Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs) are doctors with specialist aviation medicine training. They are certificated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to carry out aircrew and Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) medical examinations and to give aviation medicine advice, as necessary.
There are two certification types, based on the training and experience level of the AME. These determine which class of certificate (professional, private and/or ATCO) they can assess.
- AMEs that can undertake Class 2 and Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL)
- AMEs that can undertake Class 1, 2, 3 and LAPL
Aeromedical Examiner Initial Certification:
UK CAA minimum criteria for Aeromedical Examiner (AME) certification
For UK Class 2 AME Privileges to perform Class 2, LAPL and Cabin crew medical examinations
The following criteria must be met:
- Full, valid, unrestricted UK GMC registration and a Medical Licence to Practise.
- On the UK GMC register either in:
- General Practice, or
- Specialist Register for an acceptable Adult Clinical Medicine Speciality.
- Completed the course and gained a pass in final exams for either:
- Aviation Medicine or Flying Experience, one of the following:
- Hold a Diploma or a Master’s in Aviation Medicine (Kings College London/ University of Otago).
- Have one year full-time (or part-time equivalent) of Aviation Medicine practice for example, care of aircrew/ATCOs, air ambulance work.
- Hold a Pilot’s Licence.
- Have completed the UK CAA Approved Introduction to Multi-crew Jet Operations (IMJO) Course.
- Completed UK CAA Mandatory Training at a UK Aeromedical Centre.
For Extension of AME Privileges from UK Class 2 to UK Class 1 to perform Class 1, Class 2, LAPL and Cabin crew medical examinations
The following criteria must be met:
- Completed 30 UK CAA Class 2 medical examinations within the preceding 3 years.
- Completed the course and gained a pass in final exams, for either:
- UK CAA Approved Advanced Course in Aviation Medicine (ACAM), or
- A Diploma or Master’s in Aviation Medicine (Kings College London/University of Otago).
- Completed UK CAA Mandatory Training at a UK Aeromedical Centre (if not already completed at Initial Class 2 AME Application).
- Pass the UK CAA Class 1 Upgrade Viva Examination.
For Extension of AME Privileges from UK Class 1 to UK Class 3 to perform Class 3 Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) examinations
The following criteria must be met:
- Observe the ATCO environment at an Air Traffic Control Tower (half day visit).
- Complete UK CAA Class 3 Training Requirements, including Reading, Reflection and Assessment on requested publications.
- Pass the UK CAA Class 3 Upgrade Viva Examination.
Aviation Medicine Training
In the UK, King’s College London run Basic and Advanced Aviation Medicine training courses. Further information regarding the courses can be found here: Basic Aviation Medicine and Advanced Aviation Medicine.
Please note that there are minimum requirements to become a UK CAA AME and that the attendance of a Basic or Advanced Course in Aviation Medicine does not automatically mean that a physician will meet all the CAA requirements to become a UK AME.
Charges payable
Charges payable to the CAA are detailed in the CAA's Scheme of Charges (Personnel Licensing).
Cellma Medical Records System
AMEs are required to submit the results of medical assessments electronically via the CAA's Cellma Medical Records System.
AME Equipment and Premises
All AMEs are required to have the necessary equipment and procedures in place to undertake Aeromedical examinations. This form must be completed for each new AME Premises.
Aeromedical Refresher Training
To maintain certification, AMEs are required to demonstrate that they have completed a minimum of 10 hours of aeromedical CPD per annum. This must be recorded on the CAA e learning platform and is subject to regular audit.
AME Annual Return
Submissions of an AME Return to the CAA are now completed via the E-Learning platform.
Minimum Number of Aeromedical Examinations
To maintain certification, AMEs must undertake a minimum of 10 aeromedical examinations every year.
Audit Visits
AME Practices are subject to Audit Visits by the CAA.
Review of AME Certification
This policy is currently under review and will be published shortly.
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