How long is Transport Canada processing time for Class 1 medical

[travelisfun]

Has TC caught up with its backlogs? Is the processing time for Class 1 medicals still months, or is the processing time back to pre-covid

[photofly]

Still in the years-to-decades range, I think.

[prop2jet]

I think you are looking at anywhere from 12 to 18 months or more. There were issues pre-covid (at the time 3 months). Ask anyone who has had their medical stamped by their CAME, it is likely you will hear they have not been billed by TC in close to 3 years. There may be some differences in the region you happen to be in as well. Suffice to say it will be a long wait.

[McKinley]

My Came, union and insurance provider have quoted me 9-18 months at least.

People have gone off for simple issues that are quickly resolved after a Few months and they’re still off 6+- 12 months later.

There’s several avenues:

1) Call your CAME
2) Call your RAMO( TC claims they will get back to you in a timely fashion)

3) You could talk to your local opposition MP. However, when you do so, make sure you put where you are in the application process IN WRITING and the date you submitted your medical. This option runs the risk of making TC upset. TC does not want you talking to you MP and wants you to follow the chain of command and wait in line .. given their workload this is somewhat understandable.

I ended up calling my MP on behalf of my colleagues who are going the process and are in some legitimately tight spots financially and as someone who is beginning to start the RTW a process. This part got lost in translation and it ended up not going overly well for me.. have a paper trail with respect to what you are saying and to whom.

I did learn that TC is working hard on the issue and aviation safety is paramount. In hindsight, I could have been more considerate, empathetic/ compassionate to their present workload/ issues and how overwhelmed the system is and how hard they are trying on our behalf. The flip side is that people are unable to work, this issue has gained media attention, and I don’t think this is a reasonable timeframe given what the industry has gone through.

I wish I had more insight to why this was occurring …

Maybe the best thing for us / me to do is hang tight, plan and prepare like the professionals we are maybe that will help the process.

While you are off… if you are waiting…I’d recommend picking up a trade, find an alternate career, start a side hustle / hustle to keep yourself above water financially

[TailwheelPilot]

I don't get why TC is so far behind on paperwork issues after covid...did anyone at TC even get laid off?

As government employees doing paperwork exercises, it seems like it would have been rather straight forward to review medical files, ATPL applications, etc while working from home...

[Cap'n P8]

Good for thought…back in May I submitted everything, emailed the RAMO, got a reply back the following day. He advised that everything was good and that I was good to go as soon as I got the sticker. He said there was a few weeks backlog.

So…I called printing office, they couldn’t tell me how long it’d take. Got her to transfer me to a licensing officer. She offered a simple solution…pay $40 for a temporary medical certificate. Talked to her on a Friday had it in hand Tuesday.

Now, on premise, I think it’s bullshit to have to pay, when it’s their backlog, but it did get me back in the game sooner. Funny enough I got the sticker in the mail the next week.

I think it’s hit or miss depending on the region you’re in. My health issue was atrial fibrillation…

[photofly]

I don't get why TC is so far behind on paperwork issues after covid...did anyone at TC even get laid off?

As government employees doing paperwork exercises, it seems like it would have been rather straight forward to review medical files, ATPL applications, etc while working from home...

It‘s because every medical application has to be approved by the RAMO (Regional Aviation Medical Officer) in your region, who is a qualified physician with the appropriate specialisms, and at the start of the pandemic most of them quit or retired. And no other doctors want to go and be a desk-doctor for the government doing nothing but approving medical all day. Would you?

So one doctor (or, it could be two) has been doing the workload for the entire country.

[Aviatard]

It‘s because every medical application has to be approved by the RAMO (Regional Aviation Medical Officer) in your region, who is a qualified physician with the appropriate specialisms, and at the start of the pandemic most of them quit or retired. And no other doctors want to go and be a desk-doctor for the government doing nothing but approving medical all day. Would you?

So one doctor (or, it could be two) has been doing the workload for the entire country.

Transport also doesn’t pay very well. I stumbled across a contract for one of the RAMO while looking for his contact information and it was something like $112,000. Makes me wonder if they’re part timers because that seems pretty low for a doctor.

[photofly]

Found this:

Ontario Flag
Regional Aviation Medical Officer (RAMO)

March 10, 2021
Job number: p21572154

Location: Ottawa (ON)

Employer: Transport Canada

Salary: $189,783 to $208,999

Job Description and Application Process:
http://www.jobbank.gc.ca /jobsearch/jobposting/34016701

CanadaGovernmentJobs.ca provides access to federal job opportunities posted on the Government of Canada Job Bank. Positions available in major cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, London, Kingston, and small communities throughout Ontario.