New medical records system now available
Please see the guidance on the new medical records system (Cellma).
Anyone wishing to become an Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) will need to obtain a EU Class 3 medical certificate as part of the licensing requirements. The initial medical examination must be carried out at an Aeromedical Centre.
Pre-requisites
There is no minimum age for the application of an EU Class 3 medical certificate. However those applicants under the age of 17 may require additional specialist paediatric review.
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 |
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
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