Aviation medicine is a specialist area in the field of occupational medicine. In order to maintain aviation safety, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requires all pilots and aircrew to obtain CASA Aviation Medical Certificates specific to their aviation role.
At Growlife Medical, there are three specialist GP physicians who are licensed to conduct aviation medicals as a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME). Some of these DAMEs have previously, or currently still serve, as Medical Officers in the Royal Australian Air Force.
Your Growlife Medical DAMEs include:
- Dr Anthony Turner MBBS, MSpMed, MSc, FRACGP
- Dr Douglas Brown BMedSt MD
- Dr Robert Kelly BSc, MBBS (Hons)
In additional to their civil aviation medicine experience, some of these specialist clinicians are also members of The Australasian Society of Aerospace Medicine (ASAM).
Aviation Medical Classes
There are three classes of medicals relating to the various types of aviation licences held - Class 1, 2 and 3 Medical Certificates.
CASA Class 1 Medical
- For commercial and student pilots
- Professional technical aircrew of powered aircraft
- For Airline Transport Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence, Flight Engineer or Flight Navigator Licences.
- Valid for 12 months
- After age 60, renewal every six months is required
CASA Class 2 Medical
- For private and recreational pilots, commercial balloon pilots & flight radio operator licences
- There are two types of class 2 medicals – standard and basic
- A standard Class 2 medical certificate validity will change depending on your age: four years if you are less than 40 years of age; two years, if you are over 40 years of age.
- NB: Only a DAME is licensed to perform a standard Class 2 medical
- A basic Class 2 medical certificate is available for private operators, but it is more restrictive than a standard Class 2 certificate. Validity will change depending on your age as follows: Age under 40 years: five years; Age 40 or more: two years.
CASA Class 3 Medical
- For air traffic controllers
- Valid for two years
- Your medical will be according to your CASA age-related requirement for ECG or Audiology.
How Much Will My Aviation Medical Cost?
It is important to remember that there is no Medicare rebate available for these types of aviation medicals and your fee will depend on what class and type of medical you are attending for, and the number and type of diagnostic tests you also need.
The team can help advise you when you book with us.
For more information or to complete your online CASA medical questionnaire visit the CASA Aviation Medicals site.
How Much Time Will I Need For My Aviation Medical?
Aviation medicals take longer to perform than a standard GP appointment. The time required will vary depending on what class and type of medical you are attending for, and the number of diagnostic tests you need. You will also usually also see one of the registered nurses immediately prior to your appointment with the doctor.
As an indicative timeframe, a standard medical is usually 45 minutes. A basic medical, however, may only require 30 minutes. Depending on your circumstances, your aviation medical may require an ECG, hearing test, blood test, urine test or an eye examination. You may also need to visit an aviation optometrist. On completion of your appointment, your DAME will upload your results directly to CASA via the MRS.
How Do I Book My Aviation Medical?
Aviation medicals at Growlife Medical are conducted via appointment only with one of our DAMEs.
You can book Aviation Medicals online or call Growlife Medical on 07 3154 2393.
Please remember to complete your Online CASA Medical Questionnaire via CASA’s medical records system (MRS) prior to making your appointment and to have your ARN (Aviation Reference Number) at hand.
Designated Aviation Medical Examiners (DAME's) at Growlife
Dr Anthony Turner
General Practitioner
MBBS, MSpMed, MSc, FRACGP
Dr Douglas Brown
BMedSt MD
Dr Robert Kelly
BSc, MBBS (Hons)