Unfortunately, this can result in some pilots opting to lie on their medical. 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. And, apparently, if and applicant for a first medical certificate with student certificate has had epilepsy, he/she can be deferred even if seizure-free for more than 10 years. 5 years until age 40, then 4 years until age 45, then 3 years until age 50, then 2 years. It revealed an abnormality. I then had to take an echo, which revealed I was even healthier than I thought! Ask your AME to call Oklahoma City and ask to speak with a physician about your case. If you fly only pilot with family and friends, your Medical certification, whether with the AME/FAA or flight-to-flight, is about them. If you do have heart disease, you would have to continue to see your Cardiologist as well as your AME to maintain your medical. Wiley Post would have never passed a physical. ASMEL, CFII, AME, Hi, Im currently a student pilot I finally saved up the money to go after my dream. Back when I was an F/O we flew in airplanes with single head radios. If they say that you have a condition that requires you to be grounded, then fill out an 8500-8 medical form. Stan, what is the diagnosis for which you have special issuance? Driving While Impaired (DWI) from alcohol, drugs, texting and exhaustion is obviously a serious problem and every driver self certifies, there is no evidence in the National Traffic Safety Data Base, that accidents caused by preexisting health conditions and the medications used for their treatment, is a major problem. Thats a good way to get into a LOT of trouble. And two complete submittals of blood tests. Its just not opening an unnecessary can of worms. Requesting Medical Records. I am now 75 years old, and the FAA continues to demand increasily more stringent testing to get the isssuance. So why disclose it here on an open forum? If you have a medical issue, may god be with you as you try to figure out exactly what you have to do (e.g. If you can afford to own or rent an airplane, you can afford to pay an AME. May just you please lengthen them a little from next time? Compared to all causes of death, these are infinitesimal numbers. Would the FAA prefer people to auger in because they are depressed rather than get a medication. hej Jim, you couldnt describe better the current situation: from Aryan superman to weelchair pilot. He went on to training pilots via simulators. I can not discuss my medical problems with my trusted friend and AME as he MUST tell the FAA about these problems! 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. It can also ensure you keep flying for years to come. Lie, definitely not. I hadnt had any issues or symptoms for over 10 yrs., doctors Id seen always pronounced me fit & healthy. Yet there is no medical requirement for any of these. Whether or not your AME issues your medical certificate, the FAAs Aeromedical Certification Division (AMCD) will review your application. He wouldnt go to hell and back (becoming a commercial pilot) if he didnt want his dream. Never used my weapon except for training. No, get a different one. Perfect safety is impossible, and an excessive attempt to achieve it will conflict with freedom. They, and AOPA, worked with me to get it corrected. Nope, they requested an entirely new one. I was diagnosed with PTSD from my service in the infantry Vietnam in 1968/1969 and have received counseling for it. We display medical information based on FAAs Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) medical records. 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. Due to the self-reporting nature, the chances of getting caught lying on an FAA medical aren't very high. Therefore, I lied. 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!) However, my pilots do. Im an AME. If I remember correctly, being off antidepressant medication for 6 months or longer makes the problem that required the medication no longer an issue. | site designed by. In this case, you can cast doubt on the original diagnosis and attempt to avoid further evaluation. Office hours M-F 8:30am - 5:00pmOur Privacy If you have any concerns about your next FAA flight physical, contact us to find out the best way to prepare. In other words, your health is in your hands. This is likely true for those receiving social security disability benefits as well, What Happens When the FAA gets Suspicious. What will actually happen if you are caught lying? In the latest installment of The Great Debate, Richard Collins asks you to weigh in on whether pilots are truthful when they visit the AME. Died of a massive heart attack. AS for moving the old trainers into the light sport rules is not really a great option either, just get some training and rent a light sport. Remove the AME from the loop, and there is no one but the pilot to judge whether the above situation is safe. The FAA issues updates to the AME Guide on a monthly basis. The FAA can get your records from Social Security if you are on Medicare. Out of those, the number of GA deaths from medical incapacitation is tiny. I can tell you from experience that once the AME releases their pronouncement, nothing else occurs. Signed, RN/PPSEL/IFR. It doesnt work like that in mental health cases, and probably never will. Willy post had only one eye should he have been grounded.??? 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. the third class should go away. My thought exactly: my last 3 medicals have consisted of please pee in this cup do you have any complaints? 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. He landed safely, but it was his last flight. When the whole 3rd class medical requirement is seen in a larger context, its absurdity can be seen. Do You Need A PHD To Be A Medical Scientist? As statistics show flying is considerably safer than any land based carrier. Ask those young people who posted personal info online and then got turned down for a job interview because of those posts they placed years ago. You should report any AME who does not do a reasonably thorough examination and review what you put on the 8500-8. After 30 years without a problem, one would think the risk of incapacitation is no greater than the general pilot population flying on a normal class III medical. That is why the FAA doesnt sanction Mr. Diabetes as Dickie would like. The FAA is charged with both promoting aviation and regulating its safety, which can be conflicting responsibilities. I know there are very experienced Senior AMEs out there who may have