How strict are Transport Canada with issuing medical licenses if a test falls close to the standard limit?

Topics related to hiring and course information should be placed here.

Moderators: sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako, North Shore

Post Reply
000
Rank 1
Rank 1
Posts: 35
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2022 11:11 am

How strict are Transport Canada with issuing medical licenses if a test falls close to the standard limit?

Post by 000 »

I was at my CAME's recently for a category 2 medical assessment as I'm starting training in 2023. However, reading about how long it takes to hear back from Transport Canada, I'm beginning to wonder how strict TC is with issuing the licenses? All of my tests fell within the standards, but I recall the CAME saying that 2 of them were pretty close to the limit. So long as I am within the limit, should I be okay? Or is there any concern with them not issuing the license? Potentially finishing the basic course but then being told I can't proceed to specialty training due to something like this is pretty daunting.

Any comments or stories from personal experience would be helpful. TIA.
---------- ADS -----------
 
stabilizedapproach
Rank 2
Rank 2
Posts: 78
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2018 7:09 pm

Re: How strict are Transport Canada with issuing medical licenses if a test falls close to the standard limit?

Post by stabilizedapproach »

If it came close to limits, there’s a good chance the RAMO will want more information from a specialist. You’ll hear from them either way.

Depending on what specialist you need to see and what kind of tests you’ll need to do, that can really hold you back in getting your medical. For example… needing to see a cardiologist who might refer you to further testing that takes a while to book because you aren’t about to drop dead… it’ll take some time.
---------- ADS -----------
 
000
Rank 1
Rank 1
Posts: 35
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2022 11:11 am

Re: How strict are Transport Canada with issuing medical licenses if a test falls close to the standard limit?

Post by 000 »

stabilizedapproach wrote: Mon Dec 12, 2022 5:00 pm If it came close to limits, there’s a good chance the RAMO will want more information from a specialist. You’ll hear from them either way.

Depending on what specialist you need to see and what kind of tests you’ll need to do, that can really hold you back in getting your medical. For example… needing to see a cardiologist who might refer you to further testing that takes a while to book because you aren’t about to drop dead… it’ll take some time.
With regards to training do they let you continue once you clear the medical?

I'm optimistic that there won't be issues, but I was a bit shocked that I came close to the standard limit. So, I am preparing to potentially have to deal with that a few months down the line... The process has been so long, and just when I thought I'd be good to get going on training, I don't even know when I'll hear back from TC with who knows what kind of verdict. Guess we'll see.
---------- ADS -----------
 
stabilizedapproach
Rank 2
Rank 2
Posts: 78
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2018 7:09 pm

Re: How strict are Transport Canada with issuing medical licenses if a test falls close to the standard limit?

Post by stabilizedapproach »

I'm not sure at what point they want you to have a medical in hand, but I would imagine that if you don't have it by the time they need it, you will get CT'd. The cohort moves ahead together. It will be very hard for them to run just a course for one person (you), and I'm sure you would appreciate that the company probably won't be very interested in paying you to be on admin leave while you wait for the medics.
---------- ADS -----------
 
Standby123
Rank 0
Rank 0
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Nov 24, 2022 10:36 am

Re: How strict are Transport Canada with issuing medical licenses if a test falls close to the standard limit?

Post by Standby123 »

000 wrote: Mon Dec 12, 2022 5:25 pm
stabilizedapproach wrote: Mon Dec 12, 2022 5:00 pm If it came close to limits, there’s a good chance the RAMO will want more information from a specialist. You’ll hear from them either way.

Depending on what specialist you need to see and what kind of tests you’ll need to do, that can really hold you back in getting your medical. For example… needing to see a cardiologist who might refer you to further testing that takes a while to book because you aren’t about to drop dead… it’ll take some time.
With regards to training do they let you continue once you clear the medical?

