What to do if your medical condition changes while holding a medical certificate.
A change of medical condition can affect your ability to fly or operate safely. Some health issues may be obvious, while others can be subtle. We recommend that you seek the advice of your medical examiner or CAA if you are uncertain.
A gentle reminder – you are legally required to report changes in your medical condition that may affect your ability to safely fly or operate to your medical examiner and CAA. This is as required under Schedule 2, clause 8 (1) of the Civil Aviation Act 2023(external link). The only exception is when your condition is covered by the Temporary medical conditions General Direction (GD).
Further information is also available at:
Medical information sheet 004 You must advise the CAA [PDF 244 KB]
Your medical examiner, colleague, employer or your medical specialist also have a regulatory obligation under Schedule 2, clause 8 of the Civil Aviation Act 2023(external link) to report any changes in medical condition.
For more information, read:
Medical information sheet 002 Medical practitioner obligations [PDF 200 KB]
Medical information sheet 002B Health practitioner obligations [PDF 201 KB]
Medical information sheet 003 Your doctor must advise the CAA [PDF 208 KB]
Many common conditions (such as respiratory infections and dental procedures) can be managed without formal notification to CAA. For a full list see Temporary medical conditions GD. If you are unsure if your illness or surgical procedure is covered by the Temporary medical conditions GD or there are other issues, please contact your medical examiner or the CAA to discuss.
Alternatively, your medical examiner or CAA will work with you. The first step is to make a risk assessment of your change in medical condition. If your medical condition does not affect flight safety, then no action may be required.
If your condition does affect aviation safety your medical examiner or CAA may decide that there is a need to take an action on your medical certificate.
These actions may include:
We are aware that these steps sound scary. They are the legal process that CAA is required to follow under clauses 12-18 of Schedule 2 of the Civil Aviation Act 2023(external link).
Under these circumstances your medical examiner and CAA can work with you to get you back flying or operating as soon as it is safe to do so.
Any decisions made in relation to your medical certificate and the reasons for doing so will be sent to you via email. These emails will also contain what information will be required to reconsider these decisions.
