Scottish aeromedical centre opens

Professional pilots and air traffic controllers will no longer have to travel to southern England for their initial medicals, thanks to the opening of Scotland’s first aeromedical centre.

Secretary of State for Scotland, Alistair Carmichael MP, has officially inaugurated a new facility at NATS’ Prestwick air traffic control centre.  This will provide a far greater choice for controllers, pilots and cabin crew, all of whom have to meet strict medical criteria and undergo regular health checks.

Previously, the only Civil Aviation Authority certified centres in the UK were at NATS’ Swanwick control centre in Hampshire and two other providers based near Gatwick Airport.  Besides those in Scotland also benefitting will be staff requiring medicals who live in the North of England. 

Aviation medicals involve a number of health checks, including eye-sight, hearing, and screening for illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma. Pilots and controllers who fall ill are assessed and then monitored by Aviation Medical Examiners who assist them in returning to work as soon as they are able to do so safely.  www.nats.co.uk

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