At this time, Transport Canada does not impose any specific restrictions on holders of medical certificates who have experienced an uncomplicated course of the disease (COVID) with a full recovery and without persistent sequelae. This is the same approach taken with other common viral illnesses, such as the flu. However, anyone with a complex illness (e.g. requiring hospitalization) or with persistent sequelae (including, but not limited to effects on the respiratory, neurological or cardiac systems) should contact their medical examiners. Civil Aviation (CAME) who in turn may request further information from their Regional Aviation Medical Officer before returning to work. Like always,
404.06 (1) Subject to subsection (3), no holder of a permit, license or rating is permitted to exercise the benefits of the permit, license or rating if, in accordance with the case: a) one of the following circumstances occurs and may reduce the ability of the holder to safely exercise these benefits: (i) the holder suffers from an illness, injury or disability, (ii) the holder holder is taking a drug, (iii) holder is receiving medical treatment;
The Office of Civil Aviation Medicine will be happy to provide assistance to CAMEs and candidates with questions regarding fitness to fly. Additionally, the title of a recent article posted on AvWeb appears to have created some confusion over whether pilots can take approved vaccines rather than participate in medical vaccine trials.
To clarify :
The Office of Civil Aviation Medicine (CAME) and Transport Canada (TC) remain on the general position that participation in medical trials is not considered compatible with aeronautical medical certification. This remains true for vaccine testing; however, TC CAM does not prevent or limit holders of aeronautical medical certificates from taking vaccines that have been approved by Health Canada (and whose use is no longer considered to be harmful). test).
In addition, TC CAM does not impose grounding periods for aeronautical medical certificate holders who wish to take vaccines approved by Health Canada.
The side effect profiles of the various COVID-19 vaccines remain to be clarified. However, assuming they are similar to influenza vaccines, the current guidance in the Aeronautical Information Manual will apply:
AIM (AIR) 3.13 Immunizations https://tc.canada.ca/.2020-10/AIM_2020-2 : “After receiving routine immunizations such as flu or tetanus, pilots should stay in the clinic for as long as clinic staff recommend (usually 15-20 minutes). If they feel well and no side effects appear, they can return to work immediately, without restriction. Otherwise, they should wait 24 hours and consult a healthcare provider before taking back orders. The Civil Aviation Medicine Department keeps abreast of developments in this area in order to be able to formulate guidelines and recommendations as needed. "
Transport Canada will issue another direction if necessary; however, the approach described below should apply to COVID-19 vaccinations approved by Health Canada.
Source: COPA, Transport Canada
Image: Avweb
