Being a pilot is a strenuous activity, you’re responsible for a safe transportation of  the souls present onboard your aircraft which is being piloted by you. So to ensure the passengers are safe, there are certain criteria which is to be fulfilled by you as a Pilot In command, like being physically fit and being able to mentally handle the load in a high workload condition. Now let’s further narrow down to what all is needed to be a great pilot

1. Physical Fitness

Here’s a list of physical fitness criteria typically required for a pilot career, presented qualitatively:

Visual Acuity: Pilots must possess excellent vision, including depth perception and color vision, to effectively interpret instruments, signs, and signals both day and night, and yes you can become a pilot even if you wear spectacles, some airlines have strict rules about spectacles but there are many others who don’t so yes spectacles are not a roadblock, but please note that LASIK surgery might be an issue sometimes in the medical tests, it depends on country to country

You can find more about that in the medical section under each country’s flight training

Aural Acuity: Clear hearing is crucial for understanding communications from air traffic control and other aircrafts, as well as for detecting potential mechanical issues while flying an aircraft

Cardiovascular Health: Good cardiovascular fitness ensures pilots can handle the physical demands of long flights and emergencies, maintaining focus and decision-making abilities under pressure. Conditions like coronary artery disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure can ground a pilot or make it difficult to obtain a medical certificate.

Muscle Strength and Endurance: Pilots need adequate strength and endurance to operate controls, especially during turbulent conditions or during high amount of crosswinds or emergency situations that may require physical exertion.

Flexibility and Range of Motion: Flexibility enables pilots to comfortably sit for extended periods and perform necessary tasks within the cockpit, such as reaching controls and operating equipment.

Respiratory Health: Strong respiratory function is essential for maintaining oxygen levels at high altitudes and coping with changes in cabin pressure during ascent and descent or having a greater time of useful consciousness during a decompression emergency

Balance and Coordination: Excellent balance and coordination are necessary for smooth takeoffs, landings, and maneuvers, as well as for navigating through adverse weather conditions.

Reaction Time: Quick reflexes are vital for responding promptly to changing flight conditions, avoiding hazards, and executing emergency procedures effectively.

Overall Wellness: Pilots should maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, hydration, and adequate rest, to support optimal physical and mental performance during flights.

Adherence to these qualitative fitness criteria ensures pilots can safely operate aircraft and respond effectively to any challenges encountered during flight.

Below given are some standard values for the health parameters, but these might be different from your country’s requirements, refer to the country section for more information

1. Visual Parameter- Visual acuity of at least 20/20, corrected to 20/40 or better.
2. Aural Parameter- Hearing threshold no greater than 35 decibels at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz
3. Heart and Blood Health- Resting heart rate below 100 beats per minute and blood pressure within normal range (typically around 120/80 mmHg). Blood component counts should be within the prescribed limits by the doctors
4. Strength requirement- Ability to exert force equivalent to lifting at least 50 pounds and sustain physical exertion for extended periods.
5. Flexibility – Ability to achieve specific ranges of motion, such as bending forward to touch toes or reaching overhead without discomfort.
6. Lung function – Normal lung capacity and function as measured by spirometry tests, with adequate oxygen saturation levels at altitude.
7. General health parameters- A BMI within 18.5-24.9 for both men and women, a good sleep pattern, you should not be an insomniac, no addictions to alcohol or nicotine is acceptable in this profession

2. Mental Fitness

A pilot’s mental health plays a big role during the flying training as well as when you’re flying for an airline. More than physical stress, psychological stress can mess up the safety of a flight because a person who doesn’t feel okay will have a tendency to make decisions which are not beneficial for the safe operation of a flight. Below mentioned are some things you can look after before embarking on your journey as a pilot.

Severe Mental Health Conditions:

• Psychosis: This refers to a loss of contact with reality, which can significantly impair judgment and decision-making in the cockpit.
• Bipolar Disorder (untreated): Uncontrolled mood swings associated with bipolar disorder can be a major safety concern.
• Severe Anxiety Disorders: Debilitating anxiety that interferes with a pilot’s ability to perform tasks calmly under pressure can be disqualifying.

Conditions Affecting Cognitive Function:

• Dementia: This progressive decline in cognitive abilities can affect memory, judgment, and reaction time, making flying unsafe.
• Severe Depressive Episodes: Deep depression can impair concentration, motivation, and judgment, posing a safety risk.

Substance Abuse:

• Alcohol Dependence: Alcohol abuse can significantly impair cognitive function and reaction time.
• Drug Dependence: The use of illegal drugs or dependence on prescription medications that can affect alertness or judgment can be disqualifying.

Personality Traits:

• Impulsivity: Pilots need to be able to make calculated decisions, and impulsivity can lead to risky behavior in the cockpit.
• Severe Paranoia: Distrust and suspicion can be detrimental to teamwork and communication within the flight crew.

Other Considerations:

• History of Self-harm or Suicidal Ideation: A past history of self-harm or suicidal thoughts indicates a potential risk for future episodes, raising concerns about a pilot’s ability to handle stress.
• Poorly Managed Mental Health Conditions: If a pilot has a diagnosed condition but isn’t following a treatment plan or their condition is unstable, it could raise red flags.

If you suffer through any of these things, you might have to work on the treatment course or you will have some troubles in your journey to become a pilot.

3. Life Goals

And at the end the final assessment which will conclude whether you’re suitable to have a prefix of Captain before your name will be your life goals ultimately. Aviation is a tough field of work, if you do not love what you do, you’ll probably end up hating what you do. Like an aircraft is just a piece of metal without fuel, a pilot’s job without passion for flying is just a job.

50 years down the lane if you can’t see yourself retiring as an airline pilot, don’t choose this field.

If you’re adventurous and want to roam around the world, you’re choosing a perfect career, but if you can’t work fine under stress or lack patience, this might be a bad idea.