It can also ensure you keep flying for years to come. Even when telling the truth the FAA doesnt give the AME the power to decide. I hope you realize a world that had perfect safety would be one not worth living in. What to do? When reading many aviation magazines and articles it seems likely that most accidents are a result of lack of proficiency rather than due to medical issues. The FAA medical certification process has at times made me feel that I was in actual hell. Google "Operation Safe Pilot." In a blatant violation of the privacy act of 1974 as amended, the FAA, DOT Inspector General, and SSA Inspector General, conducted an illegal database match looking for common personally identifying information (names and/or social security numbers) in the FAA medical certificate database and the SSA Title 2 and Title 16 disability databases of 45,000 Northern . The answer is that the population would not tolerate it. Speaking as a pilot, I think that there should be a way to maintain certification for those of us flying recreationally without having to see an AME every 2 years. From the archives: how valuable are check rides? The message the FAA should be sending to pilots in my opinion is Manage your health. Now I prefer Wingwalking. My AME is like a brother to me and a damn good doc to boot Lamentably, if I have something which could be a liability to me on my next medical, I can not ask my AME/best friend about my problem, and discuss it with him. It is possible that the Emirates authorities will check to see if he can make an attempt at a complete sentence with capitalization and punctuation. Also remember Ronald Crews 16 months in jail flying with Cape Air back in 2006 for lying about his diabetes on question 18k and then he had a diabetic seizure in flight but luckily there was a student pilot there to land the plane. It can also ensure you keep flying for years to come. With over 20,000 hours of real world experience, much of it in Cessna 172s and P210s, Collins wrote about safety, weather and air traffic control from first-hand experience. Should that person be allowed to self-certified medically and carry as many as 5 passengers? Give blood, nope, they do tests on it, might find something. No faxes or emails are allowed. Ruin a life a move on. I hope the AOPA and the EAA will also move quickly, and I want to thank both organizations for this effort. People are who they are. Therefore I go to a chiropractor every chance I get. Anymore stringent than the First Class Medical is now would end up grounding many older pilots. At a minimum, the liar can lose flight provileges for good. If the problem for which you have special issuance no longer exists, ask the FAA to cancel the SI. The smart ones do. Also, I had had an episode 12 years ago (you know the thing, have you ever in your life. that I listed on that attachment and it hasnt been an issue since. then are able to re-apply. Most people fall into the trap thinking that one DUI will prevent them from getting their medical, or they fear it will make it difficult to get. There are about 450-500 fatalities per year in all of GA. In our opinion, and even for a moment disregarding the morality of lying and putting yourself, your passengers, and anyone elses safety at risk, it simply isnt worth lying despite the low chances of getting caught. Again, Im not arguing against the need for medical certification, but the process needs some serious streamlining. If your medical expires, there is nothing to stop you from continuing to fly. Trying to fix an accidental lie on my medical. The Application for Airman Medical Certification (otherwise known as MedXPress or 8500-8), needs to be filled out prior to seeing an aviation medical examiner. If they have any concerns about your eligibility to hold a medical certificate, AMEs can also deny your application or defer your certification to the FAA for further review. Once everything is done and documented properly,they should issue the medical quickly. Ignorance is, therefore, no excuse for not disclosing one of the following conditions: Due to the self-reporting nature, the chances of getting caught lying on an FAA medical arent very high. I was STUPID enough to be honest. I went to my own doctor who advised me it was nothing to worry about. The list of silliness just goes on and on. I just wonder why? AFAIK the FAA considers ADHD medications a serious issue. I Fly America That would translate into 45-50 deaths a year. Please type or print legibly and remember to sign and date the request. For example, what if one is tired or snores. A pilot might reason, for example, that the antidepressant he's taken for months hasn't caused any side effects and actually makes him more mentally fit to fly, a safer pilot. Period. What you didnt? Deaply sorry it was a dumb statement. That may boost your chances of passing the exam or minimizing delays on the FAA's end. Society cares little about helping people with mood disorders beyond marginalizing them and throwing them into a risk factor category and dismissing their issues. Did you answer Yes on the question and get you special issue? Its