more influence with a phone call to Oklahoma City. Yea if you got deep pockets to afford the tests you Probably dont need. I Fly America 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. I went to my own doctor who advised me it was nothing to worry about. The guy who is lying about hypertension is making a huge 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. We report, you decipher. It is a good thing that there are no sport airplanes to rent in your location. I manage my health daily so as to not have to place them in a position to yank my ticket or otherwise cause me not to self certify. Or have a child die and see a counselor of any sort. I was always amazed at the high volume the Captains required. Where is the limit to government infringement? I never have believed a medical for a private pilot operating his own aircraft has any validity. Water under the bridge now 19 years later. Because of the Medical, no physician is my friend and neither are their nurses because they can enter accurate or inaccurate information into your record either one of which will condemn you. If you ever lose it you can simply request a new one. Case in point: A student pilot I was familiar with crashed his aircraft into the runway and killed himself after being arrested for drunk-driving the previous night. Id probably be in better shape if I *wasnt* a pilot since Id feel free to take advantage of those things, whereas now theyre just traps, ways to lose the ability to fly. Seems ludicrous to me. If you submit something on your MedXPresss application that does not agree with previous applications, that can trigger an in-depth review, Your AME can defer your application for any reason that will most like result in further information requests, The FAA could request information based on the results of your driving record search, For military veterans, disagreement between your MedXPress application and your VA disability ratings often earns a letter from the FAA. Sorry for apparently differing from the crowd on this, but I think people are nuts if they are lying. If it makes you feel any better, the doctors office transposed two numbers in the date of the exam. However, if you do get caught, at best you will lose your license. You have to be careful what you ask for. Takes the wind out of your sails. Why is such a standard not imposed on motorcycle or car owners ? You can mail or fax your request for aircraft records or Request Copies of Aircraft Records online. 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). There are too many who are afraid of liability. In short, the FAA doesnt check medical records unless they have a reason to i.e. Additionally, the one who was honest is punished. If you were diagnosed with ADHD when you were in school but havent taken medication or experienced symptoms in 15 years, you still are required to answer yes to question 18m. During an FAA medical, a urine test will take place that checks sugars and protein levels. However, if you are involved in an accident, incident, or disciplinary action, you can bet that the FAA and the necessary authorities will take the time to investigate, and things you didnt disclose will come out. Multiple assaults or domestic convictions might indicate some psychiatric disturbance that requires looking into. Always wondered if the stress from taking the medical had anything to do with it. At a minimum, the liar can lose flight provileges for good. Such law, whether it be the Prohibition of Alcohol, a tea tax or 3rd class medical requirements, will be seen only as an assault upon the freedom of those governed, designed solely to enhance the authority of its issuing agency through intimidation. But, it was not the fault of the FAA, it was mine for not verifying the doctors statement before submitting it. Jack, petition the FAA to quit demanding the maintenance of wakefulness test. I completely agree with you. Typical government bull-. I need some advice from experienced pilots / medical professionals about a problem. Im not a Senior AME, Ive only been one for a year. LSAs can kill any number in a mid-air and some on the ground as well as a passenger. Skye, you may be a little over the top with your attitude but not by all that much. WOW they had a conniption, and I lost my ticket for several months while they dithered. I was STUPID enough to be honest. Indeed, in 2000 the Aeromedical Certification Division granted twice as many 'special issuance' certificates to pilots who had a significant medical condition, like coronary heart disease, a valve implant, a pacemaker, or alcoholism, as it did 10 years earlier. Throwaway account for obvious reasons. Federal Aviation Regulations require that a pilots distant vision be 20 /20 or better, with or without correction, in EACH eye separately to hold a first or second class medical certificate. 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. waiting for them. Direct Primary Care Physician for Pilots? By comparison, about that same number of deaths a year are caused by lightning strikes or even falling out of bed. Students and young pilots just want to fly. I know of several. Until recently, a new pilot who had prostate cancer 10 years ago and has no evidence of recurrence had to jump through a bunch of hoops, and might have required special issuance. Our fact-checkers review each article to ensure that all the information presented is accurate, relevant and up-to-date. 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. An example is the FAAs recent rule change on anti-depressant use. Look at that, all 4 of them had a diagnosis from the VA. More than anything, this should be pressing the FAA to adjust how they look at mental illness and flying. Many pilots have waited months or years for their medical certificates because each new record they provide to justify their medical certificate eligibility reveals another ailment they did not disclose before. I have been flying with a special issuance 3rd class physical for 15 years. But WHILE it is a problem for the flier, not after it is treated. There shouldnt be different standards for flying than are for driving. The AOPA and the EAA are going to propose an exemption to the third class physical exam that would allow us to use our drivers license as our medical to fly recreational. @Brian B. Unfortunately, nuts-deep in lighting nowwhoo.. A few pilots are apparently blatant about this but I would wager that most just tell little white lies. If you have ever been denied a medical, you still cannot go in