(Article updated Sept. 2020)
If you’re thinking about becoming a pilot in Canada, it may seem like a lot of work at first, but if you really want it, if you have it set in your mind, and you actually believe it’s possible for yourself, then I believe nobody can stop you from achieving your goal, never give up.
I almost gave up, but I’m glad I didn’t. When I went for my first solo flight, all the hard work was worth it as I lifted off the runway and made my first flight!
I’ll be creating a series of posts that are aimed at helping you simplify the process, which will hopefully save you some time and make your journey to becoming a pilot in Canada more efficient.
Being a Pilot in Canada
If you’ve already begun your journey and you find yourself in the middle of it all, you may be experiencing some “information overload” and actually find yourself being a bit confused.
If this is the case, please feel free to email or call us.
Don’t let yourself be frustrated when a simple email or phone call could help get you back on track and feeling confident again that you’re heading in the right direction.
Believe me, I know what that feels like because I was there once, too. You can read more about my journey in this newspaper article here, which is the reason why all this at Hangaaar started in the first place.
Anyway, there’s no fee for emailing or calling, the idea here is to pay it forward, there’s been many pilots who’ve helped me along the way, and I believe the best way to pay this back… is to pay it forward.
That said, this series of articles will hopefully help, but sometimes a unique question comes up and just a couple minutes of clarity can go a long way. Remember, don’t give up… just email or call.
If you have industry-related questions, a question that only a Class 1 Flight Instructor or a Transport Canada Pilot Examiner could answer, no worries, we have connections with many Flight Instructors and Transport Canada Pilot Examiners across the country. If we can’t answer your question, and generally speaking, aviation across Canada is pretty standard, but if not, we can help you find the right person to get your questions answered and get you back on track.
That said, let’s get on with it…
Medical Requirements for Pilots
If you’re trying to sort out the type of Medical Certificate you’ll need as a pilot in Canada, here’s the different types and the requirements:
MEDICAL CATEGORY 1: This category applies to the issue or revalidation of Airline Transport Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence, Flight Engineer Licence.
MEDICAL CATEGORY 2: This category applies to the issue or revalidation of Flight Engineer Licence, Air Traffic Controller Licence.
MEDICAL CATEGORY 3: This category applies to the issue or revalidation of Student Pilot Permit, Helicopters, Gyroplane, Balloon, Pilot Permit, Gyroplane, Private Pilot Licence – Aeroplane, Helicopter Pilot Licence, Flight Instructor Rating, Glider, Ultra-light Aeroplanes.
MEDICAL CATEGORY 4: This category applies to the issue or revalidation of Student Pilot Permit – Aeroplane, Pilot Permit Recreational – Aeroplane, Student Pilot Permit Ultra-light Aeroplanes, Pilot Permit Ultra-Light Aeroplanes, Student Pilot Permit, Glider Pilot Licence, Glider. You can check out the Category 4 medical for here.
FULL DETAILS: See Transport Canada information here.
How Healthy Do You Need to Be to Become a Pilot?
If you seem pretty physically fit, you should have no problems.
The MEDICAL CATEGORY 4 is a self-declared form you will need to fill out with your declaration of your current health. This is required for you prior to being permitted to fly solo in your flight training.
The MEDICAL CATEGORY 3 will require that you visit a specific aviation medical examiner who is endorsed to provide aviation medical certificates. Contact your local Flying Club in your area for a list of approved doctors.
What type of things happen during a Category 3 Medical examination?
In a standard medical examination, the doctor will have you read an eye chart with each eye independently to test your vision. Don’t worry if you require glasses, you’re still permitted to become a pilot as long as your vision, if impaired, has been corrected through the use of glasses or contact lenses.
The doctor will also test you for colour-blindness using a book of small charts.
Moving along, the doctor will record your weight and height, listen to your breathing and heart beat with a stethoscope, and will ask you a series of questions regarding your health and about any medication you may take.
The entire examination will generally last just 15 minutes, well, that is, depending on how healthy (or unhealthy) you seem to be.
How often do I require a medical examination to be a pilot?
To be a private pilot in Canada, if you’re under 40 you will require an updated Category 3 Medical every 5 years. If you’re 40 or older, you will require an updated Category 3 Medical certificate every 2 years.
TIP: My advice to pilots: aim to get your medical in the few days prior to your 40th birthday so that you can take advantage of the way things work and you won’t require another examination for 5 years. If you get your medical a few months AFTER your 40th birthday, you’ll need to return every 2 years.
The cost? I believe my last Medical Cat. 3 cost about $140. (UPDATE: My last medical in 2020 was $210!)
How do I find an aviation medical examiner in the area where I live?
Here’s a good link to help you find a qualified aviation medical examiner in Canada:
Click to find an aviation medical examiner near you.
ANOTHER TIP: Stay healthy! I know it sounds pretty obvious, but if you wish to be a pilot, you’re required to live up to a high standard when it comes to health.
We all know what healthy means: eating properly and daily exercise. If you don’t, it will catch up with you.
Got questions?
Again, if you have any questions that you’d like to know about aviation in Canada, shoot us an email or give us a call. See our contact page for that information.
Last thing I want to say, thanks so much for taking the time to read this. This will be a series of articles about how to become a pilot in Canada. Many of you already know, becoming a pilot can seem overwhelming at first, but once you understand the process, you can see how it’s actually a straight-forward process that is the same all across Canada.
Check out Step #2 – Become a Pilot in Canada – The Radio Certificate (ROC-A)
