ATCO Medical Certificates (Class 3)

Class 3 ATCO License: For Air Traffic Control

In the UK, air traffic control staff are required to undergo medical assessments to obtain and maintain their medical certification. The medical licensing for air traffic control staff is conducted following the requirements set by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

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.

Key Medical Assessments:

The medical assessments for air traffic control staff aim to ensure that individuals are medically fit to perform their duties effectively and safely. These assessments typically include:

Initial Medical Examination: Before commencing employment as an air traffic control staff member, individuals are usually required to undergo an initial medical examination. This examination assesses their general health, vision, hearing, cardiovascular fitness, and overall medical fitness to perform the job.
Periodic Medical Assessments: After the initial examination, air traffic control staff are typically required to undergo periodic medical assessments at specified intervals. The frequency of these assessments may vary depending on factors such as age, role, and specific air traffic control environment. The purpose of these assessments is to monitor ongoing medical fitness and ensure that any changes in health conditions are appropriately managed.

Adherence to ATCO Medical Standards

The specific medical standards and requirements for air traffic control staff are detailed in the UK CAA publication CAP 1412, "Medical Requirements and Advice for Controllers." This document outlines the standards and guidance related to various medical conditions, medications, vision, hearing, and other relevant aspects of health for air traffic control personnel.

Stay Current with Regulations

Aviation regulations and licensing for ATCOs can change. It is crucial to consult the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the most current information regarding Class 3 medical standards and requirements.

Mental Health Assessment Requirements for ATCOs

Understanding when a specialist psychiatric review is necessary for Air Traffic Control Officers.

AME Screening & Referral

A psychiatric assessment is not a standard part of a medical assessment. However, if there are any aspects of your current or past mental health about which your AME requires additional clarification as part of the submission to the regulatory authority, they may require one.

It is then up to you to arrange an assessment, which is where we can help.

Scope of Assessment

Sometimes it can be relatively straightforward – for example, assessing the impact of past episodes of treatment or counselling and whether there is any effect of this which would affect licensing at the moment. On other occasions, it may focus more on demonstrating resilience and effective coping strategies in the face of external stresses.

Or it can be more complex, for example, significant past episodes of mental illness, previous trauma or suspected conditions where your AME (and potentially the licensing authority) will require a more detailed assessment and formal report.

Assessment Frequency

Often this is a one-off assessment and report as part of the initial licensing process or sometimes after a period of sickness as part of a return to work after some time being assessed as unfit. Occasionally the regulatory authority may require ongoing periodic mental health assessment and monitoring, which we can also provide.

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ATCO Medical Certificates: Class 3

Understanding ATCO Medical Certification