Aviation Medical Center

What is an Aviation Medical Center?

Aeromedical Centers (AMC) are health institutions authorized by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (GDCA) to conduct initial and periodic examinations of flight and aviation personnel and candidates, with flight physicians, auxiliary personnel, and the necessary materials and equipment, as determined by the GDCA, SHT-MED legislation.

The initial and periodic medical examinations of civil pilots are performed in line with the health standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), as is the case worldwide. Aviation medical centers operate under the authority granted by the GDCA, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.

Within these centers, there is a medical board consisting of specialists in Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT), Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, Neurology, and Internal Medicine, together with certified flight physicians. The “Aero Medical Examiner,” authorized by the GDCA, presides over the board and ensures compliance of all medical decisions with ICAO and EASA standards. The flight physician is responsible for validating, signing, and forwarding all medical decisions, reports, and certificates issued by the specialists.

The core health issues that necessitate the presence of flight physicians include:

Hypoxia (oxygen deficiency depending on altitude)

Visual illusions

Jet lag

Motion sickness during flight

Decompression illness (due to pressure reduction)

Disorientation and vertigo

G-force-induced conditions (tunnel vision, blackout, loss of consciousness)

Vibration-related conditions

Noise exposure

Fear of flying, etc.

These conditions may compromise safe and effective flight operations and, in some cases, may contribute to aviation accidents. Considering that the human factor accounts for nearly 80% of flight accidents, the health status of aviation personnel has been entrusted to physicians trained in aviation medicine, making these centers an integral part of flight safety.

Aviation Medical Centers provide services, as mandated by legislation, to all airlines, aviation faculties, flight schools, balloon operators and balloon pilot schools, airports, and amateur aviation organizations. These include examinations for:

Pilots

Cabin crew

Air traffic controllers

Flight dispatchers

Loadmasters

Aircraft maintenance technicians

Flight engineers

Air traffic safety electronics personnel (ATSEP)

Flight test engineers

Amateur sport aviators

UAV (Class 2 and 3) pilots

Air police officers

Aviation students

After examinations, standard medical documents and test results are prepared in duplicate, one copy is archived at the Aviation Medical Center, and the other is provided to the applicant. All documents are also submitted electronically to the GDCA via the Information Management System (IMS).

What Medical Conditions Are Evaluated?

During flight, personnel are exposed to conditions such as high altitude, low temperature and pressure, speed and acceleration, and cosmic radiation, which can cause medical, physiological, and psychological issues. Aviation Medical Centers are responsible for diagnosing these conditions, providing treatment, engaging in preventive medicine, and offering educational programs.

Examination Process - Key Information

Appointments are mandatory.

Patients must be fasting for blood and urine tests. Food intake after 23:00 the previous night should be avoided as it may affect cholesterol levels.

Required documents include: previous medical certificate, ID card, three photos, and glasses/lenses (if used).

Examinations usually begin at 08:30. After registration, blood and urine samples are collected. Following breakfast, specialist consultations begin, and the process is typically completed by the afternoon.

Examination Stages and Procedures

Laboratory tests: Complete blood count, urinalysis, fasting blood glucose, sedimentation, urea, uric acid, liver function tests (SGPT, SGOT), cholesterol panel (total, triglycerides, HDL).

Chest X-ray: Thoracic structure, heart size, lung capacity, past or ongoing infections.

ECG (Electrocardiography): Heart rate, rhythm, and coronary evaluation.

Hearing test (Audiometry): Assessment of hearing thresholds and speech discrimination.

Pulmonary function test (PFT): Lung capacity, airflow restriction, inhaled and exhaled air volume.

Eye examination: Visual acuity, color vision, depth perception, anterior and posterior segment evaluation, intraocular pressure, angiography if needed.

Visual field test: Central and peripheral vision, checking for defects or narrowing.

ENT examination: Assessment of hearing, eardrum, nasal obstruction, and speech-related issues.

Psychiatric evaluation: Assessment of mental status, psychiatric anomalies, substance use, or psychotropic medications.

Neurological examination: Balance, reflexes, sensory and motor function, cranial nerve function, gait analysis.

Internal medicine evaluation: Final review of all laboratory and imaging results.

Validity Period of Examinations

Class 1 Medical Certificates

Chest X-ray: At initial examination, repeated only if clinically indicated.

PFT: Once every 5 years under age 40; every 4 years for age 40 and above.

ECG: Every 5 years under age 30; every 2 years between 30-39; annually between 40-49; at every check-up from age 50.

Audiometry: Every 5 years under age 40; every 2 years from age 40.

Visual field test: Every 5 years under age 40; every 2 years from age 40.

Class 2 Medical Certificates

Chest X-ray: At initial examination, repeated if clinically required.

PFT: Every 4 years for age 40 and above.

ECG: Every 2 years between 40-49; annually from age 50.

Audiometry: Every 5 years under age 40; every 2 years from age 40.

Visual field test: As required by the examining physician.