Aviation Medical FAQ — Canada

General Questions

What is a CAME?

A Civil Aviation Medical Examiner (CAME) is a physician designated by Transport Canada to conduct aviation medical examinations for pilots and Air Traffic Controllers. Not all doctors are CAMEs — they must be specifically designated and trained by Transport Canada. Learn more about CAMEs →

Can my family doctor do my aviation medical?

No — unless your family doctor is also a designated CAME. Aviation medicals must be conducted by a Transport Canada-designated Civil Aviation Medical Examiner. Use our directory to find a CAME near you. Find a CAME →

What medical category do I need?

• Cat 1 — Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), and multi-crew operations
• Cat 2 — Air Traffic Controllers only
• Cat 3 — Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and recreational flying
• Cat 4 — Self-declaration for certain recreational pilots; no CAME required

Full category guide →

How do I find a CAME near me?

Use our verified directory. We list 373 CAMEs across Canada with current pricing, wait times, ECG availability, and whether they are accepting new patients. Search the directory →

How far in advance should I book my medical?

Book at least 4-6 weeks before your certificate expires. In major cities, popular CAMEs can have wait times of several weeks. If additional testing is needed (specialist referrals, ECG referrals), you need time for that as well. Don’t leave it to the last week.

How long does a medical examination take?

A straightforward Cat 3 examination typically takes 30-60 minutes. A Cat 1 examination, which includes ECG and more detailed assessments, may take 1-2 hours. First examinations generally take longer than renewals.

Costs and Pricing

How much does a Cat 1 medical cost?

Typically $250-$450 for the examination, plus $50-$150 for an ECG if not included. Prices vary significantly by province and clinic. Our directory shows human-verified pricing. Find Cat 1 pricing near you →

How much does a Cat 3 medical cost?

Typically $100-$250. Cat 3 does not require an ECG, making it simpler and less expensive. Find Cat 3 pricing near you →

Is the ECG included in the medical fee?

Not always. Some CAMEs include ECG in their examination fee; others charge separately. Our directory shows whether ECG is included and the additional fee if not. Always confirm before your appointment.

Is my aviation medical covered by provincial health insurance?

Generally no. Aviation medicals are not covered by provincial health insurance plans — they are a personal aviation expense. Some employers (airlines, charter operators) cover the cost of their pilots’ medicals; check with your employer.

Validity and Renewal

How long is my medical valid?

Depends on category and age. Quick summary:
– Cat 1 / Cat 2 under 40 years of age: 12 months
– Cat 1 / Cat 2 40 years of age or older: 6 months
– Cat 3 under 40 years of age: 60 months (5 years)
– Cat 3 40 years of age or older but under 50: 24 months (2 years)
– Cat 3 50 years of age or older: 12 months (1 year)

Full validity table →

What happens if my medical expires?

You cannot legally exercise your licence privileges with an expired medical. There is no grace period. Book a renewal as soon as possible and do not fly until you have a valid certificate.

Can I fly while waiting for Transport Canada to process my renewal?

In some cases, yes — if you meet the medical standards and your previous certificate has recently expired, your CAME may issue provisional authority to fly while Transport Canada processes your application. Ask your CAME about this option if timing is tight.

Does my age affect my medical validity?

Yes. The age at which your certificate is issued determines its validity period. Turning 40 or 50 during a certificate’s validity doesn’t shorten that certificate — but your next renewal will have the shorter validity applicable to your new age bracket.

Medical Standards

Do I need an ECG for a Cat 3?

No. ECG is only required for Cat 1 and Cat 2. Cat 3 examinations do not include an ECG.

Can I fly if I wear glasses?

Yes. Corrective lenses are permitted for all medical categories provided your vision meets the required standards with correction. You must carry a spare pair of glasses in the aircraft when flying with correction.

Can I fly with colour blindness?

It depends on the type and severity. Some forms of colour vision deficiency are compatible with certain medical categories, particularly Cat 3. Your CAME will administer a colour vision test. Some pilots with colour deficiency fly under restrictions (e.g., daytime VFR only). Discuss with your CAME.

Can I fly if I take antidepressants?

Possibly yes. Some antidepressants — including certain SSRIs — are approved for use with Canadian pilot medical certificates. This area of aviation medicine has evolved significantly. Disclose your medications to your CAME for assessment. Learn more →

Can I fly with high blood pressure?

Controlled hypertension — blood pressure not exceeding 160/100 mmHg — is generally compatible with all medical categories. Many common blood pressure medications are approved. Disclose your condition and medications to your CAME.

Can I fly with diabetes?

Depends on the type and management:
– Diet-controlled diabetes: generally compatible with all categories
– Oral medication-controlled: compatible with Cat 3; assessed individually for Cat 1
– Insulin-dependent: has historically been more restrictive; standards have evolved and some cases may be accommodated. Contact Transport Canada Civil Aviation Medicine directly.

What happens if I’m found unfit?

Your CAME issues a Notice of Assessment. You have the right to submit specialist documentation and request a review by Transport Canada Civil Aviation Medicine. Many initially unfavorable assessments are reversed or accommodated. Do not assume a finding is final without exploring your options. Learn more →

Mental Health Questions

Does admitting to depression ground me?

Not necessarily. Many pilots with treated depression hold valid medical certificates. The key factors are stability of the condition and the medication used. Some SSRIs are specifically approved for aviation. Disclose honestly — non-disclosure is a more serious risk to your licence than the condition itself. Full guide →

Will I lose my licence if I see a therapist?

