Summary of the issue:
- Transport Canada has been experiencing challenges with the processing of aviation medicals causing lengthy wait periods for many Canadian pilots.
- The reduced number of Civil Aviation Medical Examiners (CAME) and reduced authority for regional CAME are one of the factors causing a delay to aviation medicals for certain regions of Canada.
- COPA feels the system needs to be revised and improved to meet the needs of the aviation community.
- COPA is advocating on behalf of our members on this issue, which includes regular communication with Transport Canada, detailed articles in the COPA Flight magazine and for significantly delayed medicals, formally inquiring with Transport Canada.
- As a result of these advocacy efforts, Transport Canada launched a form (in 2023) for pilots experiencing significant delays or issues with the processing of their aviation medicals to make an inquiry.
- COPA members who have not received a reply within 2 months of submitting their form are encouraged to complete COPA’s form below. Please do not submit to both Transport Canada and COPA’s medical form at the same time.