I imagine that’s a really narrow eligibility pool even before considering TACOS.
Not really sure what support can be given outside of this. It’s not fair to put it on local GPs if they don’t have an expert to consult.
Depends on the condition - on previous version of F6424, ADHD could be signed off by GP without CFMO input. No longer possible.
We are now (& have been for a long time) discriminatory against cadets with medical conditions that need to be signed off by CFMO. Moreover, RAFAC insist on a higher standard for cadets than people who do private gliding - solo!
The short-term solution is a “pay per event” using a CAA AME - it’s not even the standard for a Class 1 or Class 2 aviation medical., it’s significantly lower. Would take about 15 mins max to review I would suggest.
Yep, any RAF AME (or possibly CAA AME - but they make too much dosh doing civvie medicals! 
). Not sure if doing the RAF Fitness Test would appeal either! 
I have heard of one instance where a cadet with ADHD tried to take control of a Tutor during an AEF trip so I can understand where the need for the CFMO sign off has come from.
When? Where? Before F6424 in use? Mild or severe ADHD?
The big question - what experience does / did the CFMO have with personnel with ADHD diagnosis - especially youths - not a lot in the military? Yes, a review / sign off of a cadet’s medical records will give pointers, but I doubt if it prevents those “uh oh” moments or simple misunderstandings?
Pretty sure I read the DASOR for this. It was undeclared from what I remember, so the argument is frankly void as no doctor or CFMO would have been aware anyway. Or that might have been a different incident.
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Was it undeclared as declaring it would have stopped the cadet from flying?
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Whilst prepping some gliding admin bumph last night, was discussing the very same topic.
But my point is that I don’t think that’s fair to be putting this on GPs with no understanding of what is actually required.
They may not even be a deep expert in ADHD, let alone the nuance of flying instruction etc.
We make it clear that if they are at all unsure, they say know and await the ability to seek advice from a CFMO. But there are many, many cadets with diagnosed ADHD that are a thread to no one. It’s a massive spectrum.
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Unsure, and I doubt I’d be able to find the DASOR again now, as it was a while ago. But will have a look!
Nope.
From the notes (front page of F6424) :
To avoid confusion, be advised that you are not being asked to carry out a medical examination or make an assessment the cadet’s fitness to fly. Except for circumstances outlined in the following paragraph, you are only being asked to confirm that there is nothing in the cadet’s medical history that would prevent them from achieving the DVLA medical standards for private driving.
Next para:
While the baseline medical standard is DVLA Gp 1, some medical conditions, although perhaps not a bar to holding a private driving license, may be incompatible with flying and must be discussed with the Command Flight Medical Officer (CFMO) and any decision by the CFMO recorded in the box provided on the form, before you sign the certificate. Page 3 of the F6424 lists those medical conditions that will always require discussion.
EDIT - DVLA - assessing medical standards as fit to drive:
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Why don’t we use the same expert to consult that the Air Scouts use?
I think his name is Dr. Pragmatic!
He must be a good bloke because the percentage of their young people who go flying is a figure we can only dream of!
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That’s a different argument.
Not for a cadet with mild ADHD!
Actually the process is very similar (or should be), it’s been a while but certainly had one case that had to go to the YP’s Consultant and the BGA at a fairly high level.
Not just cadet flying support – I’ve been waiting months for the docs at Cranwell to review a current unrestricted CAA class I medical to let me get back flying with the local AEF…
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From memory it was undeclared ASD not ADHD, but I may be wrong. But that was responsible for the requirement for a signature from the accompanying adult stating they have no reason to disagree (or similar) with the answers on the form - as the accompanying staff said they were actually aware!
I’m a cadet who’s been following this page for some time, I am unable to fly no matter what I do (as I have very mild Autism), even though I’ve flown privately in the past in a Cessna 152 without issues - and even took the controls to do some turns!
It’s soon going to be a year without CFMO support - Couldn’t RAFAC use some sort of private medical test or standards in the meantime? It feels like this has just been ignored completely.
I do have a provisional driving licence so perhaps that could be useful since 6424 asks about DVLA standards?
You have sympathy & support from numerous staff members.
The main issue is that the way the protocol is laid out at present, no CFMO = no F6424 sign-off. However, I suspect that without a CFMO to give the “safety of care” medical guidance, the protocols can’t be changed. That’s a no-win situation.
Also, unless you had to have a GP’s advice or certificate in order to get your provisional driving licence ( Govt advice suggests not), then you are “self-certifying” that you are medically fit.
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Write to your MP about it. Get them asking the questions on your behalf.
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