Class 1 Medical

[Jerry Lee]

Hi!
The last time I wrote in this forum was almost 7 months ago... so I'm back!

Well, as the title says I'm asking you informations about the Class 1 Medical in Canada.

Unfortunately I don't meet the standards in Europe due my astigmatism wich is -2,50 left eye, and it mustn't exceed 2 dioptres.
I know that in USA there are no limits about the vision, is just needed to see 20/20 with or without correction. Is it in Canada too?

Many thanks in advance!!!

[Ralliart]

The Transport Canada website lists the standards for each medical category:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/regse ... t42402.htm

For Cat 1 eyesight:

1.33 The function of the eyes and their adnexa shall be normal. There shall be no active pathological or artificially induced condition, acute or chronic, of either eye or adnexae which is likely to interfere with its proper function to an extent that would jeopardize safety in flight or the safe performance of duties.

1.34 The applicant shall be required to have normal fields of vision.

1.35 The applicant shall be required to have a distant visual acuity of not less than 6/9 (20/30) in each eye separately, with or without the use of correcting lenses. Where this standard of visual acuity can be obtained only with correcting lenses the applicant shall be assessed fit provided that (a) such correcting lenses are worn when exercising the privileges of the licence or rating applied for or held;
(b) the applicant possesses a visual acuity without correction in each eye separately, not less than 6/60 (20/200) and the refractive error falls within the range of ± 3.0 diopters (equivalent spherical error);
(amended 2003/06/01)
(c) the applicant has a spare pair of suitable correcting glasses available for immediate use when exercising the privileges of the licence.
NOTE: Correcting lenses" shall be interpreted to mean spectacles or contact lenses. Contact lenses shall not be approved prior to six months trial wear.
(2) Visual acuity shall be measured using Landolt Rings, a chart of Snellen letters, or other similar optotypes situated at an optical distance of 6 metres (20 feet) in either an eye lane or an approved vision testing instrument. Where an eye lane is used, the test chart shall be illuminated to a level equivalent to that provided by a 100 watt lightbulb placed 120 centimetres (4 feet) in front of, and slightly above the chart and the light shielded against the applicant. The examination room shall be darkened with exception of the illuminated chart.
(3) An applicant accepted as meeting the provisions of para. 1.35 (b) is deemed to continue to do so unless there is reason to suspect otherwise, in which case refraction is repeated as required. The uncorrected visual acuity is measured and recorded at each re-examination. Conditions which indicate a need to redetermine the refractive error include, but are not limited by: a refractive state close to the limit of acceptability, a substantial decrease in the uncorrected visual acuity and the occurrence of eye disease, eye injury or eye surgery.

1.36 The applicant shall be required to have the ability to read the N5 Chart or its equivalent at a distance of 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20 inches). If the requirement is met only by the use of correcting lenses, the applicant shall be assessed as fit provided that such lenses are available for immediate use when exercising the privileges of the licence. NOTE: N5 refers to the Faculty of Ophthalmologist's Reading Type.
(2) An applicant who needs correction to meet this requirement will require "look-over", bifocal or trifocal lenses to enable him to read the instruments and a chart or manual held in the hand, and also make use of distant vision through the windscreen without removing his lenses. Single-vision near correction (full lenses of one power only, appropriate to reading) significantly reduces distant visual acuity. Whenever there is a requirement to obtain or renew correcting lenses, an applicant shall advise the refractionist of reading distances for the visual flight deck tasks relevant to the type of aircraft in which he is likely to function or to other aviation tasks.

1.37 All contact lens wearers shall have replacement spectacles available for immediate use in the event the contact lens(es) become dislodged or are required to be removed in flight; and Hard contact lens wearers shall be required to have two pairs of spectacles available to overcome the frequent phenomenon of spectacle blur. In such cases, one pair of spectacles shall correct the vision immediately following removal of the lens(es), the second pair shall correct the vision after the eye is stabilized.
NOTE: When an applicant is licensed with the limitation "Valid only when wearing required contact lenses" further evaluation shall be required should the applicant, in the future, wish to wear spectacles only on a continuing basis while flying.
(2) Prescription sun lenses shall not be deemed to meet these requirements for flight at night.

[Jerry Lee]

So I can keep dreaming!

[skypirate88]

I have no idea what all of that meant, but I also have an astigmatism in my left eye and have had no issue getting and keeping my class 1 medical. I would suggest just call a CAME and ask if it will prevent you from holding a class 1