Aviation Medical Examination
This is a mandatory medical examination aimed at assessing whether your physical and mental health complies with the current aviation medical requirements. To issue a medical certificate, we assess the health risks arising from the work environment, your personal health status, and your fitness for aviation activities.
Health Requirements and Restrictions for Pilots
Holders of a pilot licence shall never exercise the privileges of their licence and any associated ratings or medical certificate when they, and student pilots shall not conduct solo flights when they:
- are aware of any deterioration in their medical condition that may render them unable to safely exercise the privileges of their licence;
- are taking or using any prescription or over-the-counter medication that may affect safe performance within the privileges of the applicable pilot licence;
- are undergoing any medical, surgical, or other treatment that may affect safe performance within the privileges of the applicable pilot licence.
When Must Aeromedical Advice Be Sought Before Flying?
Holders of a pilot licence shall seek aeromedical advice without delay, and before exercising the privileges of their licence, if they:
- have undergone a surgical operation or an invasive procedure;
- have started regular use of any medication;
- have had any significant injury resulting in an inability to act as a flight crew member;
- have had any serious illness resulting in an inability to act as a flight crew member;
- are pregnant;
- have been admitted to a hospital or clinic for inpatient treatment;
- require corrective lenses for the first time.
When should you see a specialist?
-
Applying for an initial medical certificate
When starting aviation-related work or training and an initial medical examination is required. -
Class 1, Class 2, LAPL, Class 3 or Cabin Crew medical examinations
According to the individual's role and the required class of medical certificate. -
Renewing a medical certificate
When an existing medical certificate is approaching its expiry date. -
When a medical certificate is nearing expiry
It is recommended to schedule the examination up to 45 calendar days before the certificate expires.
How to prepare for your appointment
- Bring your ID card or another form of identification.
- Make sure your previous health data (e.g., diagnoses, medications, test results) are available in the national health portal, or bring the results with you to the appointment.
- Think about any questions you want to ask the doctor.
- Bring your glasses if you use them. You must not wear contact lenses to the medical examination.
- On the morning of the examination, you must not eat or drink (moistening your mouth with water is allowed). Prescription medications must be taken as usual.
- Avoid smoking before the visit, as it can affect measurements like your blood pressure.
What to expect during your appointment
Document check and consultation
We will verify your identity document and conduct a consultation with the assigned aeromedical examiner.
General medical examination
Performance of tests and procedures required under EASA regulations.
Additional tests if necessary
Depending on your health condition, additional tests or procedures may be required. If there is suspicion of health issues, we may refer you for further examinations or specialist consultation before issuing the medical certificate.
Issuance of an EASA medical certificate
Once you have completed the medical examination, an EASA medical certificate will be issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for an aviation medical examination?
No, a referral is not needed for an aviation medical examination.
How often do I need to have an aviation medical examination?
The frequency of examinations depends on your age, the class of your aviation medical certificate, and any limitations placed on the certificate.
What should I do if I have a chronic illness?
If you have a chronic illness, it is important to inform the Aviation Medical Examiner so we can assess its impact on your fitness to fly and, if necessary, create an individual plan.
Can I use medication during the medical examination period?
The use of medication must always be discussed with the Aviation Medical Examiner, as some medications may affect your fitness to fly.
What should I do if I do not receive a reply letter with a booking confirmation?
If you have not received a reply letter within a reasonable time, please contact the aeromedical centre by phone at +372 530 18 737 or by email at aeromed@meliva.ee.
Is mental health also assessed during the medical examination?
Yes, the medical examination also includes a mental health assessment to ensure your psychological fitness for aviation work.
Will I get the results of the medical examination immediately?
Yes, during the medical examination, you will be informed of all results, except for a few specific follow-up analyses for which the results are provided by our partner laboratory.
What regulations are the aviation medical examinations based on?
EASA aviation medical examinations are based on Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 and its Annex IV (Part-MED), which lays down the medical requirements and procedures for medical examinations. The legal basis for the medical examination of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) is Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/340, Annex IV (Part ATCO.MED), which lays down the medical requirements, examination procedures, and conditions for issuing medical certificates for air traffic controllers. In addition, guidance materials (AMC and GM) from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are followed, which specify the application and assessment of the medical requirements.
