Ask Dr. Niels Kock - JAA Certified Medical Examiner
If you have questions regarding your JAA medical certificate and you do not find the answer in our FAQ below you are welcome to consult with AOPAs JAA Certified Medical Examiner Dr. Niels Kock. It is a free service for AOPA members.		AOPAs JAA Certified Medical Examiner Dr. Niels Kock is an active pilot and homebuilder based in Odense Airport, Denmark.

JAA Medical FAQ

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions we have received regarding the medical requirements for the JAA Class II Medical certificate, i.e. the requirements for a private pilot license. If you do not find the answer to your medical question you are welcome to contact our JAA Medical Examiner by clicking here.

Vision

Q: Is there a limit to the refraction of my glasses? A: Yes. For class 2 pilots ( PPLs, gliders, microlights, and balloonists) the optical prescription of the glasses at the initial health check must not be beyond +/- 5 diopters. At the renewal check up to +5/-8 will be accepted. The difference of refraction between both eyes must not be more than 3 diopters.

Q: I have had a laser-operation for myopia done and feel that my vision is now normal. Will such an operation prevent me from taking a PPL? A: Usually operations of the kind mentioned will cause non-qualification. AMC may, however, consider certification after the operation (typically 3 months after), provided: the refraction power of the glases before the operation was less than +5/-8 diopters, the resulting visual acuity remains stable, and No dazzle or distortion disturbances have been caused by the operation.

Q: May I, being a class 2 pilot, use contact lenses? A: Yes, with the same prescription limitations as for glasses.

Q: Will colour blindness affect my chances of obtaining a glider certificate? A: In most cases AMS will issue a medical certificate with the annotation: Approved for day-VFR flying inside the FIR of JAR-signatory countries, which is very much what glider pilots do in the first place. PPLs will be invited for a supplementary colour test at AMC, and will in most cases get an annotation as above.

Blod Sugar

Q: How about flying and high blood sugar? A: The result of an ordinary blood-sugar test is only a momentary one, as the BS will vary during the 24 hours, depending on the time and food intake. A BS-level below 5 is OK. 5 to 5,5 means you must have your average BS-level checked. (Ct’ed.) You are permitted to fly whilst awaiting the result of this, but in the event your first test-result is above 5,5 you will be grounded until the result is known. If your average BS is high you may have diabetes, and further checks will show whether this is indeed the case. You will discuss this with your AME, and your GP will be in charge of further diagnostic procedures.

Cholesterol

Q: Which effect will a high cholesterol level have on my right to fly with a PPL? A: A cholesterol level above 5,5 entails a fasting cholesterol-check. Bring a current copy of the result at your next medical check, where your AME will go through the ensuing course with you, depending on the cholesterol level.

Diabetes

Q: I have recently been found to be a diabetic. Can I fly at all taking insulin injections? A: No. The risk of a drop in blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) which can leave you unable to control an aircraft, is too high. If, however, your diabetes can be kept well controlled with tablets (+ diet and exercise, of course) of the Methformine group, you may fly.

Hay Fever

Q: Can I fly an aircraft, taking hay fever drugs? A: Yes, provided you stick to one of the approved drugs that are not known to cause drowsiness, i.e. Telfast, Versal, Clarityn. The names may vary from country to country.

Malarone

Q: May I fly as PIC while medicated with the anti-malaria drug Malarone? A: Yes.