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:
In view of the shortfall of AMEs in various UK regions, we are prioritising AME applications for locations where there is a geographical area of licence holder need for aeromedical examinations. If you meet all the criteria below, please request a Proposed Location Form from amesupport@caa.co.uk.
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:
- 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 Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL).
- Have completed the UK CAA Approved Introduction to Multi-crew Jet Operations (IMJO) Course.
- Have Completed the course and gained a pass in final exams for either:
- UK CAA Approved Basic Course in Aviation Medicine (BCAM), or
- A Diploma or Master’s in Aviation Medicine (Kings College London/University of Otago).
After you have met all of the above criteria and an AME Application and AME Facilities Form has been assessed as acceptable by us, the final stage is to complete 5 days of Mandatory Training at a UK Aeromedical Centre before an AME Approval can be granted. Before you arrange this training, a confirmatory letter from the CAA will be required by the UK Aeromedical Centre (AeMC). All AeMCs charge for Mandatory Training and you should contact each centre directly for their fees.
Aviation Medicine Training
Please note that completion of a Basic or Advanced Course or the Diploma in Aviation Medicine does not guarantee that a physician will gain approval as an UK AME. All of the criteria must be met.
In the UK, King’s College London run a Basic Course in Aviation Medicine and an Advanced Course in Aviation Medicine. UK Military Aviation Medical Examiner (MAME) Courses may also be acceptable.
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
Once you hold a Class 2 AME certificate, if you wish to apply to become a UK Class 1 AME, in order to perform Class 1, Class 2, LAPL and Cabin crew medical examinations
All of the following criteria must be met:
- Have completed 30 UK CAA Class 2 medical examinations within the preceding 3 years.
- Have 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).
- Have completed 2 days Mandatory Training at a UK Aeromedical Centre (if not already completed 5 days at Initial Class 2 AME Application).
- To gain Class 1 Approval, you will need to pass the UK CAA Class 1 Upgrade Viva Examination and Onsite Audit.
For Extension of AME Privileges from UK Class 1 to UK Class 3 to perform Class 3 Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) examinations
All of 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.
- To gain Class 3 Approval, you will need to 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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