Transport Canada Aviation Medicals Made Easy in 2025

When first starting out in aviation, students are very overwhelmed with the amount of information they are required to absorb, a new way of learning, and of course the endless amount of tasks they have to worry about when they go home. From studying their Flight Training Manuals to getting ready for their ROC-A Exam; then there is talk of this PSTAR exam and the dreaded Transport Canada aviation medical. So let’s get into it and look at what is required from you as a new pilot entering aviation.

Categories of Transport Canada Aviation Medicals

There are four categories of Transport Canada aviation medicals:

• Category 1 Medical: Mostly used by Airline Pilots and Commercial Pilots
• Category 2 Medical: Used only by Air Traffic Controllers
• Category 3 Medical: Mostly used by Private Pilots and Recreational Pilots.
• Category 4 Medical: Used by Recreational Pilot Permit Holders and student pilots.

As you become more of an impact to the public, your medical requirements will increase. The highest category of medical is the Category 1 Medical. Airline and commercial pilots flying the paying public must meet very stringent medical standards in order to safely fly. However, student pilots just learning how to fly only require a Category 4 Transport Canada Aviation Medical, or a medical declaration; the standards are much lower than a Category 1 medical.

Which Transport Canada Aviation Medical do I Need?

As a student pilot, you at minimum require a Category 4 Medical. If you are wanting to obtain a private license or become a commercial pilot, you should complete your Category 1 or 3 Medical now to verify you meet the proper standards. It is uncommon but it can happen where student pilots begin flight training only to find out from Transport Canada that they are unable to hold the required medical certificate. Find out now.

Where can I do my Transport Canada Aviation Medical?

Aviation medicals can only be done by Civil Aviation Medical Examiners. Just like your family doctor can’t perform heart surgery on you (although yours might), not all family doctors are qualified to conduct aviation medicals. To find a medical examiner or aviation medical clinic near you, visit the Transport Canada website here. It will cost money, and this is normal. For a category 1 medical, you will be required to do an ECG and a hearing test at your own cost.

The Category 4 Medical (Medical Declaration)

If you are a relatively healthy person and are confident that you can hold a medical, we highly suggest you work right now on your category 4 medical. This is also known as a Medical Declaration. Essentially, fill out Part A of the form, print it and visit your family doctor. All the doctor is doing is declaring that to the best of their knowledge, you have never met any of the conditions in Part 2. This should not require an exam, a hearing test or anything. It is a declaration. It is paperwork. This should be free, although some doctor’s offices may charge you for completing paperwork. Once the form is completed and your family doctor has signed Part C, it is time to mail it in or scan and send via e-mail to your local Transport Canada office.

Advantages of a Category 4 Medical Form

Completing a Category 1 or 3 Medical can take some time. By the time the appointment gets booked, you get your ECG/Audiogram done if required, it is sent to Transport Medicine, processed and sent back to you, it could be up to 6 months or more. So the main advantage? Time. As a student pilot, you can complete ALL of your training towards your Private Pilot License, including your exam and flight test with a Category 4 Medical.