Why do we have a federal bureaucracy policing such a low number of casualties? The FAA gives final denial to only 0.01% of applications. These are a few of the most frequently asked questions pilots have concerning the FAA and their medical certificate. 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. I dont know for a fact other pilots lie on their medical, but pretty sure some I know do. Some do it by mistake. Glider pilots, balloon pilots, and lately sport pilots have proven statistically that there is no reason to have the third class medical at all. But missing information will simply cause delays and more work; the medical examiner and/or the FAA's Aeromedical Certification Division in Oklahoma City, Okla., won't process an incomplete form. Its about cooperating with your doc so you can keep doing what you love. This is just as important an issue as the proverbial get homeitis problem so many flyers seem to have. R: Sleep Apnea. Always wondered if the stress from taking the medical had anything to do with it. That resulted in the rejection of my 2010 medical! Duration of Medical Certificate Pilots who are age 40 and older will still renew a third class medical every 24 months. According to Dr. Guillermo J. Salazar, the federal flight surgeon for the Southwest Region, applicants filling out Form 8500-8 often skip Block 17, which asks about medications, rather than spill the beans. It has caused unnecessary pain and inhibits its mission to promote aviation. Hes very consciencious, and does not tolerate much in the way of obfuscation, at which he appears to be very good at spotting. If your nephew had his medical denied for 10 years, he must have been found to have epilepsy. They are busy guarding the barn only after the horse is back inside. Regardless of whether they lie or not, the system seems to be working there seem to be very few (if any) crashes or incidents related to pilot incapacitation that they FAA/NTSB can point to a problem that should have come in a medical. 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. Some of the disqualifying conditions are definitely going to keep someone from getting a medical certificate, but these are illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. good for 2 years. While not endorsing that, it is understandable at the emotional level. your PIC in the Cockpit might have the most serious medical condition, but will never no it thats why the federal government made the HIPPA law. However, when it comes to flying without another capable pilot on board.only friends and family..that is another matter. Not much of a medical exam, if you ask me. However, if you do get caught, at best you will lose your license. Policy I have a perfect driving record,clean medical history,and also a clean criminal history. I really want to fly but Im not sure my passion, not to mention my wallet, will be enough to get me through this process. Dont take it personally, those are just the facts on the ground. One will get a license. Is the time and expense involved worth it? Make a copy of the original and keep that in a safe place. One just hopes that the untruths are regarding minor medical issues they feel will disqualify them that wont compromise their safety as well as all others around them. However, if you do get caught, at best you will lose your license. I completely agree with you. I would respect them more if they screened for problems and helped people cure them, rather than go over the hill with a knee jerk reaction. The FAA is not there to police, but to screen, monitor, and facilitate the safety of the public with respect to aviation. But, sooner or later, most pilots will develop a medical condition that they cannot hide. He started his career working with his father, Leighton Collins, at the original Air Facts magazine. Who gave the FAA the power to stop pilots from flying because they take antidepressants? RE: Wiley Post. Anonomous, I hid it from the FAA for 12 years They found out I didnt disclose it and revoked ALL my certificates ATP multi-single engine land, Commercial rotorcraft and glider as well as all my flight instructor certificates. Its not lying its letting them find out, which would probably never happen unless something came out about it. But a private pilot should be able to fly his Cessna on a weekend without the 3rd class physical. Specifically, those questions are question 17 (the question about current use of medications), question 18m (the question about mental disorders of any sort), and question 19 (the question about visits to healthcare professionals in the past 3 years). You have to be careful what you ask for. I have not had any problems since the bypass, medication is limited to a daily asprin, and have passed all the required tests each year. I have also been on a special issuance First Class Medical for three years now. With a small investment of time and energy, in the beginning, it is possible to keep flying with most medical conditions as long as they are well controlled. I've known guys who've cheated the system but have never heard of anyone in or close to my circle of pilot frinds who've had any aeromedical violation investigations. Heres a guy who was never diagnosed with depression or showed any signs of it, but still completed the act so feared by these administrators. Many of the changes result in the easing or clarifying the rules for AMEs to follow. You get caught lying on a medical, they'll do a lot more than just bust your balls. About a week before I was suppose to be soloed I went for my medical and was told by my AME that I cant fly because I take adderal. FAA gets told one version of the story. Yet there is no medical requirement for any of these. The FAA will then require more detailed medical information before they can determine if you qualify for a medical certificate. Not only is the medical certificate process flawed, so is the new AOPA iniative. That would include most of the trainers (Cessna 120, 140, 150, 152, Piper Tomahawk, etc.) When that happens, your whole medical history will come under review. I think its a very poor decision to falsify your medical. I was shocked I never thought a medical would ever be an issue for me. So, the medical certification process has greatly reduced my joy. Wish I would have! First, if youve not taken a disqualifying medication for greater than 90 days, you can potentially argue to the FAA that your underlying diagnosis was not accurate to begin with. I am very curious. I was always amazed at the high volume the Captains required. For what do you have special issuance? Make the FAA do a special issue