Medical and Fitness Requirements
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Primary sources: HKCAD Aeromedical · CAD373 — psychoactive substances · Cathay careers medical FAQ
What Cathay requires (summary)
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| HKCAD Class 1 | Airline medical certificate standard |
| Pre-employment drug test | Safety-sensitive role per CAD373 Annex B guidance |
| Flight deck reach | Static reach and possible simulator reach — see eligibility |
| Background check | Criminal records and employment verification |
Medical stage often occurs after interviews in some cycles; order may vary — follow your invitation letter.
HKCAD Class 1 — what to expect
| Area | Typical assessment themes |
|---|---|
| Vision | Distance and near visual acuity; colour vision; spectacle correction limits — see Cathay FAQ on spectacles |
| Hearing | Conversational and tone thresholds |
| Cardiovascular | ECG, blood pressure, risk factors |
| Neurological / psychiatric | History disclosure; fitness for duty |
| Substances | Alcohol and drug policy; CAD373 screening |
Do not self-diagnose disqualification. If unsure, book an aviation medical examiner information session or preliminary assessment.
CAD373 drug screening (awareness)
| Point | Action |
|---|---|
| Prescription medication | Disclose honestly on medical forms; bring documentation |
| Recreational drugs | Zero tolerance for safety-sensitive employment |
| OTC supplements | Know ingredients; avoid unlabelled products before test |
Read: CAD373 PDF
Flight deck reach
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Static reach | Ensure you can reach overhead panels and controls per airline standard |
| Simulator reach | Confirm operational reach in seated position |
If you are borderline, ask careers/medical team what accommodations or measurement standards apply — do not assume failure without official measurement.
Preparation checklist
- Download HKCAD medical guidance and read Class 1 sections
- Gather past medical records if you have relevant history
- Spectacles / contacts within corrected vision standards
- Rest and hydration before audiometry
- Honest disclosure — undisclosed history is a greater risk than treated conditions
Spectacles FAQ
Cathay publishes cadet FAQ on wearing glasses — check live site:
Careers FAQs — cadet pilot
After medical — what’s next?
Candidates report waiting for email confirmation before final steps. Timelines vary. Continue technical and ICAO maintenance while waiting.
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IMPORTANT: Always verify with current official publications.
prepared by Raptor K, a guy learning to fly (feel free to contact me via IG: @raptorkwok or Email)