Medical certificate categories
Each licence or permit has a minimum category (least demanding that meets it). Higher category (lower number) also accepted.
Privileges exercisable only while holding valid medical certificate of appropriate category (CAR 404.03(1)).
| Licence or permit | Minimum | Also accepted | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline transport pilot licence | Cat 1 | n/a | CAR 404.10(1) |
| Commercial pilot licence | Cat 1 | n/a | CAR 404.10(1) |
| Flight engineer licence | Cat 1 | n/a | CAR 404.10(1)(d) |
| Air traffic controller licence | Cat 2 | Cat 1 | CAR 404.10(2) |
| Private pilot licence (aeroplane or helicopter) | Cat 3 | Cat 1 | CAR 404.10(3)(c) |
| Gyroplane pilot permit (GYP) | Cat 3 | Cat 1 | TC AIM LRA Table 1.2 |
| Balloon pilot licence (BPL) | Cat 3 | Cat 1 | TC AIM LRA Table 1.3 |
| Student pilot permit (aeroplane) | Cat 4 | Cat 1, 3 | CAR 404.10(4)(a) |
| Pilot permit (recreational, aeroplane) | Cat 4 | Cat 1, 3 | CAR 404.10(4)(b) |
| Student pilot permit (helicopter) | Cat 4 | Cat 1, 3 | CAR 404.10(4)(f) |
| Ultralight aeroplane pilot permit (ULP-A) | Cat 4 | Cat 1, 3 | TC AIM LRA Table 1.2 |
| Glider pilot licence (GPL) | Cat 4 | Cat 1, 3 | TC AIM LRA Table 1.3 |
- Student Pilot Permit Cat 4 must be upgraded to Cat 3 before applying for PPL-Aeroplane (Standard 421.26(2)(a)(i)).
How each category is obtained:
| Category | Method | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3 | Full medical exam by Canadian Civil Aviation Medical Examiner (CAME) or aviation medical examiner designated by an ICAO contracting state's licensing authority | TC AIM LRA 1.9.1 |
| 4 | Declaration (Form 26-0297), no exam unless exception below | TC AIM LRA 2.1.2 |
- Cat 4 exception: any condition ever had listed in Part B of Form 26-0297 requires CAME exam (TC AIM LRA 2.1.2).
- Cat 4 valid in Canadian airspace only (TC AIM LRA 1.9).
Cross-privileges:
| Holder | Privilege | Duration | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat 1 | Fit for any permit or licence | For that licence's own validity period, unless otherwise specified | TC AIM LRA 2.2 Table 2.1 |
| CPL or ATPL | May exercise PPL privileges | Until end of PPL's own medical validity period | TC AIM LRA 1.9.1 |
Trap: Cat 3 is accepted for aeroplane student permit, but minimum is Cat 4 (declaration).
References
- Standard 424 Appendix II (Physical and mental requirement table, Category 1-4 columns)
- Standard 421.26(2)(a)(i)
- TC AIM LRA 1.9
- TC AIM LRA 1.9.1
- TC AIM LRA 2.1.2
- TC AIM LRA 2.2 Table 2.1
- CAR 404.03(1)
- CAR 404.10(1)-(4)
- TC AIM LRA Table 1.2
- TC AIM LRA Table 1.3