Examinations

All medical examinations for flights are in accordance with the regulations of the European Aviation Safety Agency - EASA (1178/2011)

Every time you show up for a medical examination you will need to bring:

  • A valid photo ID (a passport or a driving license). Note that Pilots must bring a valid passport.
  • Your last medical certificate (unless you are coming in for the first time).

You will also need to bring your glasses or contact lenses if you use them and be able to provide a urine sample on the spot.

You will need to provide information on your medical history from birth and answer some questions regarding the health of your parents and siblings. You will also need to provide information about all and any medication you have used or are still using. Information regarding the names of the medications as well as dosage sizes must be provided during the examination. You will also be asked about the usage of tobacco, alcohol etc.

You must answer all questions honestly and without hiding anything.
Your license can be revoked if you provide us with wrong information or if you have hidden something.

The AME must deny or defer to Samgöngustofa, if the applicant has a history of:

  • Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medication.
  • Angina pectoris.
  • Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant.
  • Myocardial infarction.
  • Cardiac valve replacement
  • Permanent cardiac pacemaker
  • Heart replacement
  • Psychosis.
  • Bipolar disorder.
  • Personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts.
  • Substance dependence and/or substance abuse.
  • Epilepsy.
  • Disturbance of consciousness and without satisfactory explanation of cause.
  • Transient loss of control of nervous system function(s) without satisfactory explanation of cause.
  • Other, which requires special attention of the Icelandic Transport Authority.

All deceases or disabilities, which may affect applicant will be evaluated, especially regarding flight safety, and will not automatically exclude the publication of a medical certificate.

Good to know

  • You can have an examination up to 45 days before the expiry date on the medical certificate without it causing a change to the expiry date.
  • Pilots and air traffic controllers must always have a valid medical certificate to be allowed to pursue their work.
  • - If any questions arise regarding your health in relations to flying, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
  • If the problem is urgent or if you need advice or instructions regarding health or flight safety, you can contact our chief doctor, Samúel, at any time by calling +354-690-6049.
  • 1. Class examination for Airline Transport Pilots and Commercial Pilots (ATPL, CPL) is a substantial examination. We advise everyone to undergo the examination before they start their studies to become an ATPL/CPL so that they know whether they can be cleared for flying.
    • Valid for 12 months for pilots flying a single-pilot aircraft until they reach the age of 40, after that the certificate is valid for 6 months at a time.
    • Valid for 12 months for pilots flying a multi-pilot aircraft until they reach the age of 60, after that the certificate is valid for 6 months at a time.
    • Valid for 12 months for flight engineers.
  • 2. Class examination is for Private Pilots (PPL) and Student Pilots which need to have a valid 2. Class medical certificate to be allowed to fly solo. As is, pilots flying ultralight aircrafts and glider pilots must also have a valid 2. Class medical certificate in Iceland.
    • Valid for 60 months until the age of 40, 24 months until the age of 50 and 12 months after that.
    • For Pilots flying ultralight aircrafts, Article 1.2.5.2.3.1 applies to Regulation no. 400 from 2008.
  • 3. Class examination is intended for Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) and is comparable to 1. Class examination. They receive a 3. Class European medical certificate.
    • Valid for 24 months until the age of 40 and for 12 months after that.
  • Cabin crew examinations are not as substantial and the medical certificate last for 5 years regardless of age.
  • Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) and Flight Operations Officers (FOOs) do not need a medical certificate.

Age restrictions

For pilots the following applies:
A pilot which has reached the age of 60 can no longer act in the capacity of a pilot during commercial flights unless:

  • They are a part of a multi-pilot crew (until the age of 65)
  • A pilot who has reached the age of 65 is no longer licensed to work as a commercial pilot.

For air traffic controllers the following applies:

  • Air traffic controllers can work in their field until the age of 60.
  • It is possible to extend the operating license until the age of 63.

What do we check for during 1. and 3. Class examinations at the beginning?

In accordance with the current regulations regarding medical certificates for flight crew, new applicants must undergo the following examinations/tests.

  1. Examination with an AME at Aero Medical Center (AeMC), who will go over your medical records and perform a standard physical examination. Height and weight are measured. Hearing and sight tested, along with color vision. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is performed as well as a spirometry (breathing test) and the urine sample provided by the applicant is tested.
  2. Examination with throat, nose and ear doctor, is a substantial examination on hearing and balance amongst other things, which is performed at Dómus. Urðahvarfi 8, tel: 5631010.
  3. Examination with an ophthalmologist, is a substantial examination regarding sight. Þórður Sverrisson, ophthalmologist, at Augnlæknar Reykjavíkur, Hamrahlíð 17, 105 Reykjavík oversees these examinations as he is an AME.
  4. Blood tests at the Landspítali’s laboratory, either in Hringbraut or Fossvogur, are available every Monday-Friday between the hours of 8 AM to 3PM. You ‘ll get the request from us and you have to make sure you do not eat for 8 hours prior to the test.

Remember to wear comfortable clothes, which are easy to remove for the examination.

Please note that all tests and their results are a part of your medical history and will show up on your electronic medical file where they will be available to doctors you may see.

Please note that it may take a while, sometimes days or weeks, to get an appointment for these tests and to receive the results.

Aero Medical Center ‘s (AeMC) chief doctor will have to go over each result to make sure everything is within acceptable limits. He will also read over your medical history before issuing a medical certificate. Everything needs to be in order before a medical certificate is issued.

When renewing a 1. and 3. Class medical certificates the examination is less substantial than the first examination and is performed at Aero Medical Center (AeMC). The AME will issue a medical certificate for you at the end of the examination if everything is in order.

2. Class

2. Class examinations/tests are less substantial and are performed at Aero Medical Center (AeMC). The AME will issue a medical certificate for you at the end of the examination if everything is in order.

Cabin crew

Cabin crew examinations/tests are also performed at Aero Medical Center (AeMC). A medical certificate will be issued at the end of the examination if everything is in order.