How to prepare for your aviation medical

The short version: sleep well, eat normally, avoid caffeine on the day, bring your ID, bring any glasses or prescriptions, and arrive with a full bladder.

For the full checklist and timeline, see the before your medical page. It covers what to bring, what happens on the day, and what to do if your medical history has changed since your last examination.

A few points worth knowing

Be thorough, not worried. Your CAA Cellma form is a legal declaration of your health. Complete it fully and accurately. If something is unclear or your history has changed, email us in advance and we will tell you whether you need a specialist letter first. It is always better to flag things early than to discover a problem on the day.

Caffeine affects blood pressure. Please avoid tea and coffee on the day of your appointment. If blood pressure readings are elevated, we may need to repeat the measurement, which adds time and can occasionally mean an appointment is deferred.

If you are unwell, reschedule. A cold or chest infection can affect vision, hearing and cardiovascular readings. Let us know as soon as possible and we will find a new slot.

What happens after the examination

In straightforward cases the certificate is issued at the end of the appointment. If something in your history or the examination warrants further information, we will explain exactly what is needed. Where a specialist report is required, you pay the specialist directly for their report; any case-management work on our side is charged at £100 per hour in 30-minute blocks, and we will always give you a clear indication of likely charges before proceeding.

See the before your medical page for the complete guide.