Self-grounding duty (fitness to fly)
Valid medical certificate does not mean fit to fly. CAR 404.06(1) bars permit, licence, or rating holders from exercising privileges when:
| Ground | Cite | Resume when | Minister exception (404.06(3)) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illness, injury, or disability that could impair safe exercise of privileges | 404.06(1)(a)(i) | No longer impaired (self-assessed) | Yes |
| Taking a drug that could impair safe exercise of privileges | 404.06(1)(a)(ii) | No longer impaired (self-assessed) | Yes |
| Receiving medical treatment that could impair safe exercise of privileges | 404.06(1)(a)(iii) | No longer impaired (self-assessed) | Yes |
| Involved in an aircraft accident wholly or partly the result of a ground (a) cause | 404.06(1)(b) | Fresh 404.18 exam, certificate marked fit (404.06(2)) | Never |
| Entered the 30th week of pregnancy | 404.06(1)(c) | Fresh 404.18 exam, certificate marked fit (404.06(2)) | Never |
| Gave birth in preceding 6 weeks | 404.06(1)(d) | Fresh 404.18 exam, certificate marked fit (404.06(2)) | Yes |
- Minister authorizes in writing, only for grounds (a) and (d) (CAR 404.06(3)).
- TC AIM AIR 3.10: flight crew must self-ground if they might not be fit for duty.
- Pilots must also obey rules of other countries where they operate.
Pregnancy (TC AIM AIR 3.14):
- Pilots may fly up to 30th week of normal, uncomplicated pregnancy.
- Air traffic controller licence holders: only exception, may keep exercising privileges until onset of labour.
- Problems before 30th week: notify Regional Aviation Medical Officer (RAMO).
Separate duties: independent of certificate validity (see Medical certificate validity) and CAR 602.03 alcohol/drug timing (see Alcohol & drugs). Passing 12-hour alcohol window or holding unexpired certificate does not excuse flying while unfit.
General catch-all (CAR 602.02, all flight crew members): no operator may require, and no person may act as flight crew member or carry out pre-flight duty, if reason to believe person is not, or is not likely to be, fit for duty.
Fit for duty (CAR 101.01): ability to act as flight crew member not impaired by:
- Fatigue
- Alcohol or drugs
- Any mental or physical condition
Trap: treating valid, unexpired medical certificate as proof of fitness to fly today.
References
- CAR 404.06
- CAR 602.02
- CAR 101.01
- TC AIM AIR 3.10
- TC AIM AIR 3.14