Seeing a therapist or counsellor does not automatically affect your medical. Mental health conditions are assessed based on their impact on fitness to fly, not on whether you’ve sought help. Transport Canada has worked to reduce stigma around mental health disclosure in aviation.

Can I fly if I have Long COVID symptoms?

Long COVID is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Persistent symptoms — particularly fatigue, cognitive impairment (“brain fog”), breathlessness, or cardiac complications — must be disclosed to your CAME. The concern is whether symptoms create a risk of incapacitation or impaired judgment in flight. If you have recovered fully with no ongoing symptoms, standard assessment applies. If symptoms persist, specialist assessment may be required. Disclose your history honestly.

Can I renew my medical by telemedicine?

As of March 2025, telemedicine examinations are only available if your previous examination was conducted in-person. First-time applicants must attend in person. Not all CAMEs offer telemedicine even for eligible renewals — ask when booking. In-person examination is always required for physical tests (ECG, vision, hearing).

What is ADHD? Can I fly with it?

ADHD is assessed individually. Stimulant medications (Ritalin, Adderall) are generally incompatible with aviation. Non-stimulant treatments may be compatible with Cat 3 following specialist assessment and TCAM review. Disclose your diagnosis and medications to your CAME — do not assume it is automatically disqualifying. Full details →

What about alcohol or drug use?

Active substance dependence is disqualifying. However, recovery from substance use disorder — particularly alcohol — can be compatible with return to flying under Canada’s HIMS program with a sustained period of sobriety and appropriate monitoring. Contact Transport Canada Civil Aviation Medicine for guidance.

Practical Questions

What should I bring to my CAME appointment?

• Government-issued photo ID
• Current medical certificate (if renewing)
• Complete medication list (prescription, OTC, supplements)
• Medical history (significant conditions, surgeries, hospitalizations)
• Corrective lenses if you wear them
• Any specialist reports relevant to ongoing conditions

Do I need to fast before my medical?

No. Fasting is not required. Eat a normal meal. Avoid excessive caffeine in the 2 hours before your appointment as it can temporarily elevate blood pressure.

Can I use a Category 4 declaration while waiting for my Cat 3?

Yes — and this is worth knowing if you face a long wait for a Cat 3 appointment. A Category 4 self-declaration allows eligible student pilots to solo while their Cat 3 application is being processed, provided the aircraft and conditions meet Cat 4 limits: single reciprocating engine aircraft ≤150hp, day VFR only, within 25nm of your departure aerodrome, maximum one passenger. If your training aircraft and local flying fits within those limits, submit the Cat 4 declaration immediately so you are not grounded while waiting. Confirm eligibility at Transport Canada’s website.

Can I use cannabis and still fly?

Transport Canada requires a minimum 28-hour abstention from cannabis before acting as a flight crew member. However, 28 hours is a minimum — impairment can persist longer depending on frequency of use and potency. You must not fly while impaired regardless of time elapsed. Regular cannabis use must be disclosed to your CAME. Full details →
If your current medical certificate is valid at the time of the flight, yes. You cannot fly after your medical expires, even to attend your renewal appointment.

What if I disagree with my CAME’s assessment?

You have the right to request a review by Transport Canada Civil Aviation Medicine. You can also provide additional specialist documentation that your CAME may not have had available. Contact TCAM at 1-800-305-2059.

My CAME doesn’t have ECG equipment. What do I do?

Your CAME will refer you to a clinic for the ECG. This adds a step to the process — plan extra time. Our directory shows which CAMEs have ECG equipment on-site. Find a CAME with ECG on-site →

FAA and International Questions

Does my Canadian medical work in the US?

For flying Canadian-registered aircraft under Canadian regulations in US airspace: generally yes. For flying US-registered aircraft under FAA jurisdiction: generally no — you need an FAA medical certificate. Full guide →

Can I get an FAA medical in Canada?

Yes. There are FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) in major Canadian cities. Use the FAA AME locator at the FAA website to find one.

Does my FAA medical satisfy Canadian requirements?

No. To exercise privileges under a Canadian licence, you need a Transport Canada medical certificate.

I’m moving to Canada from the US. Can I use my FAA medical?

No. You will need to obtain a Transport Canada medical from a CAME to exercise pilot privileges under Canadian regulations.

Student Pilots

When do I need to get my first medical?

Before your first solo flight. You must hold a valid medical certificate to solo. For PPL training, this will be a Cat 3.

Can I start ground school before getting my medical?

Yes. Ground school does not require a medical certificate. Many students complete ground school and study while waiting for their medical appointment.

What if I’m found unfit as a student — is my flying career over?

Not necessarily. Many conditions found at a first medical can be accommodated, treated, or reviewed. Do not give up without exploring your options with Transport Canada Civil Aviation Medicine.

Contact Information

Transport Canada Civil Aviation Medicine (TCAM)
– Phone: 1-800-305-2059
– Email: tc.aviationmedicine-medecineaeronautique.tc@tc.gc.ca
– For urgent medical certificate questions, call the phone line directly

Find a CAME Near You
Search our verified directory →

Transport Canada Civil Aviation Medicine (TCAM)
– Phone: 1-800-305-2059
– Email: tc.aviationmedicine-medecineaeronautique.tc@tc.gc.ca
– Web: tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/licensing-pilots-crew-members/medical-fitness