Course overview
The Basic Course in Aviation Medicine (BCAM) provides fundamental theoretical and practical training in physiology, psychology and clinical practice in relation to aerospace medicine. It meets the educational requirements to be able to apply to become an Aeromedical Examiner (AME) with Class 2 medical certification privileges.
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 required to apply for authorisation as Class 2 Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs) of flight crew license holders with the UK CAA. Successful completion of the Basic Course in Aviation Medicine course is required prior to being able to sit the Advanced Course in Aviation Medicine.
Key benefits
- World class learning delivered at a location recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority for training of AMEs
- Teaching by internationally recognised experts in the field
- Conforms to the training requirements of EASA Part Med Subpart D (but is not currently an EASA accredited course)
Course dates
The next course will take place from Monday 13 to Friday 24 January 2025 and will open for bookings shortly.
What does this course cover?
The Basic Course in Aviation Medicine is a unique course in the UK providing medical practitioners 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. This course is taught over 2 weeks full-time face to face.
What will I achieve?
Clinical aviation medicine in the UK is part of the Specialty 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.
Completion of the KCL Basic Course in Aviation Medicine and success in the examination prepares a medical practitioner for appointment as a Class 2 AME, allowing the medical assessment of private pilots.
However, 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.
Who is this for?
A Medical degree (e.g. MBBS) or international equivalent is required for this programme.
All teaching and the final exam is 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 the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
Document with answers to 2 questions (these are limited to 250 words each):
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 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.
How will I be assessed?
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 successfully completed the course and to earn your course Certificate of success.
What is the teaching schedule?
This 2 week full-time course consists of lectures, tutorials and seminars, case studies, in addition to visits to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (Covid restrictions permitting) and also British Airways aircraft simulators.
The course is designed to meet the requirements of EASA Part Med (AMC1 and GM1 MED.D.020) and consists of 60 hours of theoretical and practical training including specific examination techniques. The learning objectives to acquire the necessary competencies include theoretical knowledge, risk management, and decision-making in the following subjects. Demonstrations and practical skills are included where appropriate.
- 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.
Further information
Other Aerospace Medicine courses at King's