What does an aeromedical centre do?

Yesterday, Scotland’s first aeromedical centre officially opened in Prestwick. It means that pilots and air traffic controllers will now no longer have to travel to southern England for their initial class 1 and 3 medicals.

Aviation medicals involve a number of health checks designed to ensure a pilot or controller is fit and well and can carry out their job safely. Tests include ones for eye-sight, hearing and screenings for illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma. Have a play with our interactive infographic if you want to find out more about the checks and what they look for.

Pilots and controllers who do fall ill are then assessed and  monitored by Aviation Medical Examiners – like Dr Maged Girgis, who is heading up the new Prestwick aeromedical centre – who then help them return to work as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Watch Dr Girgis explain more about life as an Aviation Medical Examiner and the services the centre offers in the video – recorded in March – below.

More information

• News release: First Scottish aeromedical centre opens for business.