Dealing with Civil Aviation Medicine

[benjamini1000]

So a little update a few months after I asked some questions regarding my ADHD and if they would approve me for my Cat 1 Medical Certificate. I have finally received a letter from Civil Aviation Medicine (Ontario Region) and they informed me that given my specific circumstances, They are unable to proceed with my application until they receive more information. (Im obviously paraphrasing). They are requesting another letter from my GP to confirm that I have not been on medication for over 6 months, A new Neuropsychological evaluation, and a psychiatrist to sign off on my safety. It can sometimes be really frustrating dealing with all these additional hurdles but Im hoping to just push through and eventually get my final approval. (although it will take an extra few months and definitely a few extra thousand dollars)

[Bede]

So a little update a few months after I asked some questions regarding my ADHD and if they would approve me for my Cat 1 Medical Certificate. I have finally received a letter from Civil Aviation Medicine (Ontario Region) and they informed me that given my specific circumstances, They are unable to proceed with my application until they receive more information. (Im obviously paraphrasing). They are requesting another letter from my GP to confirm that I have not been on medication for over 6 months, A new Neuropsychological evaluation, and a psychiatrist to sign off on my safety. It can sometimes be really frustrating dealing with all these additional hurdles but Im hoping to just push through and eventually get my final approval. (although it will take an extra few months and definitely a few extra thousand dollars)

That's good news. Keep jumping through the hoops and let us know how it turns out.

[RatherBeFlying]

Childhood conditions, such as asthma and ADHD, commonly resolve themselves by adulthood. Until TC requires reports from your pediatrician, don't ask mommy and daddy for help filling out your TC medical form.

My GP spotted an elevated blood glucose level and sent me to the dietician. In the mean time I cut cookies and chips out of my diet and brought my blood glucose down without meds. A fellow pilot is an MD. His advice is not to mention it to TC.

That said, if you need to take any prescription drug on an ongoing basis, you have to report it.

I've had dental work and been prescribed antibiotics. I haven't reported it.

[photofly]

Childhood conditions, such as asthma and ADHD, commonly resolve themselves by adulthood. Until TC requires reports from your pediatrician, don't ask mommy and daddy for help filling out your TC medical form.

I think the point here is that the (adult) poster has a current and active diagnosis of ADHD, and a prescription for drugs to ameliorate its symptoms, to be taken as needed. Your CAME will certainly ask you if you have been prescribed OR taken any treatments. You can't duck the question because although your physician wrote you a prescription you decided not to fill or use take the pills.

I've had dental work and been prescribed antibiotics. I haven't reported it.

Respectfully, you should have, and didn't. Not something to recommend to others.

[Bede]

Your CAME will certainly ask you if you have been prescribed OR taken any treatments.

It's actually even broader. They ask"have you ever been investigated for ...?"
So even if you've had some symptoms and sent for testing and it was negative they want to know about it.

[7ECA]

Right from the form, the question is: "Has the applicant consulted a physician or other healthcare provider since their last aviation medical?"

Later, after being questioned on a whole host of conditions/ailments, you're asked; in the past twelve months has the applicant: "Used ANY medication to treat a medical condition? (This includes prescription, non-prescription, over-the-counter, herbal medications,
cannabis, or cannabis-derived products. Examples: acetaminophen for backpain, cannabis for anxiety, cannabidiol (CBD) for chronic pain) (If yes, please list medication name, dose, and route of administration, frequency, and reason for use)"

Seems pretty straight forward, they're not trying to yank your medical if you've taken an Advil or a Tylenol or fifty in the previous year... but a history of significant use of painkillers, OTC meds, or other things could require a second look.

As for your GP, they have a duty to inform TC/RAMO if you are being treated for a condition (or placed on meds) that could interfere with your ability to hold an aviation medical.

[Negative_Unable]

So I have been reading this thread and would like to ask some relevant questions. First a bit of context.

I am of relatively standard normal health with two specific exceptions. I was diagnosed temporarily by my GP with an episode of depression (it was minor and there were no relevant danger to myself or others) this was about a year ago and I was prescribed an SSRI to cope which I have been off for over 6 months as I no longer need it. I am also fully diagnosed with ADHD which I was prescribed meds for specifically 'AS NEEDED' (while I was in university) which I have not needed or taken in well over 6 months. I am new to the Aviation community and am currently looking to acquire my PPL.

When I spoke to a CAME, the guy was unbelievably condescending and he found it necessary to twist my words to make it seem like I need my meds but refuse to take them. To be clear, I have received a letter from my GP specifying that I no longer require my meds, That I am of sound mind, and I have not needed my medication for over 6 months.

That letter is being forwarded to TC to add to my file as I wait for my Medical Certification.

Question 1. What is the likelihood I would be rejected from getting my Cat 1 certificate due to the situation I've described? If its High, What can I do (that isn't unreasonably expensive) to reduce the risk?

