The general public, or at least many of them, do not comprehend why aviators should have their own doctor for a variety of reasons.
In contrast to other workplaces, aviation environments present a variety of physiological difficulties for people. These difficulties include the possibility of hypoxia, decompression sickness, being confined, and many others. This is a result of the human being’s abnormal habitat, which restricts physical and mental function.
Aircrew must undergo timely medical assessment and should be examined by a specialized clinician who is knowledgeable in aviation medicine in order to have a clear understanding of what is happening in the body while flying. This branch of medicine was created to explain the effect of changes in human performance.
As with other medical specialties, maintaining a safe environment and an aircrew in general falls within the purview of aviation medicine.
While other medical specialties deal with treating abnormal bodies in appropriate environments, aviation medicine deals with treating normal human bodies in unnatural settings. To be able to work in extremely constrained environments where physical and mental obstacles may arise, aviation medical examiners must verify that personnel who fly or manage equipment while flying have competent bodies and minds.
An Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) or Aero-medical Examiner (AME) is a physician who has been granted permission by the national aviation authority to perform flight physical examinations and issue aviation medical certificates. The majority of AMEs practice aviation medicine despite having further medical training in other fields.
In Annex 1 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has established basic medical standards for determining whether a pilot or air traffic controller is qualified to carry out their duties. However, the majority of countries’ aviation authorities have developed their own special details and explanations that will be used in addition to, and frequently more tightly than, the stringent standards established by the ICAO.
As a result, there are adjustments to the medical categorization, length of the medical examination, and types of medical tests that should be administered to aviators. National Authorities have the authority to establish their own set of requirements as long as they do not weaken the safety problem criteria.
For instance, the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) offers medical certification in three different classes: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MCL), and Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) all require a Class One medical certificate. Cabin crew, student pilot licenses, private pilot licenses, flight engineers, flight navigators, hot air balloon pilot licenses, and glider pilots all require class two medical certifications. A Class Three medical certificate is required for drone pilots and air traffic controllers.
Every medical certificate has a different set of requirements depending on the sort of equipment the aviator is handling, the level of risk they are facing, and the safety concerns that may arise if they are not in good physical and mental health. To help pilots with their health and wellness, each Civil Aviation Authority must appoint an aviation medical examiner.
Being an aviation medical examiner is a privilege, not a right; hence the Authority may revoke your license if you don’t follow the rules and regulations.
The main responsibility of an AME is to ensure that pilots are fit to fly and do not pose a safety danger to the aircraft, passengers, or the general public.
In addition to working with pilots, AME can offer guidance to aviation companies and operators on how to reduce the health risks caused by the environment and pilots themselves. However, this arrangement may have specific agreements on compensation based on the services and needs of the Operator. They can also be consulted when there is a medical issue onboard.
The AME is also available to sick passengers who want medical clearance and advice on medication, equipment to bring on board, the necessity for medical personnel to be present on board, and any other medical requirements they may have while traveling.
Everyone is safe and may fly with confidence thanks to AME, Your Customised Physician.
