Medical Certificate Restrictions

This forum has been developed to discuss aviation related topics.

Moderators: sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako, lilfssister, North Shore, I WAS Birddog

Post Reply
Squawked
Rank 0
Rank 0
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2021 1:19 pm

Medical Certificate Restrictions

Post by Squawked »

Hi Everyone,

I recently received my Cat 1 Medical however, it was with the restriction "Valid Daylight Only, 2-Way Radio Required At Controlled Airports".

Does this now mean that I would not be allowed to get my Commercial License? Does anyone know if I can appeal this at all?
I was hoping to start a career as an airline pilot and guessing this means that may be all over.

I was told to get a Farnsworth D15 test which I have booked but not yet done.

Has anyone else had experience with this?

Thanks!
---------- ADS -----------
 
DirtyDashDriver
Rank 2
Rank 2
Posts: 50
Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 12:00 pm

Re: Medical Certificate Restrictions

Post by DirtyDashDriver »

CAR 421.30(2) only requires that you hold a Category 1 Medical for a CPL. CAR 421.30(6) describes what happens to your CPL if you cannot complete the night flight time requirements. So, yes, you can still obtain a CPL with your medical, albeit restricted.

You can also obtain an Instrument Rating, given that CAR 421.46 does not list any night-time requirements (that doesn't mean it's a good idea, just that it's legal).

The ATPL, on the other hand, requires that you complete 100 hours of night PIC (CAR 421.34(4)(b)) for the license to be issued. There is no restricted version. Without an ATPL you could not command an aircraft operating under CAR 704 or CAR 705.

The only possible legal avenue to the airlines would be to obtain your CPL and write the IATRA exam. That would place you in a legal position to be able to apply for an airline job. However, with your license restricted to daylight ops, you'll not likely get an interview so while legal, it's not practical.

Airlines are only one way of making an income from flying. There is still a lot you can do with a restricted CPL, and that includes some airline flying - just not the type you're thinking of. There are float airlines in BC that only fly during the day that you'd only need a CPL. You could also obtain a Flight Instructor Rating given that 421.69 does not include any nighttime requirements and just requires that you hold a CPL. You could fly skydivers or become a photography or scenic pilot. They don't pay nearly as much as the airlines eventually do, but it's still flying if that's what you're really passionate about.

So, your career aspirations as they stand will be on hold until you can get the Farnsworth test done. I will let someone else respond with their experiences given I've not done it, but here is hoping that comes back fine and you're able to release the restriction on your medical.

Edit: And yes, you can appeal anything that TC does, that's what you'll be doing with the Farnsworth test: appealing the restriction on your medical.
---------- ADS -----------
 
7ECA
Rank (9)
Rank (9)
Posts: 1281
Joined: Thu Jul 03, 2014 4:33 pm

Re: Medical Certificate Restrictions

Post by 7ECA »

Evidently you're colour blind, at least when it comes to the standard Ishihara plate test - which you likely knew ahead of time if you've been to an optometrist. Most, if not all, optometrists will be able to conduct a Farnsworth D15 test. It's essentially a test that requires you to arrange a set of coloured disks by shade based off a reference disk. If you're able to pass the D15 (which has a pass/fail mark like the Ishihara) you will be no longer considered colour blind by Transport Canada and the restriction on your Cat 1 will be removed - but you need your CAME to send the results to TC...

In theory, TC will then have your D15 results on file and you should be good to go. Having said that, don't be surprised if at some point in the future CAME's are directed by TC to screw with D15 holders as the flavour de jeur for changing things up during renewals.
---------- ADS -----------
 
User avatar
Bede
Rank 11
Rank 11
Posts: 4427
Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2004 5:52 am

Re: Medical Certificate Restrictions

Post by Bede »

This is quite common. If you get a restriction on a medical, seek out a specialists opinion, get the required tests and have the specialist write a letter on your behalf indicating how you meet the standards or an equivalent level of safety (there's exact wording in the CAME Handbook but I don't remember).

Get familiar with the CARS and the CAME handbook. Contrary to popular belief, TC medical is actually quite flexible and willing to work with you, albeit slow.
---------- ADS -----------
 
RegionalPilot
Rank 3
Rank 3
Posts: 140
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2020 4:28 pm

Re: Medical Certificate Restrictions

Post by RegionalPilot »

DirtyDashDriver wrote: Wed Oct 27, 2021 5:01 pm The ATPL, on the other hand, requires that you complete 100 hours of night PIC (CAR 421.34(4)(b)) for the license to be issued. There is no restricted version. Without an ATPL you could not command an aircraft operating under CAR 704 or CAR 705.
The night requirements are as follow: 100 hours of night PIC OR Co-Pilot

And it is possible to be PIC of a 704 machine without your ATPL.
---------- ADS -----------
 
Squawked
Rank 0
Rank 0
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2021 1:19 pm

Re: Medical Certificate Restrictions

Post by Squawked »

Thanks everyone for the replies, much appreciated!

Update: I received the medical cert in the mail and there were no restrictions listed. I called TC to find out if they actually applied or not and they told me that I was unrestricted. I guess they changed their decision. Woot!
---------- ADS -----------
 
digits_
Top Poster
Top Poster
Posts: 5931
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2011 2:26 am

Re: Medical Certificate Restrictions

Post by digits_ »

Squawked wrote: Thu Oct 28, 2021 12:30 pm Thanks everyone for the replies, much appreciated!

Update: I received the medical cert in the mail and there were no restrictions listed. I called TC to find out if they actually applied or not and they told me that I was unrestricted. I guess they changed their decision. Woot!
Hmmm good news I guess. But if your doctor asked for the test, make sure you do it.

I've had my license stamped for renewal, while there were still outstanding tests. I was told very clearly that the stamp was going to be invalid if I didn't provide testing results within XX days.

I assume the situation is different for initial medicals. I doubt they would issue that one unless they had all information, but it might still be a good idea to follow up with your CAME.
---------- ADS -----------
 
As an AvCanada discussion grows longer:
-the probability of 'entitlement' being mentioned, approaches 1
-one will be accused of using bad airmanship
RegionalPilot
Rank 3
Rank 3
Posts: 140
Joined: Tue Mar 31, 2020 4:28 pm

Re: Medical Certificate Restrictions

Post by RegionalPilot »

Most people will pass the D15 test if they fail the plates.

Try this test online:

https://www.color-blindness.com/color-arrangement-test/

If you ever need the D15, make sure you ask for the dichotomous version since there is other version that are much more difficult to pass.
---------- ADS -----------
 
Post Reply

Return to “General Comments”