Initial medical certification for air traffic controllers ATCOs

Medical records system

The guidance on the medical records system (Cellma).offers further information.

Anyone wishing to become an Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) will need to obtain a Class 3 medical certificate as part of the licensing requirements. The initial medical examination must be carried out at an Aeromedical Centre.

A step-by-step guide to the classes of medical certificates for pilots and air traffic controllers and how to apply can be found in this overview.

Pre-requisites

There is no minimum age for the application of a Class 3 medical certificate. However, those applicants under the age of 17 may require additional specialist paediatric review.

What happens next?

The initial medical examination includes:

a full physical medical examination by a doctor
detailed eyesight tests including a colour vision assessment
a resting electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart
spirometry to assess your lung function
an audiogram to evaluate your hearing
urine testing
blood test to check lipids

Close What happens next?

How long is it valid for?

Validity of medical certificate	Under 40	24 months
	40 plus	12 months
Electrocardiogram	At initial
	Under 30	48 months
	30 plus	At all examinations thereafter
Audiogram	At initial
	Under 40	48 months
	40 plus	24 months
Comprehensive Ophthalmological examination	At initial
	If exceeds +3D to -3D	4 years
	If exceeds -6D	2 years
Tonometry	At initial then first examination
	Over 40
Pulmonary function tests	At initial (FEV/FVC), then if clinically indicated
Urinalysis	At every examination
Blood lipids	At initial, then at age 40