FAQ

The initial examination is extensive and is carried out by various specialists, including: air medical examiner, cardiologist, ear, nose and throat specialist, ophthalmologist, radiodiagnostic doctor, psychiatrist, clinical analyst and psychologist.

In the first medical examination (required to obtain a licence to fly aircraft), applicants must undergo, in addition to an interview with a specialist and a blood and urine test (which measures the existence of toxins, among other substances), various tests to rule out possible underlying diseases or disorders.

These include, among others, the following

• Cardiological tests (examining the state of the heart, the existence of abnormalities or lesions in the organs and vessels, thromboembolic disorders, etc.).
• Ophthalmological tests (the ability to distinguish colours, visual acuity, visual field, etc.).
• Otorhinolaryngological tests (with the aim, above all, of testing hearing ability) or dermatological tests, among others.

In addition, psychiatric and psychological tests are also carried out to evaluate the existence of personality disorders, psychotic disorders, suicidal ideas, etc. And, ultimately, to analyse the applicant’s mental health.

There are no height limits that affect your ability to obtain a professional pilot’s licence, but if you are particularly short or tall (less than 157 cm or more than 200 cm), we recommend that you find out which aircraft you would fit in and whether you could comfortably reach all the controls. You will then know whether your height might limit your future career prospects.

The use of glasses, generally speaking, is not a requirement that makes it impossible to qualify for the Class 1 medical certificate and obtain your commercial pilot’s licence or private pilot’s licence.

In cases in which the visual function presents some alteration at the level of refractive errors (myopia, astigmatism, anisometropia, etc.) that makes the use of glasses necessary, each case must be studied individually. It is advisable in these circumstances to consult an AMS-accepted ophthalmologist.

As regards the number of dioptres, the values vary according to the refractive error and the type of assessment carried out (initial or renewal). For example, in the initial assessment it is accepted that the refractive error should be in the order of +5 to -6 dioptres, the refractive error + astigmatism should not exceed 2.0 dioptres and the anisometropia should be less than 2.0 dioptres.

Safe colour perception is a mandatory requirement for obtaining the medical certificate entitling the applicant to a commercial airline pilot’s licence. The applicant is required to demonstrate that he/she can easily distinguish the colours necessary to perform the duties of a pilot safely.

In milder cases of colour blindness, if advanced colour tests are passed, the candidate may be qualified as fit by having colour safe vision.

If you have a specific medical condition, you can consult an aviation medical centre about the feasibility of passing your medical examination. You can also check the medical requirements for EASA licensing here.