Course overview
The Advanced Course in Aviation Medicine (ACAM) builds on the foundations of the Basic Course in Aviation Medicine with successful completion of both required to apply for Class 1 medical certification privileges. The course will provide sound theoretical and practical training in physiology, psychology and clinical practice in relation to aerospace medicine.
This Advanced Course is designed to meet the EASA Part Med AMC2 MED.D.0.20 (a) and (b) training requirements for Class 1 Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs). In the UK parts (c) and (d) of EASA Part Med AMC2 MED.D.0.20 relating to practical training in an AeMC and report of demonstrated competence has traditionally been provided by the UK CAA as part of the application process for Class 1 privileges.
Note, although the course is delivered in line with EASA regulations it is not currently an EASA approved or recognised training course. We are working to gain EASA accreditation but this is not guaranteed.
The course is reviewed and approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and will provide medical practitioners with the training that is a prerequisite required to apply for authorisation as Class 1 Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs) of flight crew license holders with the UK CAA.
Key benefits
- World class learning delivered at a location recognised by the UK Civil Aviation Authority for training of AMEs
- Teaching by internationally recognised experts in the field
- Conforms to the training requirements of EASA Part Med Subpart D (but is not currently an EASA accredited course)
What does this course cover?
The Advanced Course in Aviation Medicine is a unique course in the UK which provides medical practitioners the opportunity to develop the skills required to become AMEs with Class 1 privileges. Currently it is the only course in the UK recognised by the UK CAA as suitable training for those wishing to apply for Class 1 medical certification privileges. This course is taught over 2 weeks full-time face to face.
What will I achieve?
Clinical aviation medicine in the UK is part of the Specialty of Aviation and Space Medicine but there are many different routes to be involved and most civilian practitioners work in aviation medicine as a bolt on special interest from general practice, occupational medicine or any hospital specialism.
Regulatory aviation medicine is based within national or international regulatory authorities, whilst opportunities to work in aviation medicine research occur within national research establishments and industry, or within the armed forces.
Completion of the KCL Advanced Course in Aviation Medicine and success in the examination prepares a medical practitioner for appointment as a Class 1 AME, allowing the medical assessment of student, private and professional pilots and air traffic controllers (with appropriate additional approval from the regulatory authority).
However, it must be stressed that gaining the certificate of success in the Advanced course does not guarantee appointment as a Class 1 AME. This course meets the educational requirements for you to apply for an extension of AME privileges to include Class 1 certification. Each regulatory authority, such as the UK Civil Aviation Authority, appoints AMEs according to need and according to their own criteria (see Civil Aviation Authority policy).
Although the Basic and Advanced courses provide a sound introduction to the principles and practice of aviation medicine, individuals wishing to pursue a career in regulatory or research aviation medicine may wish to consider undertaking the 6 month KCL Post Graduate Diploma in Aerospace Medicine course leading to the Diploma in Aviation Medicine of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine. This provides comprehensive instruction in advanced aviation medicine and prepares medical practitioners to take advantage of career opportunities in research, regulation, industry and the armed forces.
Who is this for?
Applicants are required to have successfully completed the Basic Course in Aviation Medicine course or equivalent.
All teaching and the final exam is in English. There is no formal language requirement for this course but an IELTS score of 5 or higher is strongly recommended for applicants whose first language is not English.
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
Document with answers to 2 questions (these are limited to 250 words each):
Question 1: Why are you applying for this specific programme, and how does it fit in with your future plans?
Question 2: How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme?
Previous academic study: If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £75 applies.
How will I be assessed?
There is a short multiple-choice assessment that you will complete at the end of the course. You will need to pass this in order for us to provide evidence to the UK Civil Aviation Authority that you have successfully completed the course and to earn your course Certificate of success
What is the teaching schedule?
This 2 week full-time course consists of lectures, tutorials and seminars, case studies, in addition to visits to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (Covid restrictions permitting) and also British Airways aircraft simulators.
The course is designed to meet the requirements of EASA Part Med (AMC2 and GM2 MED.D.020) and consists of 66 hours of theoretical and practical training, including specific examination techniques. The learning objectives to acquire the necessary competencies include theoretical knowledge, risk management, and decision-making in the following subjects. Demonstrations and practical skills are included where appropriate.
- Pilot working environment
- Aerospace Physiology
- Clinical medicine
- Cardiovascular medicine
- Neurology
- Psychiatry/psychology
- Visual system and colour vision
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Dentistry
- Human factors in aviation
- Incidents and accidents, escape and survival
- Tropical medicine
There is open access to the directing staff throughout the course and course members are encouraged to discuss individual progress.
Further information
Other Aerospace Medicine courses at King's