I'm getting some conflicting information from two separate TC offices, and so I have a question for any ATC's out there that also have a CAT 1 medical. I just turned 40 years old, so a CAT 1 and CAT 2 are both valid for 12 months. I also currently only have a CAT 1 medical as my CAME has stated that my CAT 1 medical exceeds and covers the requirements of a CAT 2.

Would a controller in this case who wants to keep their CAT 1 need to do two separate medicals at each of their respective renewal dates? Or if both medicals expire the same month, can a controller renew both medicals in the same visit?

I'm asking these questions because one TC office (and my CAME) say that my CAT 1 also covers my CAT 2 because it's a more stringent test. They believe I only need to do a CAT 1 and not even need to do a CAT 2 to be an ATC, especially since the validity periods for both are now identical. Essentially they say a CAT 1 trumps a CAT 2 and it would be simpler to only hold the higher level CAT 1.

Speaking to another regional office, they say say that I need to renew my CAT 1 and apply for a separate CAT 2 so that I have a CAT 1 and CAT 2 at the same time. They say I can double-up when I go to my CAME so that both medicals expire at the same time, or I just keep renewing each separately as they come due, but I'll have two distinct and separate medical categories at the same time.

Just looking for some help from other controllers who also have a CAT 1 and how they navigate the renewal process, and whether a CAT 1 by itself is good enough for you to exercise your ATC license. Feel free to DM if you wish.

Short answer…you only need a CAT I

A quick search and you can find the official wording from TC that says a CAT I holder can exercise the privileges of all other categories.

I personally hold a CAT I and have never held a CAT II and have been a controller and pilot for over 30 years.

I found the TC reference.

Handbook for Civil Aviation Medical Examiners - TP 13312

“ NOTE: The holder of Medical Category 1 shall be considered fit for any permit or licence for its respective duration of validity unless otherwise specified”

wordstwice wrote: ↑Sun Feb 09, 2025 9:20 am Short answer…you only need a CAT I

A quick search and you can find the official wording from TC that says a CAT I holder can exercise the privileges of all other categories.

I personally hold a CAT I and have never held a CAT II and have been a controller and pilot for over 30 years.

Thanks for the response.

How many medicals do you do per year? Since the CAT 1 is valid for 6 months (single pilot) or 12 months (two crew), do you just do one CAT 1 medical per year, which buys you 6 months of single-pilot, 12 months of two-crew, as well as validating your ATC license for 12 months?

I only do the CAT I once a year because I only fly two crew. If I needed to fly single pilot I would just renew every 6 months.

Keep in mind that Nav Canada pays for your medical once a year so if you did it every six months you would have to pay every other time.

Ok that's what I thought, and it jives with what the Ontario TC office told me. The Prairie office had a different opinion and they obviously made a mistake.

Thanks again!

wordstwice wrote: ↑Wed Feb 12, 2025 9:20 am I only do the CAT I once a year because I only fly two crew. If I needed to fly single pilot I would just renew every 6 months.

Keep in mind that Nav Canada pays for your medical once a year so if you did it every six months you would have to pay every other time.

Under 40 your CAT 2 is good for two years so wouldn't Nav only pay on that frequency?

Yes, for you young bucks, every two years is what Nav Canada would pay.

wordstwice wrote: ↑Wed Feb 12, 2025 10:14 am Yes, for you young bucks, every two years is what Nav Canada would pay.

I haven't been a young buck in quite awhile lol, but thanks.