The Ultralight Pilots Association of Canada as the national voice for Canadian Ultralight pilots is always looking for ways to assure our freedom of flight and protect the rights and privileges of ultralight pilots. We continually are looking at ways to reduce the overhead associated with ultralight flying.

The following is a comparison between the US and Canadian requirements. We are advocating to be more in line with the US requirements.

Current Canadian Medical Requirements

In Canada, a Category 4 medical is a self-declaration form used for recreational and student pilots, not a full medical certificate.It’s for those flying under the Recreational Pilot Permit, Student Pilot Permit (Aeroplane), Glider Pilot and Ultralight Pilot permits.If there are no relevant medical conditions, a declaration is sufficient;otherwise, a medical examination by a Civil Aviation Medical Examiner (CAME) is required.

Key Points about Category 4 Medicals:

Self-Declaration:
Completing a form (Form 26-0297)

No Physical Examination (Usually):
If no medical conditions are present, a physical exam by a CAME is not needed.

Conditions Requiring a CAME:
If there’s a history of certain medical conditions, or if the applicant has concerns about their fitness to fly, a CAME must assess their fitness for flight.

Countersignature (if carrying passengers):
If carrying a passenger, the declaration form must be countersigned by a family physician.

Duration:
The validity period for a Category 4 medical is typically 5 years from the date of the declaration, regardless of age.

Student Pilot Permit:
Student pilots must obtain at least a Category 4 medical to begin training.

Recreational Pilot Permit:
Holders of a Recreational Pilot Permit also use a Category 4 medical.

Current US Medical Requirements

In the US,sport pilots can operate light-sport aircraft using their valid U.S. driver’s license instead of an FAA medical certificate, provided they meet certain conditions.This option is based on the principle that the state-level DMV already establishes a basic level of medical fitness for driving a motor vehicle, essentially serving as the medical certifying authority in this context.It is worth exploring a reduction in administration for ultralight pilot permits and student pilot permits.

Here’s a breakdown of the conditions:

Driver’s License Requirement:
The pilot must possess a current and valid U.S. driver’s license.

Compliance with Restrictions:
The pilot must adhere to any restrictions or limitations listed on their driver’s license, as well as any judicial or administrative orders related to operating a motor vehicle.

No Known Medical Condition:
The pilot must not know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would prevent them from safely operating a light-sport aircraft.

Previous Medical Certificate:
If the pilot has previously held an FAA medical certificate, it must not have been suspended or revoked, and any authorization for special issuance must not have been withdrawn.

Sport Pilot Privileges Only:
This option is specifically for sport pilots operating under sport pilot privileges, or under specific conditions outlined in 14 CFR 61.113(i).

Basic Medical: While not directly related to using a driver’s license for sport pilot privileges, Basic Medical is another option for certain pilots to fly without a full FAA medical certificate.To fly under Basic Medical, pilots must meet specific requirements, including holding a valid U.S. driver’s license, having held an FAA medical certificate after July 14, 2006, completing a medical education course, and having a physician complete a comprehensive medical examination checklist.

What We Want

We want to eliminate the delays in obtaining medical certificates by using a driverís licence instead for the Ultralight Pilot Permit.