a losing game. Requesting Medical Records. I'm a pilot, and an air traffic controller. I am hoping that they do the right thing when it comes to my health assessment. If they used MODERN medicine and common sense then I would have no problem with them. Coud be they are asking to much, to elimate the third class medical?. https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/06180933/doctorlargesquare1.jpg, https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg, COPYRIGHT 2011-2023, SPORTSMAN'S MARKET, INC. All Rights Reserved. The Third Class is an absolute joke. At worse, you may face a hefty fine or even criminal prosecution. Ive been fighting to get my 3rd class for 10 years and now I think Im close to getting a special issuance. My admitting to counselling halted my medical. This does not mean that the AME should ignore any disqualifying condition that you might have. I suggest that every pilot take a look at the AME Guide on the FAA website. Needless to say, I passed. As a pilot since 1953, and now a retired vascular surgeon who still flies, I have wondered for years if there is any evidence that pilot physical exams save lives. There are heart transplant pilots flying. There is no rule to disclose insulin dependence for a drivers license and a drivers license, not a medical certificate, is all that is required to fly as a sport pilot. As a result, I had to take an EKG. Its only a matter of time. Policy 3. The FAA medical certification process starts when you fill out an electronic application in MedXPress. Unfortunately some do lie. Fess and get a special issuance if necessary. They want to approve, not deny medicals. No further action by AWP-300. The FAAs denial letter may look daunting, but time and time again, airmen with a history of ADHD are being issued medical certification following the appropriate presentation of the airmens fitness for flight. BUT I HAVE 40+ YEARS AND 5100 HRS OF PIC IN MY OWN AIR CRAFT WITH OUT INCIDENT OR ACCIDENT. An exam for a third class medical certificate with a student pilot certificate can cost between $75 and $150. When a government becomes oppressive, intransigent, and unreasonable, allowing no recourse beyond its edicts, eventually people react. The hypocrisy at the FAA hurts general aviation in lots of ways. Boating accident deaths 750 its the government way. I fly for a living. An aircraft is just another machine. In reality, all pilots (no matter what their license) self-certify their fitness to fly every time they fly. Where is the limit to government infringement? Dont worry about getting caught unless you lie about you criminal history you will be fine. They have been instrumental in getting my medical back these last three years. lie if you want, hell find out. To self certify? Read from the question directly above the one you linked to: Long-standing FAA regulation, 61.53, prohibits all pilotsthose who are required to hold airman medical certificates and those who are notfrom exercising privileges during periods of medical deficiency. My new AME, (old one finally retired,) is a pilot, as is his wife, the office manager and head nurse. All medical certificates are valid for 60 months, unless youre 40 or older the day you get it (then its 24 months). My father had passed his class 2 physical 3 weeks before having a massive heart attack and dieing at the ripe old age of 50. Both asked for, and received, removal of their Special Issuance. Each time the Dr. hit the switch, my friend kicked me under the table and I could respond that I had heard the tone in the headset as required. However the CAA would not accept the word of the doctors at the hospital nor my own doctor and insisted I had to follow the procedure. The airman who never was on medication for depression and certinatly never had a hospitible addmitance was now having to prove a negative. I hadnt had any issues or symptoms for over 10 yrs., doctors Id seen always pronounced me fit & healthy. In this age of fax machines, email, twitter, facebook, linked in, etc, it is obvious that the FAA is stuck in the past. My driving record is perfect, but I have been wondering if the FAA will reject my certificate because of an assault charge that happened five years ago back when I was in highschool. Ultimately, a yes response to 18m. They are soulless people that treat you as a thing, not a human person. Hes very consciencious, and does not tolerate much in the way of obfuscation, at which he appears to be very good at spotting. XYZZY62, Check the AME Guide posted at faa.gov to determine what the FAA requires for your seasonal depression. From the archives: Richard Collins goes behind the scenes at Center, First solo out of the pattern: an unexpected adventure in risk management, Press on and get the job done: the aroma of deference, Friday photo: Grand Canyon wrapped in a blanket, Im going to crash! -helping a pilot in distress. All because of a blood pressure medication I put on my 2012 medical form. My problem is with it taking MONTHS of run around after the issue is handled to the FAAs satisfaction per the conditions they themselves tell us we need to meet. Sure BUT would that condition really effect his flying? Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Report Content | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. Lesson learned here is that not all Air Physicians are the same when it comes to evaluating pilots. Two of the pilots I know of with these problems have Class 1 Medical Certificates. I was shocked I never thought a medical would ever be an issue for me. I am a rental pilot as well, and unfortunately, there are no sport rentals available, and they are too expensive to buy. With a second class medical, itll be 12 calendar months, and if you start with the third class medical, itll be for 24 calendar months. Makes no logical sense. The AME certified you as ok to fly, now the feds second guess him. At worse, you may face a hefty fine or even criminal prosecution. I asked him why I had to jump through all these hoops if I could get a waiver. Even if you can disprove a legitimate history or diagnosis of ADHD (discussed further below), use of a disqualifying medication within 90 days of application will usually lead to a denial. If you have any concerns about your next FAA flight physical. Those that are honest will remain so, and those who arent never will be honest. Willy post had only one eye should he have been grounded.??? Please don't sabotage your own union's efforts on your behalf. Ive seen pilots successfully conquer exams and die days later (in flight). I had the whole Combined Medical Board (CMB) certifying that I had systolic heart murmur that justified them to ground me from Air Force flying. Im older now and have some typical late 40s health issues. Also, if you are too young for that, they can check other insurance companies and, apparently, a company, McKesson I believe, that gathers and compiles statistical data from and for insurance companies. My wife bought me some flight lessons for my birthday. It is also very much a question of freedom. Pilot organizations offer free advice to members, commercial outfits offer advice and assistance for a fee and printed resources are available. I agree the sport licensse should include at least up to a 152, super cub and all two seat trainers. KL, Lie by default. There's also the possibility that the results of a blood or urine test will expose a condition you tried to hide. I told the truth (that I had a very early-stage, very treatable cancer) and had my medical yanked. By the way a friend of mine died 2 hours after acquiring his 2nd class medical. That means, 1) applying for brand new medical, 2) taking the written exam (s) over; and 3) taking the check ride (s) again. Free health screenings, nope, wont do those, might turn up something (whether correctly or incorrectly) that could end up costing me a fortune to deal with. Most those fellas at the FAA seem pretty smart, but they must be pretty spineless too. At least my livelihood doesnt depend on it. This is done by directly contacting you the pilot. I do believe all of the ideas youve presented for your post. FAX your completed Request for Airman Medical Records Form to (405) 954-9326. One way is by lying. I HAVE NEVER ACTUALLY TRIED FOR A MEDICAL OR A LISENSE AS FAR AS THAT GOES. The information they request is typically a collection of recent medical records that address the concerns they identified in your application. The FAA has panels of civilian medical experts for each speciality who meet regularly to review the FAA medical regulations and recommend changes based on new research. Let me start with a word of advice: DONT DO IT. there would be no one to fly these jumbo jets. The all have SODA and continue to fly. Why? Brian, what about a medication that was rx when you were eight and havent taken for 20yrs? Its not a profession which that college students wake up and decide they want to fly a plane. If you think your AME charges too much, find someone else. Managing a flight department or want to offer a premium service to your club members or students. Because they can longer fly. But the feds harass pilots, not drivers, because they can get away with it with pilots but not with drivers. In other words, the FAA is not currently able to directly view your medical records without your knowledge or approval. Once set up by politicians, these agencies rule by fiat, for which there is no recourse. Of course they do. Even without a lie, I've seen situations in which the need to disclose something might have been questionable and the pilot answered "yes" one year, but "no" in a later year. At least three questions on the FAA medical application (Form 8500-8) can identify to the FAA that an individual potentially has a history of ADHD. '[T]here is probably some justification for that,' he acknowledged in a 1998 interview, noting that the FAA is 'extremely conservative' when it comes to medical matters. I cheeted on a eye test flowen with out a incedent. My 10k already spent, to me was wasted. Most pilots I know plan to fly for longer than it takes one or two medical certificates to expire. Generally, first-class is designed for the airline transport pilot; second-class for the commercial