§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what medical requirements have to be met before a person is licensed to fly a commercial aeroplane; how often that person is required to be examined; and what details of their medical history are referred to in the licence. [13776]
§ Mr. BowisThe medical requirements that have to be met before a person can be licensed to fly a commercial aeroplane are set by the International Civil Aviation Authority and contained in annex 1 to the Chicago convention on international civil aviation. Medical 571W examinations are carried out by authorised medical examiners, who receive guidance on the interpretation of those requirements from the medical division of the Civil Aviation Authority.
The initial medical for commercial pilots will include a full physical examination together with a chest x-ray, electrocardiograph, and hearing and vision tests. After this, medical examinations are carried out annually until the pilot reaches the age of 40 and every six months thereafter. Medical information is not referred to on licences.