Medical fitness is a fundamental requirement for both private and commercial pilots. Every pilot candidate must provide a medical certificate proving their medical fitness to safely operate an aircraft.
The initial examination and any renewal of fitness to fly must be carried out by a licensed aviation physician specifically qualified in aviation medicine.
If the Federal Aviation Authority (LBA) rejects your fitness to fly or delays your flight, an aviation lawyer can assist you.
- Examination of the refusal: Review of the legal basis of the decision.
- Objection and appeal: Support in challenging rejected medical certificates.
- Communication with the LBA: Representation in case of no or delayed responses.
- Accompanying medical re-examinations: Support with the re-aeronautical medical assessment.
In the following article, I will present the basic requirements of the fitness test and later discuss common problems that arise when submitting the results to the LBA (Federal Aviation Authority).
Who is authorized to conduct the flight fitness check? – Overview of the responsible authorities
The flight fitness examinations for private and commercial pilots are conducted exclusively by certified bodies. These include aviation medical examiners, known as aeromedical examiners or flight physicians, who are specially trained in flight medical examinations. Likewise, aviation medical centers operating as aeromedical centers are authorized to offer comprehensive examinations. The Federal Aviation Office, which acts as aeromedical supervisor, is responsible for reviewing and handling special flight fitness cases. These regulated processes ensure that pilots' health and safety are monitored according to strict standards.
Validity of the certificate of fitness to fly – age-dependent deadlines for pilots
The validity period of the medical certificate for private and commercial pilots depends on the age of the applicant and is regulated in stages:
- Under 30 years: Valid for 60 months (maximum until age 32)
- 30 to 50 years: Valid for 24 months (maximum until age 51)
- From 50 years: Valid for only 12 months
Tip: Renew your medical fitness check in time to avoid delays in renewing your pilot's license.
Flight medical fitness check – procedure and criteria for pilots
The medical fitness examination is a key requirement for obtaining a private or commercial pilot's license. The examination process begins with a comprehensive medical history and various physical examinations. This is followed by special diagnostic tests, including vision and hearing tests, as well as blood and urine analyses. A pregnancy test is also required for women. These thorough examinations ensure that all candidates meet the health requirements necessary for the safe practice of piloting.
Medical exclusion criteria for fitness to fly – illnesses that may lead to unfitness
To maintain medical fitness for flight, strict health requirements must be met. The following conditions can lead to unfitness to fly:
- Alcoholism and addiction
- Angina pectoris (heart pain)
- Blood clotting disorders (congenital or drug-induced)
- Epilepsy and unexplained loss of consciousness
- Severe obesity (extreme obesity)
- High blood pressure (hypertension over 160/95 mmHg)
- Diabetes mellitus requiring insulin
- Mental illnesses: schizophrenia, severe depression, personality disorders
In addition, there are restrictions in the case of chronic respiratory diseases, severe cardiac arrhythmias and other long-term conditions that could endanger safety in the cockpit.
Color vision deficiency and fitness to fly
Color vision deficiency, which often occurs in men, is not usually an obstacle to obtaining a private pilot's license (PPL), but there are restrictions for certain pilot licenses and night flights.
For PPL pilots, there are no restrictions on their fitness to fly during the day. However, night flights and instrument flights are not permitted for those with color vision deficiency. The commercial pilot's license (CPL/ATPL) is not available to those with color vision deficiency due to the color recognition requirement.
The color fitness test according to EASA standards includes tests with Ishihara color charts, the Nagel anomaloscope, and a signal lantern. Upon passing the practical test, a restricted medical permit is issued, allowing daytime flying.
These are the problems prospective pilots have with the Federal Aviation Office (LBA):
The German Federal Aviation Office (LBA) is facing significant delays in processing fitness decisions, some of which can last several years. These delays occur even for minor findings such as changes in vision or minor medical procedures.
Another problem is the lack of communication on the part of the LBA. There is often no feedback after several months, and the decision-making processes are unclear, as they are made without consulting the affected pilot. Decisions are often made solely on the basis of files, without a direct medical examination. Furthermore, there are unnecessary requests for follow-up examinations.
A particularly serious issue is the LBA's disregard for court orders, ignoring court instructions to provide experts. In addition, there are administrative problems such as a low number of cases processed per day, which nevertheless lead to delays, as well as unclear prioritization and organizational deficiencies.
How an aviation lawyer can help you
- Legal review: Check whether the long waiting times are illegal.
- Objection and lawsuit: Support in appeals against delayed decisions or rejections.
- Communication with the LBA: Legal enforcement of the processing obligation.
- expedited proceedings: Initiation of administrative court proceedings to accelerate the decision.
- Expert examination: Requesting external, independent expert opinions in disputes.
Your flight doctor has submitted your medical certificate to the LBA, but you haven't received a response yet? Did you fail the medical exam? As an aviation lawyer, I'm happy to help you with your problems so you can fulfill your dream of flying.
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