In addition to its role in regulating the medical certification of pilots, air traffic controllers, flight engineers and cabin crew, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is concerned with the promotion of well-being through access to information that will enable certificate holders to balance their lifestyle, manage their health and maintain their fitness to fly.
Information on health and well-being guidance for medical certificate holders, Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs) and other health professionals working in the aviation industry is available below.
Medical certificate holders
Please be aware that some sites and publications are intended for general use and the information may not be specific to the aviation industry. For this reason any recommendations for treatments, medications or interventions should be discussed with your health professional and then your Aeromedical Examiner (AME) in relation to aeromedical issues. The medical requirements for certification include guidance on the regulations and acceptable treatments where relevant.
Fitness to Fly - A Medical Guide for Pilots is an ICAO publication aimed at reducing health risks and promoting well-being. The guidance and advice are also relevant to cabin crew, air traffic controllers and anyone working within the aviation industry.
NHS Health A to Z is a comprehensive guide to medical conditions, which provides information about symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help. Medical certificate holders resident outside the UK should access local healthcare advice.
Gastroenteritis is the most common cause of in-flight impairment in crew and is especially prevalent during the winter. The guidance on preventing gastroenteritis in aircrew has practical tips to help avoid infection. In the event of becoming unwell down-route or in-flight, there is also information on how to manage the symptoms of gastroenteritis and fitness to fly. There is also a useful one page summary of the key points and advice for preventing gastroenteritis in aircrew.
Aeromedical Examiners and healthcare professionals
Fitness to Fly - A Medical Guide for Pilots is an ICAO publication aimed at reducing health risks and promoting well-being. The guidance and advice are also relevant to cabin crew, air traffic controllers and anyone working within the aviation industry. The Health Promotion in Aviation provides further information.
The purpose of CAA Safety Notice SN-2020/014 is to enable the aviation industry, under the banner of total system safety, to understand the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the health and well-being of all aviation safety sensitive personnel involved in flight operations and the resulting potential human performance risks they should be aware of and should be managing.
The appendix to Manual of Aviation Medicine (ICAO Doc 8984) on evidence-based aeromedical standards and reporting of medical events highlights the importance of health promotion in the overall management of flight safety.
Gastroenteritis is the most common cause of in-flight impairment in crew and is especially prevalent during the winter. The guidance on preventing gastroenteritis in aircrew has practical tips to help avoid infection. In the event of becoming unwell down-route or in-flight, there is also information on how to manage the symptoms of gastroenteritis and fitness to fly. There is also a useful one page summary of the key points and advice for preventing gastroenteritis in aircrew.
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