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.
Aeromedical Examiner Certification:
We receive a large volume of AME applications that exceed stakeholder need. We prioritise applications for UK locations where there is a geographical area of licence holder need for aeromedical examinations. Therefore, there is no guarantee that meeting the minimum criteria below will result in AME certification being granted.
If you wish to be considered for UK CAA AME certification, a Proposed Location Form can be requested from amesupport@caa.co.uk. Please return the completed form to us with an email stating which of the criteria below that you currently meet.
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
All of the following criteria must be met:
- Hold a 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.
- Have either Aviation Medicine or Flying Experience, in one of the following:
- Attended and completed the full course and obtained a Diploma or a Master’s in Aviation Medicine (Kings College/University of Otago).
- Have at least one year full-time (or part-time equivalent) of Aviation Medicine practice for example, care of aircrew/ATCOs, air ambulance work.
- Hold a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL A/H).
- Have completed the UK CAA Approved Introduction to Multi-crew Jet Operations (IMJO) Course.
- Have attended and completed the full course and gained a pass in final exams for either:
- UK CAA Approved Basic Course in Aviation Medicine (BCAM) (King’s College or UK Military Aviation Medical Examiner (MAME) Course), or
- A Diploma or Master’s in Aviation Medicine (Kings College London/University of Otago).
- Have suitable premises available for UK CAA medical examinations with the necessary equipment and procedures.
Mandatory Training at an Aeromedical Centre
After meeting all the criteria and an AME Application and AME Facilities Form has been assessed as acceptable by the CAA, 5 days of CAA Approved Mandatory Training is required at a UK Aeromedical Centre. Before arranging this training, a confirmatory letter from the CAA will be required by the UK Aeromedical Centre. All Aeromedical Centres charge for Mandatory Training and you should contact each centre directly for their fees.
Charges payable
Charges payable to the CAA are detailed in the CAA's Scheme of Charges (Personnel Licensing).
Progressing to Class 1 and 3 Certification
For Extension of Aeromedical examiners (AME) Privileges from UK Class 2 to UK Class 1 privileges to perform UK CAA Class 1 aeromedical examinations
As a minimum, all the following criteria must be met:
- Have completed at least 30 UK CAA Class 2 medical examinations in the preceding 3 years and evidence of the knowledge and skills required to act as a Class 1 AME.
- Have completed the full course and gained passes in the 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).
- Have completed 2 days Mandatory Training at a UK Aeromedical Centre (if not already completed the 5 days of Mandatory Training at Initial Class 2 AME Certification).
- UK CAA Audit with an Observed UK CAA Aeromedical Examination at AME premises.
- 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.
As a minimum, all the following criteria must be met:
- Observe the ATCO working environment at an ATC Tower (at least a half day visit).
- Complete the UK CAA Class 3 Training Requirements.
- Pass the UK CAA Class 3 Upgrade Viva Examination.
AME Equipment and Premises
All Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs) are required to have the necessary equipment and procedures in place to undertake Aeromedical examinations.
For current AMEs, an individual Facilities form needs to be completed for new and additional premises.
Conditions for AME Certification and use of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Medical IT Systems
Maintaining Aeromedical Certification
Aeromedical Refresher Training
Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs) are required to attend mandatory Aeromedical Refresher Training provided by, or as required by, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
To maintain Class 1 certification, AMEs are required to undertake at least 10 hours of aeromedical CPD per annum.
To maintain Class 2 certification, AMEs are required to undertake at least 20 hours of aeromedical CPD in a 3 year certification period.
To maintain Class 3 certification, AMEs are required to undertake a visit to ATC tower or attend formal lectures relating to the ATCO working environment at conferences amounting to at least 3 hours of CPD in a 3 year certification period.
All aeromedical CPD must be recorded on the AME e-learning platform to be assessed by the CAA and is subject to regular audit.
Minimum Number of Aeromedical Examinations
To maintain certification, AMEs must undertake a minimum of 10 aeromedical examinations every year.
Audit Visits
AMEs are required to have mandatory initial audit visits and routine audit visits every 3 years to maintain certification.
The audit is on-site and includes the inspection of the facilities, equipment, policies, procedures, CPD records, aeromedical certification cases managed by the AME, and a UK CAA medical examination performed by the AME and observed by the CAA Auditor at every audit visit.
AMEs are also subject to ‘For Cause’ audit visits.
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