
Aviation Medical Requirements
Before embarking on your flight training journey, obtaining an aviation medical certificate is a crucial first step. This certificate verifies your fitness to fly and is required for your Student Pilot Permit and subsequent pilot licenses.
You'll need to consult an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), a doctor specializing in pilot health assessments. AMEs offer two categories of initial medical certificates:
- Category 1: This certificate is required for commercial pilots and is recommended if you're considering a future career in commercial aviation. Obtaining a Category 1 medical now keeps your options open.
- Category 3: This certificate is sufficient for private pilots and is a suitable option if you're primarily interested in recreational flying.
You can learn more about the specific requirements and differences between these categories during your ground school training. It's also possible to be reassessed for a different category at any time.
The cost of an aviation medical examination is approximately $250.
Why get your medical early?
The medical certification process can take 3-4 months for review and issuance. Completing your medical early ensures that any potential health concerns are addressed proactively, allowing you to explore alternative aviation-related career paths if necessary. This also prevents delays in your flight training once you're ready to begin.
Medical Requirements - Find a Doctor
Category 1 Medical Requirements
Under 40 Years of Age
- Medical valid for 12 months (to 1st day of 13th month)
- ECG every 24 months
- Audiogram required for initial exam and then at first exam after turning 55 years of age
Over 40 Years of Age
- Medical valid for 12 months (to 1st day of 13th month)
- ECG every 12 months
- Audiogram required for initial exam and then at first exam after turning 55 years of age
Over 40 Years of Age- Single Pilot Operations Carrying Passengers
- Medical valid for 6 months (to 1st day of 7th month)
- ECG every 12 months
- Audiogram required for initial exam and then at first exam after turning 55 years of age
Over 60 Years of Age
- Medical valid for 6 months (to 1st day of 7th month)
- ECG every 12 months
- Audiogram required for initial exam
CARs 404.03
Category 3 Medical Requirements
Under 40 Years of Age
- Medical valid for 60 months (to 1st day of 61th month)
- No ECG required
- No audiogram required
Over 40 Years of Age
- Medical valid for 24 months (to 1st day of 25th month)
- ECG every 48 months
- No audiogram required
CARs 404.04
If you have a category 3 medical examination when you are 39 years of age you will not require a re-validation exam until you are 44 years of age. At this examination you will be required produce an ECG report conducted within the last 4 years.