CFN – Pilot Dan Baz is answering your flying questions here on the Cornwall Free News. If you have a question about flying you can email Captain Dan or post below.
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Question
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Do pilots have to meet certain medical standards ?
Question asked by Cathy.
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Answer
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All commercial pilots must meet strict medical standards, set by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) and Transport Canada. That is not to say that to be a pilot you must be super human. Professional pilots under 40 years of age must undergo a thorough medical examination every 12 months, pilots over 40 years of age must have a medical examination every six months. For private pilots the medical examination standards are not as stringent and the intervals are longer. The medical examination must be performed by a Civil Aviation Medical Examiner, who is a physician appointed by the Minister of Transport, to examine the medical fitness of candidates for issue or revalidation of Pilot Licenses.
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There is some flexibility to medical standards. An applicant who does not meet the requirements, may still be approved, where it is not likely to affect aviation and public safety. However, the applicant may have to undergo additional tests and assessments, or may only fly with certain restrictions.
Anyone who would like to learn to fly, whether for pleasure or pursue a professional pilot career must consult a Civil Aviation Medical Examiner.
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A list of the examiners and the aviation medical standards in Canada, can be found on Transport Canada website
A bit more about Captain Dan:
Captain Dan Baz enrolled in Flight School at the age of 16.
He has completed studies in Aircraft Engineering and Master of Business Administration. He has been at the controls of many different types of aircraft, from single engine Cessnas to large intercontinental jets on global routes.
Over the last four decades he has flown thousands of hours up in the blue sky.
Have a question for the Captain ? Send it to Captain Dan Baz captaindanbaz@yahoo.com Every week a question from the readers will be selected and answer posted in this column.
