Aviation Medical Examination

The civil aviation medical examination is much like a routine physical with your family doctor, with extra attention to vision and other areas that matter for flying safely. It does not replace your regular check-ups, so please keep seeing your family physician.

What the exam includes

• Vision: checked without correction, and with glasses and contact lenses separately, as applicable. Distance vision and near vision are both assessed.

• Colour vision: tested with Ishihara plates, a book of coloured dot patterns, some of which may contain numbers and some may not. Any applicant who does not pass the Ishihara test will be assessed with the Farnsworth D15 test. If this test is passed, no further testing will be required.

• Urine test: a routine dipstick test, mainly for sugar, protein and blood. It is not a drug screen.

• ECG: done during the visit if your category, age or history requires one. See the ECG page.

• Hearing: an audiogram may be required for some categories. See the Hearing Testing page.

The rest of the examination is much the same as a regular physical. Breast and pelvic exams are not part of the aviation medical. If you have any concerns about part of the exam, please talk to Dr Lombardi. A female nurse is present for female examinations.

Appointments take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your category and whether you are a new or returning client.

What to bring

• A list of all prescription medications you’ve taken in the last 12 months, plus any over-the-counter medications and supplements. Please bring your prescription medications in their original containers, as the labels have all the details we need.

• Your driver’s licence or other government-issued photo ID (for identification at your first appointment)

• A summary of your medical history from your family doctor or specialists

• Your last audiogram, ECG, and fasting blood work results, if you have them

• Your most recent eyeglass or contact lens prescription, if applicable

• Your eyeglasses, if applicable

• Your contact lenses. Please don’t wear them to the appointment; you will put them in during the exam.

• Your Aviation Document Booklet (ADB) with your current medical certificate, if you have one