Question 2. Because I have an existing condition, How do I acquire my Cat 4 certificate? Do I submit it through the normal channels alongside my letter from my GP? Do I need to speak to a CAME? (When I asked this to the CAME I met with, he said he wouldn't sign off on my Cat 4 declaration because of my existing conditions.)

Question 3. If I am not eligible for a Cat 1, will the review board automatically consider me for a cat3? or do I need to reapply once I hear back?

To be clear, I can confidently say that I have not had a depression episode in over 6 months nor have I needed medication in that period, It was a clear one time occurrence.
As for my ADHD, I am fully able to function in society without severe challenges outside of an educational setting. I have never had difficulty operating a vehicle nor have I had any real world challenges that would make me unfit to fly an aircraft. I know its the duty of the CAME to keep the skies safe yet there is no real reason I should be dismissed from my conditions aside from potential arbitrary rules.

While I can’t speak for your exact situation, I did email TC (prairie region) because I wanted to recommend a friend for ATC but he was diagnosed with ADHD. He was also taking medication. Keep in mind this is for a CAT 2, but this was the exact response:

“All ADHD medications are disqualifying. Any applicant must be 3 mos free of meds with proven mood stability, Psych report and follow-ups for a period of time.”

So take from that what you will!

[hithere]

So a little update a few months after I asked some questions regarding my ADHD and if they would approve me for my Cat 1 Medical Certificate. I have finally received a letter from Civil Aviation Medicine (Ontario Region) and they informed me that given my specific circumstances, They are unable to proceed with my application until they receive more information. (Im obviously paraphrasing). They are requesting another letter from my GP to confirm that I have not been on medication for over 6 months, A new Neuropsychological evaluation, and a psychiatrist to sign off on my safety. It can sometimes be really frustrating dealing with all these additional hurdles but Im hoping to just push through and eventually get my final approval. (although it will take an extra few months and definitely a few extra thousand dollars)

Are they asking for a Neuropsychological evaluation or Neurocognitive evaluation? Neuroocognitive tests are often required by TC after head injuries and cost over $3000 to do privately.

[7ECA]

Scheduled a telemedicine renewal for my Cat. 1... CAME filled out the standard medical form, but only the first two pages, and submitted it to Transport. Well... good thing I only paid $110 for that debacle.

[rigpiggy]

Best advice I can give is to record all discussions with your doctor and tc, and follow up with an email with read/receipt on everything.

[bb9999]

So a little update a few months after I asked some questions regarding my ADHD and if they would approve me for my Cat 1 Medical Certificate. I have finally received a letter from Civil Aviation Medicine (Ontario Region) and they informed me that given my specific circumstances, They are unable to proceed with my application until they receive more information. (Im obviously paraphrasing). They are requesting another letter from my GP to confirm that I have not been on medication for over 6 months, A new Neuropsychological evaluation, and a psychiatrist to sign off on my safety. It can sometimes be really frustrating dealing with all these additional hurdles but Im hoping to just push through and eventually get my final approval. (although it will take an extra few months and definitely a few extra thousand dollars)

I am trying to get my Cat 2 right now and going through the exact same thing... Quotes ranging from $2000-5500 for the evals.. It's insane...

[bb9999]

So a little update a few months after I asked some questions regarding my ADHD and if they would approve me for my Cat 1 Medical Certificate. I have finally received a letter from Civil Aviation Medicine (Ontario Region) and they informed me that given my specific circumstances, They are unable to proceed with my application until they receive more information. (Im obviously paraphrasing). They are requesting another letter from my GP to confirm that I have not been on medication for over 6 months, A new Neuropsychological evaluation, and a psychiatrist to sign off on my safety. It can sometimes be really frustrating dealing with all these additional hurdles but Im hoping to just push through and eventually get my final approval. (although it will take an extra few months and definitely a few extra thousand dollars)

Are they asking for a Neuropsychological evaluation or Neurocognitive evaluation? Neuroocognitive tests are often required by TC after head injuries and cost over $3000 to do privately.

Got the same letter (albeit for CAT 2)

They want the testing done by a Neuropsych.. quotes for me so far have been up which sucks since I have no insurance but unforutnately a cost that has to be paid...

These guys took 7 months to get back to me with my medical and now I have less than a month before my course starts to get this all sorted its such a fucking headahce...

[stream42]

Got the same letter (albeit for CAT 2)

They want the testing done by a Neuropsych.. quotes for me so far have been up which sucks since I have no insurance but unforutnately a cost that has to be paid...

These guys took 7 months to get back to me with my medical and now I have less than a month before my course starts to get this all sorted its such a fucking headahce...

Any update on this, bb?

[bb9999]

Got the same letter (albeit for CAT 2)

They want the testing done by a Neuropsych.. quotes for me so far have been up which sucks since I have no insurance but unforutnately a cost that has to be paid...

