Medical Certificates
Your first step in any aviation experience should be completing your Aviation Medical Certificate to ensure that you are safe to fly.
Brandon Clinic has a Canadian Aviation Medical Examiner (CAME) on site but for those joining us from further away don't worry, Transport Canada has a searchable database for CAMEs world wide.
​
You can get more information on the medical application process, services offered and how to manage your medical certificate on the Transport Canada Medical Fitness for Aviation webpage found here: Medical fitness for aviation
Which Category do you need?
Category 4
For student pilots and recreational permit holder only.
Category 3
For Private Pilot License holders. Also can be used to validate Recreational Permits and Student Pilot Permits.
Category 1
For Commercial Pilot License holders. All Permits, Licenses and Ratings can be validated by this level.
Brandon Flight Centre strongly recommends that no student get into a plane until their medical certificate has been issued. Any student with the intention of pursuing a Commercial license in the future should complete the Category 1 medical to start to ensure they will be able to mee the higher medical requirements once they start their CPL. When in doubt, choose the highest category suitable for the license you wish to hold.
​
Students may apply to BFC programs before their medical exam but will be placed on a waitlist until after the exam is completed. Ground school does not require a medical certificate and is an excellent way to fill your time while waiting for the certificate to be approved.
​
Medical Certificate Management
Once your exam is completed you can monitor the status of your certificate, and manage your future renewals at the Transport Canada Civil Aviation Medical Portal. Students are encouraged to set up their account when they complete their medicals and ensure that they are familiar with the portal.
Inter-
national Applicants
All flight students must demonstrate ongoing fitness for flight by submitting a Transport Canada aviation medical certificate. This is distinct from the immigration medical and the two cannot be used interchangeably.
Preferred Medical Certification:
Students are encouraged to complete a Canadian Category 1 Aviation Medical if an approved examiner is available in their home country or general area. Canadian medical examiners are located world wide and a list of Canadian aviation medical examiners (CAMEs) is available here: Transport Canada CAMEs.
Alternative Options for Overseas Applicants:
If a Canadian medical cannot be completed before arrival:
-
A commercial-level aviation medical from your home country (preferred), or
-
A Category 4 Medical Attestation may be submitted for admission purposes only.
Students using these alternatives must arrive in Canada at least 4 weeks before their program start date to complete the Canadian Category 1 Medical. This certificate is mandatory before solo flight. Delays in training due to medical processing timelines are the student’s responsibility.
Important Notes
-
Submitting a Category 4 Medical Attestation indicates the applicant has no known risk factors for medical conditions that would prevent certification but does not guarantee approval of a commercial-level medical certificate.
-
BFC strongly advises obtaining a Canadian Category 1 Medical or international equivalent whenever possible.
-
Students denied medical certification or losing medical clearance during training must cease training immediately, which may affect their immigration status.
Liability Disclaimer
BFC, its staff or board of directors is not responsible for delays, costs, medical incidents or impacts on immigration status resulting from a student's medical ineligibility or processing times.