast sensitivity Current Class 1 pilots should NOT contemplate having corneal surgery performed. Class 1 Revalidation/Renewal There are new rules for the maximum refractive error. Please ask for advice. Class 2 Initial Refractive surgery is acceptable as for Class 1 (see above) but with a maximum pre-operative refractive error of up to +5 or -8 dioptres. A condition called Keratoconus cannot be certified, and is disqualifying. Class 2 Revalidation/Renewal Maximum refractive error up to +5 or -8 dioptres. Keratoconus is acceptable for re-validation if the visual requirements are met and a 6-monthly review by an ophthalmologist is undertaken. The pilot should report no problems with night driving in order to be re-validated. | |
| 08/02/2002 |
Deep vein thrombosis
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Deep Vein Thrombosis continues to be in the headlines. Much research is being undertaken or is planned. In the meanwhile the advice to keep well hydrated, drink only a little alcohol and exercise the legs as much as possible should be followed. Passengers with a previous history of venous thrombosis or who have had recent surgery or any serious illness should consult with their General Practitioner for advice concerning preventive treatment before flying. The use of below knee compression stockings may help but these must be fitted correctly. If they are too tight they may cause thrombosis and if too loose they will not be of any help. Consult your GP or Pharmacist for advice. | |
| 08/02/2002 |
Travelling to exotic areas
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If you are travelling to exotic areas of the world it is most important that you ensure that you are fully up-to-date with your immunisations and Malaria prophylaxis. The requirements from country to country vary and constantly change. Please contact Dr. Hudson if you require any advice on this subject. (01477 532527) A useful web site is www.tripprep.com | |
| 08/02/2002 |
Photo ID
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It is a requirement of the JAA rules that ALL applicants seeing an AME for the first time, whether for initial Class 2 or renewal of Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificates MUST provide a PHOTO IDENTIFICATION such as a passport or new driving licence when they attend for their medical examination. | |
| 19/05/2001 |
Australian Aviation Medical Examinations
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Dr. Hudson has recently been designated as an Authorised Medical Examiner for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Australia. Any pilots either commercial or private who wish a medical certificate for the Australian Authority (CASA) should contact Dr. Hudson. Please submit your details using the appointment page on this web site |
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| 01/01/2001 |
New NPPL medical certificate
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This has now been introduced. For details please see www.nppl.uk.com The medical certificate can only be signed by your GP. The medical standards required are the same as those of the DVLA Group 2 (HGV licences). You will be restricted to UK airspace only. Private pilots wishing to keep the option for flying outside UK air space should continue to keep their JAA medical certificate up-to-date. | |