These guys took 7 months to get back to me with my medical and now I have less than a month before my course starts to get this all sorted its such a fucking headahce...

Any update on this, bb?

Started the course and I have until August or something like that to get my medical.

They will help me expedite the process once I send in the additional documents (which will be roughly next week)

[WhyMe1993]

Got the same letter (albeit for CAT 2)

They want the testing done by a Neuropsych.. quotes for me so far have been up which sucks since I have no insurance but unforutnately a cost that has to be paid...

These guys took 7 months to get back to me with my medical and now I have less than a month before my course starts to get this all sorted its such a fucking headahce...

Any update on this, bb?

Started the course and I have until August or something like that to get my medical.

They will help me expedite the process once I send in the additional documents (which will be roughly next week)

how did it go? also what were the documents you had to send? did you have to take a neuro cog screen?

[Nomedical]

What I’ve learned in the last 5 years of dealing with TC civil aviation medicine
1. Only pacific region and Prairie Northern monitor phones now. If you leave a voicemail with any other region it will not be checked due to staffing. This was told to me by prairie northern.
2. The AMRB meets quarterly. They’re loose with that too.
3. Use email as often as possible so you have a record
4. They’ll tell you one thing and do another
5. It doesn’t matter if you have a specialist tell them you’re good and safe to fly. My neurologist did, actually TC requested I get a document from a neurologist that outlined this, that took me 2 years. They basically said thanks and then their neurologist said no. Then asked me to complete another neuropsych evaluation, this evaluation is the type that is done hours or days after a head injury. Mine was 5 years ago and my neuropsychologist told me that type of evaluation made no sense for me to do
6. They have the ability to ask you to repeat tests, despite your results, forever.

[Inverted2]

Anyone know if medical standards/harassment/BS levels are any lower in the US with the FAA? As every day passes I am more interested in going south.

[mmm...bacon]

After having jumped through the FAA’s hoops to get a Class 2 medical, it took almost a year for the paperwork to wind its way through FAA HQ in either Dc, or Oklahoma City. The hoops down there are carefully spelled out for my condition (depression.) They included stability on meds, a psych evaluation, a cog screen and neuropsychologist report. My general impression is that TC is a fair bit more permissive of ‘non-normal’ conditions, but have a ‘shoot-from-the-hip’ attitude towards what tests they require; the FAA is much more defined, and has a defined process (flow chart, in my case) of what they want you to do to get certified..

[ebridge]

Has anyone had any luck with TC medical recently? I submitted a bunch of reports saying I was cancer free weeks ago, and despite my file being "urgent priority", I haven't heard squat.

[worunstod]

I’ve disclosed this and had no issue. They know that boys have a hard time sitting still and are frequently over diagnosed. When I first disclosed this I just said that I got the diagnosis after I was bored in class and couldn’t sit still.
indigo card
jjsploit.click

[bb9999]

Any update on this, bb?

Started the course and I have until August or something like that to get my medical.

They will help me expedite the process once I send in the additional documents (which will be roughly next week)

how did it go? also what were the documents you had to send? did you have to take a neuro cog screen?

Took an entire year but got my medical.. which expires in a year but oh well

Had to get specific testing done (sleep study, psych eval, etc) and had to send in those documents.

I don't recall if that's what it was called but I did have to see a neuro psych

[Dry Guy]

https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/tr ... ifications

[Daniel Cooper]

https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/tr ... ifications

12 months later and nothing has changed. It's an interesting tidbit that some pilots get high priority service. I wonder how you can request that?

[TeePeeCreeper]

https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/tr ... ifications

12 months later and nothing has changed. It's an interesting tidbit that some pilots get high priority service. I wonder how you can request that?

You’d be surprised how quickly TC reacts when you have a well known medical malpractice lawyer write to them on your behalf. No favoritisme here, just money and knowing where to squeeze. (Unfortunately)

TPC

[Nomedical]

If TC is withholding your medical for ADHD then know your rights. ADHD, in Canada is a disability. If you are diagnosed with ADHD you are in fact disabled. It is also a massive misconception that you from out of it. You develop coping mechanisms but that’s all. It’s is an under developed frontal lobe. My son has ADHD and I receive disability benefits from the federal government for him.

The Canadian charter of rights outlines that now one can be discriminated against based on race, sex or disability. As long as you can prove that you can do the job as well as an able bodied person you hen your rights are being violated. Make a charter of rights complaint (I did) against TV civil aviation medicine. It took me 6 years to get my medical back after a head injury. TC only started playing ball when I started clearly outlining my frustration, my charter violations and the amount of money they were costing me in lost wages, seniority and pension. I also started Cc’ing the minister of transport, my MP and the opposition leader. The last email I sent them called them out on their inability to do their jobs and how frightening it was to me that they oversee aviation safety S they seem to strive for mediocrity. The next day I received my medical.