As a pilot, it is mandatory to have a Class 1 Medical Certificate in order to hold a valid flying license. The certificate verifies that the pilot meets the physical and mental standards set by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India. The medical examination is a comprehensive check of the pilot's overall health and well-being, and it must be updated regularly to ensure their fitness to fly.
As a pilot, it is mandatory to have a Class 1 Medical Certificate in order to hold a valid flying license. The certificate verifies that the pilot meets the physical and mental standards set by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India. The medical examination is a comprehensive check of the pilot's overall health and well-being, and it must be updated regularly to ensure their fitness to fly.
Family Medical History:The first step in the medical examination is to collect information about the pilot's family medical history. The doctor will ask questions about any illnesses that run in the family, including any genetic or hereditary diseases. This information is crucial in determining the pilot's overall health and potential risk of developing certain illnesses.
Medical History:The pilot will also be asked about their personal medical history, including any previous illnesses or conditions. The doctor will ask about the nature of the illness, when it occurred, and the treatment received. The pilot must bring along any relevant reports or documents from their family doctor or specialist to help the doctor assess their current health status.
The validity period for a DGCA Class 1 medical certificate depends on the age of the holder and the type of operations they perform. For individuals under the age of 40, Class 1 Medical assessments are valid for one year in Multi-crew Commercial Air Transport Operations. Meanwhile, for individuals above 40 years old, the assessments are valid for only six months in Single crew commercial air transport operations. The shorter validity period for older individuals is due to the increased risk of medical conditions that may affect their ability to fly. It is important for pilots to maintain a valid medical certificate to ensure they are fit to fly and to meet the safety standards set by DGCA.
Eyesight Test:The eyesight test is another important aspect of the Class 1 medical examination. The pilot must have a minimum vision of 6/6 in the test with or without corrections, as necessary. The pilot is allowed to wear their glasses or contact lenses during the test. However, severe color blindness may lead to rejection of the medical certificate.
Blood and Urine Tests:The pilot must undergo blood and urine tests as part of the Class 1 medical examination. The blood test includes checks for cholesterol, hemoglobin, and other markers, while the urine test checks for any abnormalities or infections.
Physical Examination:The physical examination is a comprehensive check of the pilot's overall health and physical fitness. The doctor will examine the pilot's heart, lungs, and other organs to assess their fitness to fly.
Mental Health History:The pilot's mental health history is an important aspect of the Class 1 medical examination. The doctor will ask questions about any past or present mental health conditions and assess the pilot's ability to handle the stress and pressure of flying.
Lung Function Test:The lung function test is crucial in assessing the pilot's ability to perform physically demanding tasks while flying. The test measures the pilot's lung capacity and their ability to take in and exhale air.
Haemoglobin Blood Test:The haemoglobin blood test checks the pilot's red blood cell count and oxygen-carrying capacity, which is crucial in ensuring their fitness to fly at high altitudes.
STI Test and Urine Test:The pilot must undergo a sexually transmitted infection (STI) test and a urine test as part of the Class 1 medical examination. The STI test checks for any infections, while the urine test checks for any abnormalities or infections.
List of Common Recommendations for Class 1 Medical:
Wearing of bifocal/look-over glasses while exercising the privileges of license and always carrying a spare set of spectacles while flying.
Next review with Hb, TLC, DLC, Urine RE/ME, and ECG (R).
Next renewal at AFCME/IAM/MEC (E) only.
Advised to reduce weight through diet control, regular exercise, and lifestyle modifications.
Next review with USG abdomen, LFT & RFT.Next review with LFT with enzymes.
Next review with an executive report on hearing performance while flying.
Advised to use earplugs in noisy environments.
Advised to change glasses.
Next review with Blood Sugar F/PP, HbA1C & Lipid Profile.
Next review with 2D Echo of heart.Next review with Chest X-ray (PA view).
Next review with serum PSA and opinion of Urologist.
Next review at AFCME/IAM/MEC with ORB scan.
Next review at AFCME/IAM with Polysomnography and opinion of Pulmonologist.
Next review with OGTT and HbA1C reports.
Next review with T3, T4, and TSH Report.
Next review with Pure Tone Audiogram.
Next review with OCT, RNFL, and VHF 30-2 reports.
Next review with TMT.