Medical Certificate (Aeromedical Certificate)
A core activity of Aava’s Aeromedical Center is the provision of medical examinations. Private and professional pilots, as well as personnel working in the aviation sector, are required to hold a periodically renewed aeromedical certificate, commonly referred to as a medical certificate. This certificate may only be issued by aeromedical examiners (AMEs) designated by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom).
If you are applying to become a professional pilot, your first medical examination must be conducted at a Traficom-authorized Aeromedical Center (AMC). At Aava, this is located at the Aviapolis clinic. During the initial medical examination, in addition to more extensive laboratory tests, your vision and hearing will be assessed, including examinations by an ophthalmologist and an ENT specialist.
What Is a Medical Certificate?
International regulations require individuals entering the aviation sector to meet specific medical fitness standards. Those intending to become private or professional pilots or air traffic controllers must undergo an aeromedical examination in order to obtain the relevant licence. Recreational pilots are also required to pass a medical examination for licensing purposes.
Pilots, air traffic controllers, recreational pilots, and cabin crew members must hold a valid medical certificate that is renewed at regular intervals. The required laboratory tests for the certificate will be confirmed when you book your appointment.
Who Can Issue an Aeromedical Certificate?
Certificates intended to maintain or renew medical fitness may only be issued by authorized aeromedical examiners (AMEs). Certificates issued by other physicians are not accepted.
Commercial and airline pilots, as well as air traffic controllers and flight information officers, are required to undergo a medical examination when renewing or extending the validity of their medical certification. In medical centers, these examinations may only be conducted by an aeromedical examiner approved for Class 1 examinations (AME1).
Medical examinations required for applying for, renewing, or extending the validity of private and recreational pilot medical certificates may only be conducted by an authorized aeromedical examiner (AME2 or AME1).
How Do I Prepare for a Medical Examination?
During the medical examination, laboratory tests are performed first, followed by appointments with an aviation nurse and an aeromedical examiner. If no further investigations are required, you will receive your medical certificate at the end of your visit.
When attending the aeromedical examiner’s appointment, please bring the following:
- Flight hours log
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Glasses prescription
- Photo identification or passport
- Previous medical certificate and licence
- Personal EAMR number received during the initial examination (professional pilots)
Please also follow the instructions provided for the laboratory tests prior to your appointment.
How Long Is the Medical Certificate Valid?
The validity of a medical certificate ranges from six months to five years. Flying is not permitted without a valid medical certificate.
Traficom may also require an aeromedical examiner’s assessment of an individual’s fitness to fly following serious illnesses or surgical procedures.
A medical certificate may be renewed up to 45 days before its expiration date. We therefore recommend booking your medical examination well in advance.
What Does a Medical Examination Cost?
The scope of examinations required for a medical certificate depends on the class of certification, your age, and any additional tests required by the authorities. The total cost of the examination is determined by the required investigations.
Traficom also charges an official administrative fee for issuing the medical certificate.
Price list for aviation medical examinations
Booking a Medical Examination
Please book a call-back appointment with an aviation nurse at Aava’s Aeromedical Center via the online appointment system (call-back time slots are available when you select Aviation Nurse as the service). The nurse will call you on the same day.
You may also request a call-back from an aviation nurse by contacting Aava’s appointment services at 010 380 3838 or by email at [email protected].