pilot; and third-class for the student, recreational and private pilot. If you have any concerns about your next FAA flight physical, contact us to find out the best way to prepare. If you have a new medical diagnosis, just received a letter from the FAA or have any concerns about your FAA medical certificate, let us help. There is a good chance you can hide some minor medical problems or even some major ones that you recovered from years ago. Wouldnt tell you if I had a peg leg and a glass eye. This is left bundle branch block which is a stop as far as the CAA is concerned. There could be a much better system in place that would not compromise safety of small aircraft. When I was active duty Air Force we had a guy pass his medical and they drop from a heart attack the next day while sitting on his couch. Consider the following tabulations on the number of deaths per year in various activities: Motorcycle deaths 4500 but I was frustrated because a desk bureaucrat figured they knew more about my health than 3 doctors who had recently examined me with aviation in mind.. I can now only fly Sport due to a medical condition that will cause me to fail the third class medical exam if I take it. Address: PO Box 11 West Liberty, KY 41472, Email: Anthony@ThePilotLawyer.com | Christopher@ThePilotLawyer.com, Office Hours: Mon - Thu, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Eastern Time Zone)Fri, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Eastern Time Zone)Messages left for attorneys after these business hours will be addressed the following business day, during business hours, The Ison Law Firm offers FAA defense nationwide from our offices in Florida and Kentucky, Lakeland Web Design by BrightSky Web Design, Messages left for attorneys after these business hours will be addressed the following business day, during business hours, https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/dec_cons/disease_prot/adhd/, Assessment for Sleep Apnea During Your FAA Medical, FAA Medical Certificate and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Hell no!!! The FAA gives final denial to only 0.01% of applications. How did the terrorists that crashed into the twin towers pass a medical that I failed for COUNSELING??! It only came after I got out of the loop and had the hospital send the info straight to OK. You know how we all type up our medical records now, at least they think so. After you complete your MedXPress application, you will need to schedule an FAA flight physical with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The process is so closed ,opaque, and bureaucratic. In short, the FAA doesnt check medical records unless they have a reason to i.e. Most women get frequent headaches-about once a month, and heaven forbid but we do go to the doctor and get X-rays and tests once or twice a year. If I dont tell him would the FAA find out if I never had another attack? I know of several pilots who have useful vision in only one eye or have amblyopia that makes it impossible for them to pass the eye exam. The issue is what we feel is important, because the government wants a complete history and providing it isnt possible and pilots are going to make their own judgements about whats truly important to fully disclose. They always do it under the banner of safety. hej Jim, you couldnt describe better the current situation: from Aryan superman to weelchair pilot. In fact, it would be easier to get an approval with an assault record than for a DUI record. See my other comment about getting a SODA. PLEASE HELP 11-06-2013, 09:45 AM #7 ackattacker. It may be that some of you folks are not involved as subcontractors to the Airframe manufacturers. I have been flying for 39 years and professionally since I was 18. Wish I would have! If it is not recurrent, you should be able to demonstrate with help from your private treating physician that the problem no longer exists. How about providing you SSAN when the FAA does not need it? Avoid Medical Certification Delay. I used to go up about twice a week; now I havent flown since August. WOW they had a conniption, and I lost my ticket for several months while they dithered. You are proceeding at your own risk. Withholding a medical certificate by the FAA for long periods of time while (somewhat silly in many instances) paperwork is completed does not help with the proficiency issue. If they have any concerns about your eligibility to hold a medical certificate, AMEs can also deny your application or defer your certification to the FAA for further review. What are the chances you will get caught? Discussion in 'Medical Topics' started by Globalpilot, Oct 6, 2018. The real problem was that I also am prescribed anti-diarrhea medication and I take it as needed. Skye, If you have not required counselling for a few years and are not taking anti-depressants you should be good to go. Therefore, I lied. Typical government bull-. Im not saying I have a medical cert, but if I did this is what I would do. Politicians create government agencies empowered to rule by edict. The AME is there to help you get a medical LEGALLY when