Who needs an Airside Medical Fitness Certificate?

In the UK, an airside Medical Fitness Certificate is required for individuals who need to access the airside areas of an airport, excluding pilots who undergo a different, more specific medical examination. The airside Medical Fitness Certificate ensures that personnel working in these high-security and high-risk areas are medically fit to perform their duties safely.

The following groups typically need an airside Medical Fitness Certificate in the UK:

1. Airport Operations Staff: Employees who work directly for the airport authority, such as those involved in airside operations, maintenance, ground handling, baggage handling, and other roles that require access to the restricted areas.

2. Airline Employees (excluding pilots): Flight attendants, ground crew, and other airline personnel who need to move between the landside and airside areas as part of their job responsibilities.

3. Contractors and Service Providers: Individuals working for companies that provide essential services to the airport or airlines, such as refueling, catering, cleaning, and aircraft maintenance.

4. Security Personnel: Security staff, including those who patrol airside areas, monitor access points, and ensure the overall security of the airport.

5. Government Officials and Inspectors: Customs officers, immigration officers, and other government employees who need to access airside areas to carry out their official duties.

6. Emergency Services Personnel: Firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency responders who must be able to access airside areas in the event of an emergency.

The exact requirements and procedures for obtaining an airside Medical Fitness Certificate in the UK are governed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and may vary slightly between different airports. Generally, the certificate is issued after a medical examination to ensure the individual is physically and mentally fit to perform their duties in the demanding and potentially hazardous airside environment.

Attending your Airside medical

• Please come to your medical wearing comfortable clothes you can move easily in as you may be required to do a step test..
• Please remember to bring photographic ID and your glasses (do not wear contact lenses for your examination).
• Avoid loud noise for 16 hours before your medical as this may affect your hearing test.

What you will need to bring:

• A print out of the Airdrome/Airport documentation, having already completed your personal details.
• Photo ID (passport, driving licence).
• GP's name, surgery address and contact details.
• Details of any medication you're taking.
• Your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them (though not colour correction lenses). You will need to remove contact lenses during examination.
• Your previous medical certificate if you have one.
• Comfortable footwear and clothes to enable you to undertake exercise test if needed.

What does the medical involve?

• Urine sample so that your kidney function and blood sugar levels can be tested.
• Measure your height and weight.
• Take your blood pressure.
• Test your eyesight and check for colour blindness.
• Physical examination.
• Forced whisper test (hearing test)
• If you have any previous medical history then the doctor will discuss this with you too.
• Sometimes other tests are needed such as a step test, an ECG or spirometry (breathing test).

How long will it take?

The appointment usually lasts 30-60 minutes

How do I get my Airside certificate?

At the end of the examination the doctor will complete the medical declaration and certification of fitness. You will then need to send your entire form to your Airdrom/Airport who will endorse your certificate.

How long is my Airside medical valid for?

Depending on the operator you work for, you may need to undergo additional risk assessments and occupational health checks, but as a basic requirement, the airside driving medical will generally need to be renewed every 3 years.