Initial medical certification for air traffic controllers ATCOs
Information on the medical requirements for a licensed Air Traffic Controller.
Medical records system
The guidance on the medical records system (Cellma) offers further information on how to apply for a medical certificate.
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 by an aeromedical examiner (AME) at an aeromedical centre (AeMC). A medical examination at an AeMC may take up to 4 hours.
The application includes a series of questions about medical history and any previous illness. You will be asked about them by your AME and, if there is any major illness or medical event in your past, it is important to bring reports about it from your family doctor or treating specialist. Conditions such as appendicitis or a broken arm are not regarded as major illnesses or events but should still be declared in your application.
You may find it helpful to print off the requirements and discuss them with your GP or specialist.
Guidance on the information your AME will require in medical reports, together with flow charts on the assessment process for a number of medical conditions can be found on our Documents for Download page.
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.
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
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 |
|