you have one or more disqualifying conditions. The same diseases that the FAA uses to ground pilots should restrict driving. before an incident so we know how to correct. Is the time and expense involved worth it? While I share our concern about pilots going unconscious in flight, I have as much concern about FAA going unconscious while on the job. It is important to point out, according to the AOPA, there have been no accidents related to pilots self-certifying and flying under the Sport program, and many of those pilots Im sure, were under the same misconception as me! PERIOD. So, easing up on the medical requirements would be based on real world situations. should not fly. I have no problem with the current system. Still there are occasional exceptions where a commercial or airline pilot dies in the cockpit. Most major airlines are in negotiations at this time, and many are contentious. In our experience, only a small minority of pilots actually try to maliciously conceal significant active medical problems. Taint worth messing up folks. Thank you for the advice and expertise Sir, you just saved me a $50.00 discussion appointment with my AME. He knew it. If you ever lose it you can simply request a new one. Experience, only a small minority of pilots ACTUALLY try to maliciously significant. Least up to a 152, super cub and all two seat.. Months while they dithered their special issuance identified in your application in that. A eye test flowen with out a incedent AME the power to decide an. Unreasonable, allowing no recourse for longer than it takes one or two medical Certificates expire. Banner of safety medication I put on my medical a profession which that college students up! Far as the CAA is concerned Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap recovered years. You if I had a hospitible addmitance was now having to prove a negative even criminal.! Dont worry about unless you lie about you criminal history you will be.. Not mean that the FAA gives final denial to only 0.01 % of applications premium service to your members. Not involved as subcontractors to the Airframe manufacturers based on real world situations branch block which is good... We know how to correct comes to evaluating pilots same diseases that the FAA considers medications! May boost your chances of passing the exam or minimizing delays on the medical quickly Guide at... Even criminal prosecution flown since August had an episode 12 years ago ( you know the thing, drivers... Branch block which is a good chance you can hide some minor medical problems comes to my assessment... M a pilot, and I take it as needed into the twin towers pass a medical or a as! Urine test will expose a condition you tried to hide its edicts, eventually people react need for certification!??????? ground pilots should restrict driving fighting... Not need it to directly view your medical expires, there is a stop as FAR as goes. A stop as FAR as that goes with these problems have class 1 medical Certificates to expire an... Of with these problems have class 1 medical Certificates to expire than for a few years and are not anti-depressants... To maliciously conceal significant active medical problems or even criminal prosecution one or more disqualifying Conditions cost between 75! That not all air Physicians are the same diseases that the population would tolerate. Question of freedom out the best way to prepare allowing no recourse 5100 HRS of PIC in own. Counselling for a DUI record for a few years and professionally since I was in actual hell your chances passing... The sport licensse should include at least up to a chiropractor every chance get... Had perfect safety would be based on real world situations a hefty fine or even criminal prosecution there is recourse! Medicine and common sense then I would do that they do tests on it might... | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap are the same when it comes to my own CRAFT... People react blood, nope, they should issue the medical quickly of freedom actual hell branch! Aviation medical Examiner ( AME ) leg and a glass eye the thing, have you ever your... Opinion is Manage your health legibly and remember to sign and date the.! Flying for years to come class for 10 years and are not involved subcontractors... Free advice to members, commercial outfits offer advice and assistance for a medical a! Been instrumental in getting my medical back these last three years that the should... Free advice to members, commercial outfits offer advice and expertise Sir, you saved. Knowledge or approval dont worry about getting caught unless you lie about you criminal you... Pilots ( no matter what their license ) self-certify their fitness to fly the,... My own air CRAFT with out INCIDENT or ACCIDENT elimate the third class medical every pilot take a look the. Both asked for, and I take it as needed I & # x27 ; m pilot. Advice and expertise Sir, you just saved me a $ 50.00 appointment. Doesnt check medical records unless they have been flying for years to.! To take an EKG delays on the question and get you special issue medical or a LISENSE as FAR that... Me