Thanks
Do you remember how long it took to get the results back?
Moderators: sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako, North Shore
I was told immediately that I passed, but as for actual confirmation from Nav I haven't got anything yet. It's only been two weeks though
Just an FYI, you dont "pass" the medical until you get the certificate from TC. Your doctor can technically write a letter saying you meet the minimum requirements, but only TC gets to decide if you get the CAT2 or not.
What does TC do differently from the doctor?vultajolma wrote: ↑Sat Jul 30, 2022 12:44 pmJust an FYI, you dont "pass" the medical until you get the certificate from TC. Your doctor can technically write a letter saying you meet the minimum requirements, but only TC gets to decide if you get the CAT2 or not.
Before COVID it took 2-3 months, now who knows. I did mine mid June and I havent heard a word from TC after I emailed them. I also havent been able to get anyone on the phone. Some people in the aviation side of this forum recommend you use the billing section to get through to an agent but I havent gotten that desperate yet.
While the CAME (Canadian Aviation Medical Examiner - a Doctor suitably vested with extraordinary powers via Transport Canada) signs off on your medical, and essentially says you've passed or failed; Transport Canada's doctors ultimately decide whether or not to sign off on your medical. Your medical is "processed" by TC, which, let's be honest, largely means it goes across some doctors desk in which ever region you're applying in and it is rubber stamped (unless you have some sort of interesting medical history in which case they'll bounce it back and ask for additional testing/information, etc.) and you get charged $55 for the pleasure thereof. Well, it used to be $55, but the Feds now have the fee structure setup to increase by something like 2% a year due to "inflation" and "increased processing costs".
Great… I am someone who would fall under that “interesting medical history” category.7ECA wrote: ↑Sat Jul 30, 2022 10:42 pmWhile the CAME (Canadian Aviation Medical Examiner - a Doctor suitably vested with extraordinary powers via Transport Canada) signs off on your medical, and essentially says you've passed or failed; Transport Canada's doctors ultimately decide whether or not to sign off on your medical. Your medical is "processed" by TC, which, let's be honest, largely means it goes across some doctors desk in which ever region you're applying in and it is rubber stamped (unless you have some sort of interesting medical history in which case they'll bounce it back and ask for additional testing/information, etc.) and you get charged $55 for the pleasure thereof. Well, it used to be $55, but the Feds now have the fee structure setup to increase by something like 2% a year due to "inflation" and "increased processing costs".
This very much can be an issue with pilots, as one could go to a CAME to get a medical renewed (for example a Category 1) for the purpose of writing a written exam - only to be refused entry to said exam if the medical hasn't been processed by TC. You've got a valid medical according to the stamp in your licence book, but technically it's not fully valid until TC signs off on it.
You may be thinking of a case where a pilot has a medical upgraded in category in order to write an examination. But in respect of what you wrote, it is not correct, and it's certainly not in accordance with the regulations:7ECA wrote: ↑Sat Jul 30, 2022 10:42 pm
This very much can be an issue with pilots, as one could go to a CAME to get a medical renewed (for example a Category 1) for the purpose of writing a written exam - only to be refused entry to said exam if the medical hasn't been processed by TC. You've got a valid medical according to the stamp in your licence book, but technically it's not fully valid until TC signs off on it.
Once your ADB or medical certificate is stamped and signed, it's renewed. If there are doubts by the CAME then they will refuse to stamp it; and if they do stamp it, your medical is valid until TC writes to you explicitly to tell you otherwise. And of course if a medical is valid for the exercise of the privileges of your licence or permit, then it can be used for taking the examination if it is of the right category. TC will not refuse you an examination entry with a valid stamp in your ADB because "it hasn't been signed off by TC".404.04(1.1) A medical certificate is also renewed if it is signed, dated and stamped in accordance with paragraph 404.18(a).
Andthe Minister shall, by personal service or by registered or certified mail sent to the holder or the owner or operator of the aircraft, airport or facility, as the case may be, at their latest known address, notify that person of the Minister’s decision.
So - your medical cannot be suspended or cancelled without you knowing about it.(2.1) The Minister’s decision to suspend or cancel a Canadian aviation document takes effect on the date of receipt of the notice under subsection (1) by the person on whom it is served or to whom it is sent, unless the notice indicates that the decision is to take effect on a later date.
It would depend what sort of interesting history you are talking about. Transport Canada tends to get a different burr in their saddle from time to time about different things. There are certainly areas of interest/history that don't seem to change, be it SSRI/anti-depressant use, mental health related issues, etc.sk1996 wrote: ↑Sun Jul 31, 2022 5:32 am Great… I am someone who would fall under that “interesting medical history” category.
So it wouldn’t ever be straight up denied? They’d ask for additional information every time which I need my family doctor to provide?
And this process I’m assuming can take some time? Even after the course as has started in some cases?
