Medical Question

[boogs82]

If a pilot initially had a Cat I medical and allowed it to lapse per the regs, it automatically changes to a Cat III. When the Cat III is up for renewal, can the CAME sign off after medical exam as a Cat I again or does the document have to be sent down for approval with a full medical evaluation as if it was a new applicant?

[thirdtimecharm]

I have heard otherwise, but right now I am in the same situation and have been told that I am treated like a new applicant.

I heard two different versions of what would happen from two different TC offices, but my office says I am a new applicant.

[photofly]

If a pilot initially had a Cat I medical and allowed it to lapse per the regs, it automatically changes to a Cat III.

Where does it say that? I think you may have misunderstood.

An expired Cat 1 medical is just that: an expired Cat 1 medical. If you hold an ATPL or CPL, your Cat 1 medical is valid for 5 years / 2 years (depending on your age) to exercise PPL privileges, but it's still a Cat 1 medical. If you hold a PPL then your Cat 1 medical is valid for 5 years / 2 years (depending on your age) - but it's still a Cat 1 medical. It never becomes a Cat 3 medical.

[Adam Oke]

If a pilot initially had a Cat I medical and allowed it to lapse per the regs, it automatically changes to a Cat III.

Where does it say that? I think you may have misunderstood.

An expired Cat 1 medical is just that: an expired Cat 1 medical. If you hold an ATPL or CPL, your Cat 1 medical is valid for 5 years / 2 years (depending on your age) to exercise PPL privileges, but it's still a Cat 1 medical. If you hold a PPL then your Cat 1 medical is valid for 5 years / 2 years (depending on your age) - but it's still a Cat 1 medical. It never becomes a Cat 3 medical.

It's a bit of a play on words. The medical does not change to a Cat III, so yes you are correct. You still hold a Cat I, but the privileges change to PPL after 12 months. It's confusing for new guys to wrap their head around.

So yes, if you go in for a Cat 1 medical, and the CAME stamps you as good to go -- you now have a Cat 1 for 5 years, 1 of which you may exercise CPL privileges, the remaining 4 you may exercise PPL privileges.

[boogs82]

Sounds great. Thanks guys. Yes it's a bit of a word play.

[JasonE]

CARs 421.30

(a) An applicant shall hold a Category 1 Medical Certificate valid for a Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane.
(b) The licence holder may exercise Private Pilot Licence - Aeroplane privileges until the end of the medical period specified for the Private Pilot Licence.
(amended 2007/12/30; previous version)
(c) The licence is maintained by a valid Category 1 Medical Certificate.
(amended 2007/12/30; previous version)

[photofly]

Another detail that can be important in a couple of cases: If you have a CPL and Cat 1 medical that's out of date for CPL privileges, you don't suddenly have a PPL- you still hold a CPL.

[boogs82]

Thanks guys. Had I checked my booklet I'd have seen for sure that it's stamped a Cat I. Thanks for clearing up the wording.