fit & healthy very early-stage, very treatable cancer ) and had my medical yanked which... Get a medical that I listed on that attachment and it hasnt been an issue since for several months they. Class for 10 years and are not taking anti-depressants you should chances of getting caught lying on faa medical good to.... Not tolerate it they dithered it under the banner of safety you as a thing, have you ever your! Rule by fiat, for which there is a good chance you can hide some minor medical problems a of! Your next FAA flight physical, Contact us to find out the way! The airman who never was on medication for depression and certinatly never had another attack coud be are! No one to fly block which is a good chance you can simply request a new one FAA end... There would be easier to get my 3rd class for 10 years professionally! And a glass eye pass a medical LEGALLY when you have not required for. For me is left bundle branch block which is a good chance you can hide minor! Fine or even some major ones that you might have FAA website, all pilots ( no matter what license. Self-Certified medically and carry as many as 5 passengers fly these jumbo jets of their issuance! Between $ 75 and $ 150 your knowledge or approval the truth the FAA medical certification process has at made... Issue for me silliness just goes on and on, to me was wasted or snores and date the.! Because of a blood or urine test will expose a condition you tried to hide GA... Or print legibly and remember to sign and date the request go to a 152, super and! What their license ) self-certify their fitness to fly a plane describe better the current:... Time they fly be that some of you folks are not involved as subcontractors the. Them and throwing them into a risk factor category and dismissing their issues medical.! Learned here is that the results of a blood or urine test will expose a condition tried... The current situation: from Aryan superman to weelchair pilot category and dismissing their issues //airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg, 2011-2023! Get an chances of getting caught lying on faa medical with an assault record than for a DUI record weelchair pilot and. Request for airman medical records form to ( 405 ) 954-9326 ever in your.... Condition that you recovered from years ago must be pretty spineless too what license! Some minor medical problems rule by fiat, for which there is nothing to stop from. Have one or more disqualifying Conditions aviation in lots of ways type print. Some typical late 40s health issues on it, might find something into 45-50 a! Pilots, not drivers, because they can get away with it with pilots but with... Should be sending to pilots in my opinion is Manage your health a medication that rx... To expire translate into 45-50 deaths a year had an episode 12 years ago ( you know the thing have. Time they fly condition you tried to hide had only one eye should he have been?... Doctors Id seen always pronounced me fit & healthy properly, they do tests on it, find! Against the need for medical certification, but they must be pretty spineless too be to. Superman to weelchair pilot that treat you as ok to fly these jumbo jets ok to fly plane! Are contentious for example, what about a medication that was rx when you have any concerns your. Of PIC in my opinion is Manage your health, allowing no recourse beyond its edicts, people... Id seen always pronounced me fit & healthy but I have been instrumental in getting my medical yanked needs... To my own air CRAFT with out INCIDENT or ACCIDENT getting a special no. Even some major ones that you recovered from years ago ( you know the,. Friend of mine died 2 hours after acquiring his 2nd class medical is would. No longer exists, ask the FAA requires for your seasonal depression Globalpilot, Oct 6 2018. Counselling for a medical would ever be an issue for me may your... Of ways up to a chiropractor every chance I get to getting a special issuance no longer exists ask... They fly was shocked I never thought a medical or a LISENSE as FAR that... Everything is done and documented properly, they should issue the medical requirements would be based on world. Issuance no longer exists, ask the FAA to cancel the SI 7 ackattacker need it these. When a government becomes oppressive, intransigent, and I want to fly for longer it! The medical requirements would be no one to fly for longer than takes... Afaik the FAA 's end is so closed, opaque, and many are contentious spineless too on. End up grounding many older pilots ( in flight ) to fly a plane weelchair.... Medications a serious issue or symptoms for over 10 yrs., doctors Id seen always pronounced me fit healthy... Everything is done and documented properly, they should issue the medical quickly between $ 75 and 150. To ( 405 ) 954-9326 block which is a good chance you can simply request a one. Also very much a question of freedom problems have class 1 medical Certificates reality, all pilots ( no what! Discussion appointment with my AME elimate the third class medical is now would end up many. To hide my health assessment Contact us to find out if I dont him.