I'm optimistic that there won't be issues, but I was a bit shocked that I came close to the standard limit. So, I am preparing to potentially have to deal with that a few months down the line... The process has been so long, and just when I thought I'd be good to get going on training, I don't even know when I'll hear back from TC with who knows what kind of verdict. Guess we'll see.
If you’re close to standards, I think it would be referred to the RAMO. I’ve heard there are licensed ATC that are waiting over a year to get their medicals back. If your Medical isn’t approved, I think they would send you home after the generic course. They wouldn’t want you taking up one of the tower or specialty positions if your medical may be a problem. If after that they approve your medical you could be asked back for the next course that’s available.
---------- ADS -----------
 
asthebeaconturns
Rank 0
Rank 0
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2022 8:50 pm

Re: How strict are Transport Canada with issuing medical licenses if a test falls close to the standard limit?

Post by asthebeaconturns »

You will need it asap, call TC and tell them why.
I hear you can get a extension letter allowing you to start but might give you another 60 days to produce it.
You would not be CT'd but released for not fulfilling employment requirements.
If you are close to a limit you should get that checked into, if it is something that will develop more then it would end your career in a few years anyways.
stay healthy
---------- ADS -----------
 
kevenv
Rank 7
Rank 7
Posts: 680
Joined: Thu Apr 12, 2007 6:19 am

Re: How strict are Transport Canada with issuing medical licenses if a test falls close to the standard limit?

Post by kevenv »

stabilizedapproach wrote: Mon Dec 12, 2022 7:08 pm I'm not sure at what point they want you to have a medical in hand
Once you get to the specialty specific course is where I would think you will need a medical as you have breaks in the course where you go on the floor and actively or at least try to actively apply what you have learned before going back into the classroom for another segment. I would be very surprised if you would be allowed to control (even under OJI's license) without a medical. Easy thing to do is contact NavCan NOW before its an issue and pose the question. Then come back and let everyone know.

As for the OP's original question, personally I think the ranges and bands are there for a reason. If you fall within a range that they (RAMO) have determined and consider acceptable why would they waste time making you provide more info as to why you are in the high end of the acceptable range? Just my opinion though.
---------- ADS -----------
 
000
Rank 1
Rank 1
Posts: 35
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2022 11:11 am

Re: How strict are Transport Canada with issuing medical licenses if a test falls close to the standard limit?

Post by 000 »

kevenv wrote: Tue Dec 13, 2022 5:25 am
stabilizedapproach wrote: Mon Dec 12, 2022 7:08 pm I'm not sure at what point they want you to have a medical in hand
Once you get to the specialty specific course is where I would think you will need a medical as you have breaks in the course where you go on the floor and actively or at least try to actively apply what you have learned before going back into the classroom for another segment. I would be very surprised if you would be allowed to control (even under OJI's license) without a medical. Easy thing to do is contact NavCan NOW before its an issue and pose the question. Then come back and let everyone know.

As for the OP's original question, personally I think the ranges and bands are there for a reason. If you fall within a range that they (RAMO) have determined and consider acceptable why would they waste time making you provide more info as to why you are in the high end of the acceptable range? Just my opinion though.
I agree that if you're within the standard limit you should be okay, especially since everything else checked out fine. I personally think it could have even been an erroneous reading. My concern was because the CAME said some RAMOs are more strict than others, and it kind of just depends on who reviews it.

I'm not very concerned with my readings and I'm confident that if I got them double checked they would be fine, it's just that it takes them so long to get back to you that worries me, and if they had to review it again for a second round it might be an excessive amount of time.
---------- ADS -----------
 
RiderYYZ
Rank 0
Rank 0
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2022 5:10 pm

Re: How strict are Transport Canada with issuing medical licenses if a test falls close to the standard limit?

