Course features

Important Update for Prospective UK CAA Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs)

The UK CAA has stated that places for new aeromedical examiners (AMEs) are now very limited. Please bear these points in mind when considering whether to undertake this course.

• There are currently about 120 UK CAA AMEs, and the UK CAA does not plan to increase these numbers.
• The UK CAA now estimates it only needs 4-5 new AMEs per year; they are currently only appointed based on "geographical areas of need" and to replace existing AMEs as they retire.
• The UK CAA are oversubscribed with applicants to become AMEs, and there is a backlog of applicants who have already done this course.
• Additionally, if you are interested in attending this course to prepare an AME application to the UK CAA, please ensure that you meet (or will be able to meet) all of the other requirements to apply, which are listed on the UK CAA website about AME Certification Policy here.
• Note one of the requirement options mentioned on the UK CAA Guidance is an Introduction to Multi-Crew Jet Operations (IMJO) Course. If you wish to find out more about that course, one company offering it is Altus Training link

This Basic Course is designed to meet the EASA Part Med AMC1 MED.D.0.20 (a) and (b) training requirements for Class 2 Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs).

Note, although the course is delivered in line with EASA regulations, it is not currently an EASA approved or recognised training course. We are working to gain EASA accreditation, but this is not guaranteed.

The course is reviewed and approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and will provide medical practitioners with the training that is a prerequisite to apply for authorisation as Class 2 Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs) of flight crew license holders with the UK CAA. 

Clinical aviation medicine in the UK is part of the speciality of Aviation and Space Medicine but there are many different routes to be involved, and most civilian practitioners work in aviation medicine as a bolt-on special interest from general practice, occupational medicine or any hospital specialism. Regulatory aviation medicine is based within national or international regulatory authorities, whilst opportunities to work in aviation medicine research occur within national research establishments and industry, or within the armed forces.

The course delivers world-class learning at a location recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority for training of AMEs. It offers teaching by internationally recognised experts in the field and conforms to the training requirements of EASA Part Med Subpart D (but is not currently an EASA-accredited course)

Our expertise

The course consists of lectures, tutorials, seminars, case studies, and visits to the UK Civil Aviation Authority and British Airways aircraft simulators.

The course is designed to meet the requirements of EASA Part Med (AMC1 and GM1 MED.D.020) and is 60 hours of theoretical and practical training, including specific examination techniques. Demonstrations and practical skills are included where appropriate. The learning objectives to acquire the necessary competencies include theoretical knowledge, risk management, and decision-making in the following subjects:

• Introduction to aviation medicine
• Basic aeronautical knowledge
• Aviation physiology
• Cardiovascular system
• Respiratory system
• Digestive system
• Metabolic and endocrine systems
• Haematology
• Genitourinary system
• Obstetrics and gynaecology
• Musculoskeletal system
• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Neurology
• Visual system and colour vision
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Oncology
• Incidents and accidents escape and survival
• Medication and flying
• Legislation, rules and regulations
• Cabin crew working environment
• In-flight environment
• Space medicine

There is open access to the directing staff throughout the course, and course members are encouraged to discuss individual progress.

Entry requirements

A Medical degree (e.g. MBBS) or international equivalent is required for this programme.

All teaching and the final exam are in English. There is no formal language requirement for this course, but an IELTS score of 5 or higher is strongly recommended for applicants whose first language is not English.

You will be asked to submit answers to the following for your application to be considered:

• Question 1: Why are you applying for this specific programme, and how does it fit in with your future plans?
• Question 2: How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme?

Previous academic study: If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English will need to submit both the original and an official translation of their documents.

Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal, apply.kcl.ac.uk, and a non-refundable application fee of £75 applies.

Further information

There is a short multiple-choice assessment that you will complete at the end of the course. You will need to pass this in order for us to provide evidence to the UK Civil Aviation Authority that you have completed the course and to earn your course Certificate of Success.

The Basic Course in Aviation Medicine is unique in the UK, providing medical practitioners with the opportunity to develop the skills required to become AMEs with Class 2 privileges. Currently, it is the only course in the UK recognised by the UK CAA as suitable training for those wishing to apply for Class 2 medical certification privileges.

It must be stressed that gaining the Certificate of Success in the Basic course does not guarantee appointment as an AME. This course meets the educational requirements for you to apply to become an AME with Class 2 certification privileges. Each regulatory authority, such as the UK Civil Aviation Authority, appoints AMEs according to need and according to their own criteria (see Civil Aviation Authority policy).

Although the Basic and Advanced courses provide a sound introduction to the principles and practice of aviation medicine, individuals wishing to pursue a career in regulatory or research aviation medicine may wish to consider undertaking the 6-month KCL Post Graduate Diploma in Aerospace Medicine course, leading to the Diploma in Aviation Medicine of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine. This provides comprehensive instruction in advanced aviation medicine and prepares medical practitioners to take advantage of career opportunities in research, regulation, industry and the armed forces.