Background Check Questions

[sk1996]

What does TC do differently from the doctor?

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".

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.

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?

[photofly]

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:

404.04(1.1) A medical certificate is also renewed if it is signed, dated and stamped in accordance with paragraph 404.18(a).

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".

If the minister decides to suspend your medical certificate then (Aeronautics act 7.1(1)):

the 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.

And

(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.

So - your medical cannot be suspended or cancelled without you knowing about it.

[7ECA]

I'm not disagreeing that that is what the regulations clearly state, but in practice it's not necessarily what occurs.

For example, even with a valid stamp in my ADB that renewed my Cat. 1 medical, I got a call from TC Pacific Region after I submitted my attestation paperwork. According to their records I did not have a valid medical on file, nor a medical from the previous year (I can't recall the exact situation at the moment, nor the conditions under which one could renew via attestation), and as such would not be approving my renewal via attestation. When I explained that I did indeed have a valid medical/one valid within the acceptable period to renew via attestation according to the CAME's stamp in my ADB the doctor then conceded that there was a backlog of medicals in all regions and mine may not have been processed. Twenty minutes later, I received a second call from the same doctor advising me that my "old" renewal paperwork had been located and processed (even though according to this person my paperwork should have been processed as their delay was not thought to extend that far back - of course not) and I was good to go - as long as I paid the processing fee...

I will concede that I was thinking of an upgrade, rather than a renewal, in the context of the written exam issue.

[7ECA]

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?

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.

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.

[sk1996]

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?

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.

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.

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 training

[photofly]

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 might be helpful to distinguish more clearly between an initial application and a renewal.

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.

[vultajolma]

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 might be helpful to distinguish more clearly between an initial application and a renewal.

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.

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.

[photofly]

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.

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]

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.

Yup 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

[stabilizedapproach]

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.

Yup 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

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]

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.

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?

I wish I could get a reply in a few days just to confirm receipt but I know that wont happen.

[stabilizedapproach]

It was a personal TC email that messaged me

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.

[BBAK]

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.

[vultajolma]

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.

Wow in two weeks? Thats super fast.

I assume if I didnt get ask additional questions I would have gotten my certificate, I am in ON and got notice in about 7 weeks. I think you are right they are back to normal times.

[vultajolma]

Anyone have any advice for when they ask for additional docs? I responded the same day for the requested info and they still havent chcked my Epost or responded to any of my emails.

I called in and got through to an agent, and they said they have no record of this at all. The agent told me to email her I did, and when I called back I got the same agent and told me they didnt get the email... so I tried emailing and calling again, still no record or receipt of the email/documents/epost.

Getting pretty frustratedd with this whole thing, should I just be expecting that I wont get my medical in time and my offer to be rejected? Especially since I know most if not all of the other people have gotten their medicals by now.

[IFRhopeful]

Anyone have any advice for when they ask for additional docs? I responded the same day for the requested info and they still havent chcked my Epost or responded to any of my emails.

I called in and got through to an agent, and they said they have no record of this at all. The agent told me to email her I did, and when I called back I got the same agent and told me they didnt get the email... so I tried emailing and calling again, still no record or receipt of the email/documents/epost.

Getting pretty frustratedd with this whole thing, should I just be expecting that I wont get my medical in time and my offer to be rejected? Especially since I know most if not all of the other people have gotten their medicals by now.

Super strange that they didn’t get the e-mail at all- the few times I e-mailed there was a delay, but eventually they got back to me.

You may be able to get extension on medical? Could always ask NavCanada to see what they say. With the current Transport Canada delays I’m sure you’re not the only candidate who’s having this problem

[vultajolma]

Anyone have any advice for when they ask for additional docs? I responded the same day for the requested info and they still havent chcked my Epost or responded to any of my emails.

I called in and got through to an agent, and they said they have no record of this at all. The agent told me to email her I did, and when I called back I got the same agent and told me they didnt get the email... so I tried emailing and calling again, still no record or receipt of the email/documents/epost.

Getting pretty frustratedd with this whole thing, should I just be expecting that I wont get my medical in time and my offer to be rejected? Especially since I know most if not all of the other people have gotten their medicals by now.

Super strange that they didn’t get the e-mail at all- the few times I e-mailed there was a delay, but eventually they got back to me.

You may be able to get extension on medical? Could always ask NavCanada to see what they say. With the current Transport Canada delays I’m sure you’re not the only candidate who’s having this problem

Thanks, I have never gotten a respond via email and I have been emailing since late July. Apparently only one agent is available to pick up the phone and isnt very helpful on potential solutions. On someone else's recommendation I mailed the docs to their Toronto and Ottwawa office, not sure how successful that will be, I also found my doctor's email address online and sent it directly to her. Not sure what else to do

Unfortautenly NC wouldnt confirm if I would be eliglbe for any kind of extension, just that they would review closer to the start date.

[sk1996]

Anyone have any advice for when they ask for additional docs? I responded the same day for the requested info and they still havent chcked my Epost or responded to any of my emails.

I called in and got through to an agent, and they said they have no record of this at all. The agent told me to email her I did, and when I called back I got the same agent and told me they didnt get the email... so I tried emailing and calling again, still no record or receipt of the email/documents/epost.

Getting pretty frustratedd with this whole thing, should I just be expecting that I wont get my medical in time and my offer to be rejected? Especially since I know most if not all of the other people have gotten their medicals by now.

Super strange that they didn’t get the e-mail at all- the few times I e-mailed there was a delay, but eventually they got back to me.

You may be able to get extension on medical? Could always ask NavCanada to see what they say. With the current Transport Canada delays I’m sure you’re not the only candidate who’s having this problem

Thanks, I have never gotten a respond via email and I have been emailing since late July. Apparently only one agent is available to pick up the phone and isnt very helpful on potential solutions. On someone else's recommendation I mailed the docs to their Toronto and Ottwawa office, not sure how successful that will be, I also found my doctor's email address online and sent it directly to her. Not sure what else to do

Unfortautenly NC wouldnt confirm if I would be eliglbe for any kind of extension, just that they would review closer to the start date.

You can still start training without the medical. You just need it for when you have the actual job. You can even be doing OJT without it. (This is what another controller told me so take it with a grain of salt)

I wouldn’t be too worried. How long has it been since your medical?

Also how’s IATS and ABC coming along?

[nambrev]

I haven't received my medical yet either for YYZ, my CAME submitted everything early July. Hoping it comes in the mail soon...and hope you are right that it can be delayed past training. It's frustrating to have something completely out of our control be a requirement to the job

[vultajolma]

You can still start training without the medical. You just need it for when you have the actual job. You can even be doing OJT without it. (This is what another controller told me so take it with a grain of salt)

I wouldn’t be too worried. How long has it been since your medical?

Also how’s IATS and ABC coming along?

I have to admit ABC is alot of material to memorize, its similar to a university course final which isnt too pleasing that we have to remember it verbatim. Thankfully we get a week in class to review, personally I havent heard of anyone failing the ABC test and getting fired in the first two weeks so I imagine its not that difficult.


Also - for others seeing this, I did get my medical in time after calling in/emailing in multiple times so TC are at least now responding to inquiries.

[yoshi91]

Just a warning, don’t base how difficult the exam is based on that no one has failed it. People have definitely failed it and been CT’d.

Learn the material well. And then learn it again. It’s the easiest exam in the course so it’s best to start your studying/memorization skills now.