Post by RiderYYZ »

During the bootcamp in Toronto they mentioned how TC is very slow in getting medicals out. They said that Nav understands this and will allow you to attend basic without the medical card. However, controlling live traffic is 100% not going to happen without a physical medical card. They said to bug TC constantly and even recommend going to get your medical done before getting an offer to help with the wait times.
---------- ADS -----------
 
000
Rank 1
Rank 1
Posts: 35
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2022 11:11 am

Re: How strict are Transport Canada with issuing medical licenses if a test falls close to the standard limit?

Post by 000 »

RiderYYZ wrote: Tue Dec 13, 2022 8:24 am During the bootcamp in Toronto they mentioned how TC is very slow in getting medicals out. They said that Nav understands this and will allow you to attend basic without the medical card. However, controlling live traffic is 100% not going to happen without a physical medical card. They said to bug TC constantly and even recommend going to get your medical done before getting an offer to help with the wait times.
Yea I sent an email to ask about my status, but who knows if they will get back. Their phone is impossible to reach, it goes straight to a message to call back later with no voicemail option.
---------- ADS -----------
 
kevenv
Rank 7
Rank 7
Posts: 680
Joined: Thu Apr 12, 2007 6:19 am

Re: How strict are Transport Canada with issuing medical licenses if a test falls close to the standard limit?

Post by kevenv »

RiderYYZ wrote: Tue Dec 13, 2022 8:24 am ... even recommend going to get your medical done before getting an offer to help with the wait times.
This is probably the best advice I have seen on this forum. A CAT2 medical with ECG costs $250 in the New Brunswick area. I would probably get one, if I were in a new wanna be's shoes, as soon as I got an invite to boot camp. Even if you end up waiting awhile, under 40 years of age your medical is valid for 2 years. I understand of course that $250 to some people is a lot bigger sum than it is to others.
---------- ADS -----------
 
Last edited by kevenv on Tue Dec 13, 2022 10:27 am, edited 1 time in total.
000
Rank 1
Rank 1
Posts: 35
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2022 11:11 am

Re: How strict are Transport Canada with issuing medical licenses if a test falls close to the standard limit?

Post by 000 »

kevenv wrote: Tue Dec 13, 2022 10:23 am
RiderYYZ wrote: Tue Dec 13, 2022 8:24 am ... even recommend going to get your medical done before getting an offer to help with the wait times.
This is probably the best advice I have seen on this forum. A CAT2 medical with ECG costs $250 in the New Brunswick area. I would probably get one, if I were in a new wanna be's shoes, as soon as I got an invite to boot camp. I understand of course that $250 to some people is a lot bigger sum than it is to others.
True, it's a small gamble. Either way, I'm optimistic that I'll be okay. Between getting the offer and completing basic training, it's approx. 10 months, which hopefully is ample time to rectify any issues and get your license.
---------- ADS -----------
 
RiderYYZ
Rank 0
Rank 0
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2022 5:10 pm

Re: How strict are Transport Canada with issuing medical licenses if a test falls close to the standard limit?

Post by RiderYYZ »

kevenv wrote: Tue Dec 13, 2022 10:23 am
RiderYYZ wrote: Tue Dec 13, 2022 8:24 am ... even recommend going to get your medical done before getting an offer to help with the wait times.
This is probably the best advice I have seen on this forum. A CAT2 medical with ECG costs $250 in the New Brunswick area. I would probably get one, if I were in a new wanna be's shoes, as soon as I got an invite to boot camp. Even if you end up waiting awhile, under 40 years of age your medical is valid for 2 years. I understand of course that $250 to some people is a lot bigger sum than it is to others.
The cost is worth it for more than 1 reason;

Mainly: you wont have the stress of a medical card hanging over your head all of basic

Secondly: If there is any kind of problem that prevents you from getting the medical, it will hurt sooo much less knowing before you get an offer rather than afterwards.

And if there is something wrong that is fixable, you now have extra time to get it sorted before that offer comes in.

Peace of mind is worth more than the $250 10 times over imo.
---------- ADS -----------
 
Post Reply

Return to “NavCanada Hiring”