The real reasons you need a cabin crew medical
To succeed in your role as a cabin crew member, you’ll need to be up to the physical and mental demands of the job. Flying across multiple time zones, working unsociable hours and spending a lot of your time in a customer facing role all takes its toll, which is why anyone who wants to join a flight attendant team will firstly need to pass a cabin crew medical. Whether you will shortly be undergoing your medical or are just at the stage where you are considering possible careers, it’s never too early, or too late, to take an interest in your health and fitness, particularly when you read about the real reasons why you need a cabin crew medical.
You’ll spend large amounts of time on your feet
As part of a cabin crew team, your duties will require you to be on your feet for large periods of time, particularly on long haul flights. Walking up and down the aisles serving passengers and dealing with their queries, in addition to all the preparation before your flight will soon see you tot up the steps, so making sure you are fit and healthy will ensure you can do this with ease.
You’ll need to bend and stretch to reach things
You’ll also spend a lot of time working in the restricted space of the aircraft cabin. Here you’ll be stretching to reach items, helping passengers lift luggage out of the way and generally carrying out a lot of repetitive movements. As part of the cabin crew medical you will need to demonstrate a reach of between 208 and 214 cm, depending on the airline you will be working for. Practising yoga or pilates can be a great way to prepare for this test and improve your core stability, strength and coordination.
You’ll need to be fit for an emergency
Though aircraft emergencies are rare, it’s your responsibility as a cabin crew member to be prepared for one, and part of this means being physically up to the task. Most airlines will stipulate that you can swim fully clothed for at least 25 metres and be able to board a life raft. You’ll also need to have your weight in proportion to your height as carrying extra weight will make it harder to do your job.
You’ll eat and sleep at funny times of day
With long haul flights, early starts and late finishes, you will probably find your eating and sleeping routine gets all out of sync. This means napping when you can and eating on the go. Making good choices when it comes to food and drink will help you get through these times when your rota is heavy. Staying hydrated with plenty of water and avoiding too much alcohol and processed food can help to keep your energy levels up for the demands of the job.
You’ll be exposed to germs
The air conditions in an aircraft cabin and the fact that you are confined to a small space with lots of different people, means that as a cabin crew member you are exposed to a wide range of germs. For this reason, boosting your immune system by getting enough sleep, eating healthily and exercising regularly whenever possible, will help you to avoid catching these germs and becoming ill.
Book your Cabin Crew Medical in London
At Heathrow Medical we offer the EASA cabin crew medical and CAA cabin crew medical. Both examinations will test your hearing, eyesight, heart, lungs, neurological system, skin, leg veins and stomach. During your medical appointment we will discuss your medical history and you’ll be asked to bring along the medical form you have been sent to complete as well as any glasses or contact lenses you currently wear.
To book your cabin crew medical in London call us on 020 8528 2633 or click here to book online. Our AeroMedical Centre is situated adjacent to Heathrow Airport, providing easy access via car or public transport.