for every single pilot in the country. No pill makes that any different no weekly conversation with an over-paid, disinterested asshole makes it different either. Commercial pilots, or military pilots or leisure pilots may have lied during their lifetimes, but it is unfair to only single out the pilots. There are more boating accident deaths (650 or so), motorcycle deaths (4500), automobile (35,000). No problem there both were on the approved list (most are). Im not a Senior AME, Ive only been one for a year. An airline pilot may have 500 passengers aboard while flying under stringent IFR conditions. On the other hand, the 3rd class questionnaire seems more like screening for However, a few years later when I needed to take a 2nd class physical, I could not pass because of the hearing problem and the AMI made an appointment for me with the FAAs regional medical representative. They even asked me are you sure you never had epilepsy attacks?. The AME is there to help you get a medical LEGALLY when you have one or more disqualifying conditions. Unfortunately, this can result in some pilots opting to lie on their medical. They, and AOPA, worked with me to get it corrected. Never used my weapon except for training. Most get grounded for a year? Anymore stringent than the First Class Medical is now would end up grounding many older pilots. My question is what are they doing in order to get caught. I showed him on the form. I have no problem with the current system. you disclose something that warrants further information or investigation, or something happens to you like an accident, incident, or disciplinary action which the FAA will then thoroughly investigate. 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. There is so much hearing loss among the older pilot population, but current practices do not do much more than whisper a question when not facing the pilot. He exists to remove one of the joys of my life. They came within 2 weeks of revoking my medical. He had diabetes. We are equally desiring of our freedom, but because we are a small group, the bureaucracy can get away with it. In short, the FAA doesnt check medical records unless they have a reason to i.e. 3. 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. Yes its very rare for someone to have heart attack or neurological brain seizure in flight. If the FAA wants to do the medical process it should be strictly for airlines or commercial pilots for the first and second class medical. You just hit a key to the problem. Fess and get a special issuance if necessary. I started flying and was completely awe-stricken. Pedestrian deaths 5300 There are hardly any crashes or incidents related to pilot incapacitation and if there were the FAA or NTSB would have expressed grave concerns. There shouldnt be different standards for flying than are for driving. They are actually almost the same as for Third Class. I need some advice from experienced pilots / medical professionals about a problem. All content is fact-checked before publication. I lost some respect for FAA there. I went to my own doctor who advised me it was nothing to worry about. Re test. He had me sit where I could not see him so that I could not tell when he hit the switch that turned on the tone I was required to listen for. 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. In fact, as I write this, I see over on the corner of my screen a tweet entitled Older pilots are safe pilots. But it doesnt because the public wouldnt tolerate it. So at least the medical makes we go for a check up. I really pity the career guys and Ive only got the blues; Itd be awful to have to balance my future employment against my future health. And two complete submittals of blood tests. Instead, they send a letter asking for more information from you and your doctors. We train for emergencies and stalls etc. but that wasnt good enough for the FAA, they require me to spend a pile of money EVERY YEAR to get a SI, and then it takes Oklahoma City 3-4 months to okay it while I sit effectively grounded (adding insult to injury!) Society cares little about helping people with mood disorders beyond marginalizing them and throwing them into a risk factor category and dismissing their issues. the third class should go away. The application states once hired you must obtain a class 2 medical cert How did the terrorists that crashed into the twin towers pass a medical that I failed for COUNSELING??! We display medical information based on FAAs Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) medical records. I WAS A BIRD DOG PILOT IN VIETNAM FOR 3+ YEARS WHEN I WAS SENT TO THE DECK BY SMALL ARMS FIRE. Risk is a price of freedom. If after that the FAA denied your application, you can seek reconsideration of that denial by making a few substantive arguments. You definitely need to be in pretty good shape physically and mentally to be PIC, but I am really discouraged by the heavy-handed, intrusive, and IMHO borderline incompetent way the special issuance process works. Note, denial is different from deferral. They will also review how your current application compares to the ones you have submitted in the past and your driving record. I HAVE NEVER ACTUALLY TRIED FOR A MEDICAL OR A LISENSE AS FAR AS THAT GOES. You actually do have a point and I think the same thing sometimes if people want to be private pilots they shouldnt even have to carry a third class medical just their drivers license. I am hoping that they do the right thing when it comes to my health assessment. The problem is I was diagnosed with ADHD back when I was about 9. Everyone should say they have been dizzy. I think ill just go to Mexico and get a falsified medical. Ultimately, if you have a condition that you know will result in denial, become a sport pilot. I think that FAA should be concerned about this difficulty in people. Also, if I lose my medical, Id save a ton of money on flying and could retire a good 10-15 years earlier! The entire aeromedical FAA staff can go kill themselves for all I care. I lost my 2012 medical cert in Istanbul, and make the mistake of sending the FAA form requesting a duplicate. As a pilot for over 13 years and now an AME as of this month, I understand your concern. That is an entirely different responsibility that warrants a real physical exam. At worse, you may face a hefty fine or even criminal prosecution. John is a Certified Flight Instructor, who for the past decade, has worked at flight schools teaching students of all ages how to fly and takes enormous pride and satisfaction seeing his students become licensed pilots. I took medication for years, before I decided I didn't like and chose to stop taking meds (with my parents). That is when the truth will come out. It may be that some of you folks are not involved as subcontractors to the Airframe manufacturers. The FAA processes close to 400,000 flight physicals every year. On the part of most pilots here its not lying. Due to the self-reporting nature, the chances of getting caught lying on an FAA medical arent very high. Yes I can agree even thought I am a pilot right now I do want to work for the airlines one day so I will need a first class which I currently hold. My own doctor sent me to the local hospital who cleared me and found nothing wrong. 