NZ Medical

[cwyckham]

My US medical runs out in a week, so I had to go and get my first New Zealand medical. It's been three years since my US medical and I can't remember the details that well, but I'm sure they did a lot of extra stuff here. Both were just for a PPL. In NZ they do some things for a new issue and then don't do them again every time (can't tell you the details).

In the US I really only remember having an eye test, a wap on the knees and a quick listen to the heart and lungs. Maybe I'm forgetting a bunch of stuff. Here, I got a very detailed hearing evaluation by a specialist, a urine test, a blood test, a computerized lung flow test before and after use of a bronchodilator (because I had childhood asthma), a specialist checkup with an opthamologist (because my uncorrected eyesight is pretty bad: -7 diopters), and even a resting ECG (not sure how many leads, but they had them on both ankles and wrists as well as chest). They also did the usual listen to the lungs/heart and wap on the knees.

I was amazed. it took a total of about 4 or 5 hours and $550 NZD. And it's only good for two years. Luckily, I'll be gone before I have to get another one.

Oh yeah, and I passed.

Chris

 

[SCCutler]

Man, that's something. Pretty costly, even in Kiwi Play Money!

 

[tonycondon]

in my experience, your description of a US medical is about right. pretty basic stuff.

 

[CJones]

in my experience, your description of a US medical is about right. pretty basic stuff.

Although not as 'basic' as a DOT physical required of anyone operating under a CDL. "Sign your name here. Fill this cup to the line. Can you see this chart? Have a nice day."

 

[flyingcheesehead]

Although not as 'basic' as a DOT physical required of anyone operating under a CDL. "Sign your name here. Fill this cup to the line. Can you see this chart? Have a nice day."

You forgot one. "No more than one missing arm or leg."

And no, I'm not kidding. You'd have to be almost dead not to pass a DOT physical.

 

[Henning]

My US medical runs out in a week, so I had to go and get my first New Zealand medical. It's been three years since my US medical and I can't remember the details that well, but I'm sure they did a lot of extra stuff here. Both were just for a PPL. In NZ they do some things for a new issue and then don't do them again every time (can't tell you the details).

In the US I really only remember having an eye test, a wap on the knees and a quick listen to the heart and lungs. Maybe I'm forgetting a bunch of stuff. Here, I got a very detailed hearing evaluation by a specialist, a urine test, a blood test, a computerized lung flow test before and after use of a bronchodilator (because I had childhood asthma), a specialist checkup with an opthamologist (because my uncorrected eyesight is pretty bad: -7 diopters), and even a resting ECG (not sure how many leads, but they had them on both ankles and wrists as well as chest). They also did the usual listen to the lungs/heart and wap on the knees.

I was amazed. it took a total of about 4 or 5 hours and $550 NZD. And it's only good for two years. Luckily, I'll be gone before I have to get another one.

Oh yeah, and I passed.

Chris

Same over here, only it cost me $600 AUD even though I didn't need the lung test .

 

[cwyckham]

Well, the good news is that I just picked up my medical from the doctor's and it's good for five years. Of course, I'm going to be in NZ for more like 5 weeks, but in theory that at least makes it cost effective for people not immediately leaving the country.

 

[gprellwitz]

I think that Henning asked Dr. Bruce in one of the other threads whether the medical transfers over to the US (or other ICAO countries). I don't know if he saw that, because I don't recall him answering.

 

[Henning]

I think that Henning asked Dr. Bruce in one of the other threads whether the medical transfers over to the US (or other ICAO countries). I don't know if he saw that, because I don't recall him answering.

I just posed the question on MM over on the red board, He should see it there.

 

[Henning]

Dr. Bruce has answered, and the answer is.......NO, not valid.

 

[cwyckham]

Dr. Bruce has answered, and the answer is.......NO, not valid.

Darn. Thanks for letting me know. My US medical was valid here until it expired. With luck, the NZ one will be valid in Canada. Otherwise, I just paid $500 for a medical and will get about 6 more flight hours out of it. Oh well, I didn't realize I was leaving so soon when I paid for it. It's only money, I guess.

Chris

 

[bbchien]

The reason ICAO countries have not agreed is because there are fundamental differences in each country's systems. FAA is viewed as the most permissive of all. The Italians and Germans simply said, "Nicht!".

 

[gprellwitz]

The reason ICAO countries have not agreed is because there are fundamental differences in each country's systems. FAA is viewed as the most permissive of all. The Italians and Germans simply said, "Nicht!".

Well, if the FAA is the most permissive, why wouldn't they just accept the findings of the more restrictive signatories? (Yeah, I know you can't answer for them.)

 

[bbchien]

It's the OTHER way around.
In France, they have this bizarre system of "flight examiners". Certification is entirely at their discretion; there are no standards. Talk about abuse....