How to stay fit through the winter for your pilot medical
Do you need to renew your pilot medical in the spring? If so, now is the time to book your appointment and start preparing for this important medical assessment.
As a pilot, you are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of all your passengers, as well as your fellow aviation professionals. You need to be fit and healthy in order to maintain your medical certificate, and whilst none of us feel our best after a long, cold January, you should avoid the seasonal threats to health in order to ensure your health and wellbeing.
Read on for everything you need to know about staying fit and well for your pilot medical.
Staying fit for a pilot medical
All of the pilot medical examinations that we offer assess your physical wellbeing and check that you have no health conditions that could affect your abilities on the job. In terms of what to expect, this will depend upon the exact medical standards for your jurisdiction, but most (if not all) medicals include:
- An eye test
- A hearing test
- A physical examination
- A review of any medication
- And a discussion of your medical history
We recommend taking these following steps to help maintain your health and wellbeing.
1. Avoid the flu
Whilst the worst of winter might be behind us, we are still deep in the flu season which often lasts from November through to March, or even later.
Rates of infection soared towards the end of last year as a form of “super flu” swept the country, and since we don’t know exactly how much longer flu season could go on for, it’s important to protect your health by:
- Washing your hands often.
- Catching all coughs and sneezes in a tissue.
- Avoiding contact with those who have the flu, as it is very infectious.
- Getting the flu vaccine, if recommended by the NHS.
And letting us know if you have any symptoms in advance of your appointment, as it may be necessary to reschedule.
2. Manage hay fever related allergies
Whilst summer might be prime allergy season, plenty of people suffer with allergies throughout the winter months. If you are one of them, it’s advisable to keep sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes to a minimum by:
- Hoovering and dusting your living spaces.
- Keeping your home well-ventilated.
- Using permitted antihistamines or prescription treatments as needed.
And contacting your GP if your symptoms last longer than two weeks.
3. Prevent fatigue
As we’ve already touched on, no one feels 100% during the winter. The reduced hours of daylight take their toll, but as a pilot you’re also dealing with long hours, night flights, and disrupted circadian rhythms in the performance of your duties.
Sleep has more of an impact on your health than you may realise, so manage your off-duty time well to ensure that you get enough sleep whilst working, and travel with an eye mask and comfortable earplugs to create the right conditions for sleep wherever you are.
4. Stay fit
Staying fit and healthy as a pilot is a challenge. You have a busy schedule that takes you across continents and time zones, but your health must come first for the sake of your career and overall wellbeing.
Prioritise your fitness, and get ready to pass your pilot medical, by:
- Remaining mobile whenever possible.
- Opting for a balanced, healthy diet for long-lasting energy.
- Staying hydrated whilst working.
And controlling your stress levels, as chronic stress can be just as harmful to your health as a physical condition.
Getting ready for your appointment
Finally, here are a few tips that will help you get ready on the day of your pilot medical:
- Avoid excessive alcohol: Especially if your medical includes mandatory drug testing, which will be performed as a breathalyser test and a drug screen. If this applies to you, then you should also not eat, drink, or smoke for at least 20 minutes before your appointment.
- Drink plenty of water: As you will be required to give a urine sample. We also request that you avoid drinking caffeine before the medical.
- Prioritise sleep: Getting a good night’s sleep of at least 8 hours will help you perform better during the medical.
And make sure that you bring the following with you to your appointment:
- Your glasses or contact lenses, along with your current prescription.
- Your GP summary medical history from your GP practice if attending for an initial Class 1 medical.
- Any pertinent historical medical reports.
- And your passport for proof of identity.
These will be required when attending any air crew medicals at our aeromedical centre.
Book your renewal appointment today
Provided that you keep fit, prioritise your health, and be honest with your examiner, you will have no issues when renewing your pilot medical certificate this spring.
To secure an appointment please email us, call us, or use our online booking system, and we will see you at your next visit.