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. I can get it back, but I have to go through a fairly extensive bureaucratic morass to recover it, then jump through extra hoops over the years to keep it. And on the other hand we have people like the pilot mentioned in J. Mac McClellans article Too Many Risks in the May 2012 issue of Sport Aviation who out right lied about his substance use and abuse. This is especially true of hearing. Bluskye, the FAA does not have the personnel to handle things quickly.. Pilot Health - Should I not disclose this on my FAA medical? Im no danger to anyone because I dont particularly like myself. I think the medical is about to date as traveling by the hose & buggy. When that syndrome is cured, much of what is wrong at FAA will be cured. Hey Guys as you know there is nothing private on the internet. G E King, Give blood, nope, they do tests on it, might find something. Pilots aged 50 and older also have an intermediate visual standard measured at 32 of 20/40 or better in each eye separately. Few people have memory of everything diagnosed as a child, how many appoinments one has been to in the last 3 years, or even knowledge of what the doctor has put in your medical record. I have been screwing around with Oklahoma City since May 2010 and I still really have not made a very big dent towards my certification. Its mode of travel, the air, makes it a lot more divertable than stuck to a road, and should make it safer, Especially as opposed to the majority of motor home drivers, that are in their later stages of life, howling down the freeway at 70 miles per hour in bumper to bumper traffic. Next, instead of the Class 3 Medical Certificate being good for 5 years until age 40 when it decreases to 2 years, make the decrease more gradual. They are really convincing and will definitely work. You and I both know our government never needs to justify their efforts.lol. FAA Current Detailed Clinical Progress Notes. I just recently got my Cat 1 medical, and honestly the doctor is pretty thorough when it comes to examining his patient, everything from blood pressure to ECG. I dont feel it would be correct to try to hide a condition from these people. Do you need to have 20/20 vision to be a pilot? I fly a Cirrus, my wife knows how to pull the parachute. People who are depressed are not all suicidal/homicidal freak shows hell bent on causing death and destruction to the world. If they used MODERN medicine and common sense then I would have no problem with them. In my case I have never lied, but if Im at risk of loosing my license for a medical condition that is under control I might do that also. As John and Dickie do point out, there are rules and hence bureaucracy in place to protect the masses. If you have a FAA medical denial for ADHD, call your aviation attorney at The Ison Law Firm for a consultation. Ive been prescribed them, but have stopped taking them simply due to the fact that they are useless and I see no point in continuing to pour money down the drain for nothing. As you say does nothing to hinder my ability to fly a plane in anyway, but the FAA says is not allowed, SO. Ultimately, a FAA medical denial for ADHD is almost never the end of the road for an airman. How is THAT not a red flag to someone??? How does the FAA find out what medications you are on? FAX your completed Request for Airman Medical Records Form to (405) 954-9326. If you have not needed counselling for a year or more (maybe less) and are not taking an antidepressant, get a note from your counsellor and take it with you to the appoint with the AME. Age is only a number. Someday you might actually have a problem you cannot hide. 2years ago my nephew a commercial flight captain had an in flight blackout he has been seen by several neurological specialists who can find nothing wrong but he has been told he cannot fly commercially until he has been clear for ten years is this correct and is there anything he can do. All other patients was sick, so sick but pilots healthy, so healthy. It is a good thing that there are no sport airplanes to rent in your location. The relative numbers of fatalities in all of General Aviation (GA) vs those from other causes. Politicians create government agencies empowered to rule by edict. I refer them to my TMI rule; if it was transient, dont say it. It came to a point that he was landing one night at a major airport, and on descent he realized that he couldnt see the runway. Maybe I misunderstood the content regarding flagging his file, maybe this is an appropriate means of discipline, they did not elaborate. Never happens! He proceeded to read off the list and after a half dozen items to which I responded No, he said You wouldnt tell me if you had any of these, would you? I lost my younger years flying and now the hoopes I have to jump through is unbeleveable.I really love flying but the government can take the privelage away its not right. Until the rules change, abide by them, and make sure you self monitor. So do we really want 10+% of our commercial pilots to be flying with untreated major depressive disorders? In-case if you ever get into an accident the FAA/NTSB will look through all your medical history and do a thorough check on that pilot meaning they want to look at every doctor visit and all medications you have been on. Because you were probably the kid who sat at the front of the classroom and said yes teacher whatever you want teacher. Such disorders might be genetic. 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. I suffer from multiple personality disorder, but all of the voices affirm they are qualified pilots. Brian is absolutely right. Thus by forcing pilots to avoid medical treatment, in order to protect their medical certificate, the FAA actually promotes ill health and thus diminishes safety. Be cured you get a falsified medical result in some pilots opting to lie on their.... 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