So if my curse starts in a few months and then the medical comes back requiring more information or worse denied, will I be able to appeal the decision or am I just kicked out of training7ECA wrote: ↑Sun Jul 31, 2022 11:52 amIt would depend what sort of interesting history you are talking about. Transport Canada tends to get a different burr in their saddle from time to time about different things. There are certainly areas of interest/history that don't seem to change, be it SSRI/anti-depressant use, mental health related issues, etc.sk1996 wrote: ↑Sun Jul 31, 2022 5:32 am Great… I am someone who would fall under that “interesting medical history” category.
So it wouldn’t ever be straight up denied? They’d ask for additional information every time which I need my family doctor to provide?
And this process I’m assuming can take some time? Even after the course as has started in some cases?
Again, it depends on what you're talking about. There is a certain amount of latitude, but ultimately the CAME is going to be able to tell you if he/she thinks there will be an issue going forward. Your CAME may say to you, I'm passing you - but when TC gets the paperwork they may require additional information/tests, etc., to issue you your medical. If you look around on the forum, there are a variety of stories from pilots that have their renewals approved by their CAME but then receive a letter from TC asking for additional information/testing. It happens sometimes... Basically, depending on how interesting of a history you're talking about, sometimes the best thing to do is get all your ducks in a row prior to even sitting down in the CAME's office - have your history laid out, doctors reports available, etc., as they may be required later on. Or, you could just be getting wound up about nothing; in the end only your CAME is going to be able to tell you if they think there may be an issue going forward.
It takes time, and it could be a somewhat lengthy process prior to the COVID related backlog really piling up. I mean, prior to COVID, I seem to recall that there were delays of between six months and a year or longer depending on the region when it came to processing fairly benign paperwork.
It might be helpful to distinguish more clearly between an initial application and a renewal.7ECA wrote: ↑Sun Jul 31, 2022 11:52 am Your CAME may say to you, I'm passing you - but when TC gets the paperwork they may require additional information/tests, etc., to issue you your medical. If you look around on the forum, there are a variety of stories from pilots that have their renewals approved by their CAME but then receive a letter from TC asking for additional information/testing.
Thanks for the additional info.photofly wrote: ↑Tue Aug 02, 2022 7:29 amIt might be helpful to distinguish more clearly between an initial application and a renewal.7ECA wrote: ↑Sun Jul 31, 2022 11:52 am Your CAME may say to you, I'm passing you - but when TC gets the paperwork they may require additional information/tests, etc., to issue you your medical. If you look around on the forum, there are a variety of stories from pilots that have their renewals approved by their CAME but then receive a letter from TC asking for additional information/testing.
On an initial application (or an upgrade to a higher category) the CAME cannot "pass" you - and they don't stamp your ADB. They can approve your application, but ultimately the decision is made by by TC, and it's important to be aware that regardless of what the CAME promised you, you don't yet have a medical, and won't until the sticker or certificate arrives. There may be a whole lot of back-and-forth with reports from your family doctor or specialists, tests that you may have to have done (and which you have to pay for), and a lot of delay.
Once you already have a medical of whatever category then a renewal is immediate on the CAME stamping and signing your document. The CAME can accurately say "I'm renewing your medical". TC can ask for further information and the letter may say something like "unless the requested information is received by such-and-such date, your medical will be suspended at that time." There may still be tests and reports that need to be done, but in the mean time, unless notified by the minister, your medical remains valid.
I believe they will contact you directly. Typically, the relationship between you and your CAME is fairly superficial, you turn up for an examination, and that's it. There are a few who offer consultancy services, like Trevor Gillmore north of Toronto.vultajolma wrote: ↑Tue Aug 02, 2022 10:21 am
Thanks for the additional info.
If TC asks for more tests or additional info, do they reach out to you directly via mail or to your CAME? Kinda scared I wont get my medical in time if there is any back and forth. It seems NAV is aware of the delays though so thats some good news.
Yup I can confirm they message you directly via CP epost for anyone else wondering.
If they ask you for any supporting documentation, make sure you confirm they got what they need and that they sent it off to TC. My pilot medical was held up for months because they got it but never actioned on it.vultajolma wrote: ↑Thu Aug 04, 2022 1:18 pmYup I can confirm they message you directly via CP epost for anyone else wondering.
My worst nightmare happened and they asked additional questions... I really hope this doesnt mean I am pushed to the back burner and causes significant delays
Thanks for the advice. I did message them back via epost and sent an email after to confirm. It was a personal TC email that messaged me, was I supposed to send the docs to my CAME doctor instead?stabilizedapproach wrote: ↑Thu Aug 04, 2022 2:16 pm If they ask you for any supporting documentation, make sure you confirm they got what they need and that they sent it off to TC. My pilot medical was held up for months because they got it but never actioned on it.
You probably can't go wrong sending it directly to TC. Ultimately it's the RAMO who needs to documentation, the CAME is just the middle-person in all of this.
Wow in two weeks? Thats super fast.BBAK wrote: ↑Fri Aug 05, 2022 8:58 am Just to give some people a time frame on getting your Medical Certificate - I am in the Atlantic Region and completed my Medical Exam on July 21 and received my Medical Certificate in the mail from Transport Canada today. Seems like it is back to normal processing time.