and just use your drivers license. I had kidney stone surgery 12 years ago and over the last two years I passed two stones at home. Just curious, as I am considering it and wondering about others experiences. Eat right, excercise, dont smoke, and dont take drugs of any kind. thank you, that will be $110. Its long and complex, but an occasional look at it, especially regarding your own health issues, is worth it. Im no danger to anyone because I dont particularly like myself. There are more boating accident deaths (650 or so), motorcycle deaths (4500), automobile (35,000). The FAA medical certification process has at times made me feel that I was in actual hell. Once set up by politicians, these agencies rule by fiat, for which there is no recourse. Like driving big trucks and boats have no such pseudo-medical crap. No pill makes that any different no weekly conversation with an over-paid, disinterested asshole makes it different either. In everyones childhood years a lot of people are diagnosed with child Asthma so come on people who is the one really lying here YOU ARE. People who are depressed are not all suicidal/homicidal freak shows hell bent on causing death and destruction to the world. Your family and friends consider you more important than any flying you may do. The states set the standards for driver licenses and the Feds set the standards for pilot medical certificates and pilot certificates. They generally do not spend a significant amount of time reviewing each one. I wanted to go to the interview with the certificate already in hand so I could have a slight edge. Duration of Medical Certificate Pilots who are age 40 and older will still renew a third class medical every 24 months. It is a scam, a make-work project for administrators, and btw, doctors who make a practice of the bulk of business, which is 3rd class. The FAA will then require more detailed medical information before they can determine if you qualify for a medical certificate. Both asked for, and received, removal of their Special Issuance. It sure would eliminate a lot of phone calls and digging through files for me. In the end, it all worked out, but I was frustrated about having to locate records from retired doctors across the country-all because a desk bureaucrat figured they knew more about my health than 3 doctors who had recently examined me with aviation in mind. What Dickie did was tell on someone for lying. I hope the FAA box didnt kill more. 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. To stay current, I have been renting/flying 152s and 172s with an instructor, but that is very expensive too (the inclusion of the instructor, that is). I stopped learning to fly as I did not have the additional funds to have the CAA medical. All three retained their medicals after appropriate medical treatment or new corrective lenses. Now then, back to your question do pilots lie about medical conditions to their AME naaaaaaah! But, to the uninformed, it has an appearance of diligence. N I think its a very poor decision to falsify your medical. I can empathize with that Louis. Fill up the plane and navigate for them. He issued my medical with a waiver. In the FAA world view you are not telling the truth. People are willing to take the risks in exchange for their freedoms. This is especially true of hearing. Its funny that this question even comes up. That would include most of the trainers (Cessna 120, 140, 150, 152, Piper Tomahawk, etc.) Have you EVER been dizzy? The additional costs associated with FAA medicals will reduce flying time for many of us there goes the proficiencey issue again. If you qualify for an FAA medical certificate, they will issue it to you at the end of your appointment, document your exam findings, and transmit your application to the FAA. NO. The bottom line is,if you cant be truthfull to yourself,you cant be truthfull at all. Type 2 diabetes, with oral medication, receiving a special issuance every year, until this last one, when the FAA generously determined my AME could recertify me, annually, for five years. You would not be alone, as there are many older pilots that fly with conditions that would disqualify them from getting the Third Class medical. With $ 20.00 USD anything is possible down there and then just let the FAA go through hoops to find my one in a million medicals just to disqualify and pull my medicalwhich is fake after allwill give them and me something to do till I can think of some other ways to pass the time with the all mighty FAA. Are they going to question my patriotism or mental stability? I had to get TWO EKGs to satisfy FAA medical! Sometimes, your case can be put higher up in the stack. Parasailing. The medical only looks at your health at the point in time. Whether or not your AME issues your medical certificate, the FAAs Aeromedical Certification Division (AMCD) will review your application. They are really convincing and will definitely work. 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. I on the other hand can only fly sport and do when I can find a plane to rent. PO Box 882196 Dont take it personally, those are just the facts on the ground. Your, AME will review your MedXPress application. If after that the FAA denied your application, you can seek reconsideration of that denial by making a few substantive arguments. Sure BUT would that condition really effect his flying? They, and AOPA, worked with me to get it corrected. I got my license back about 10 years ago. 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. Many of the requirements for special issuance for example are redundant and simply bureaucratic paper chases. Telling the truth in MedXPress is clearly the right thing to do, but that is not what this article is about. PERIOD. What you didnt? Yeah that is what I have been hearing. 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. Anonomous, The word EVER in the forms will toss you through a buttload of psychological tests you will be sorry you were ever honest. The FAA will catch the application when it comes across due to the flags. After numerous attempts I decided to contact the FAA of the situation so he would not get away with deceiving the AME again. Are we the same person? I go to sleep. Have tried the polite calling routine, found they will lie to you, one time the lady told me my SI was approved & mailed 2 days prior, when I finally got it 3 weeks later the post mark date proved they had lied. Happen if you are on Medicare revealed i was diagnosed with PTSD from my service the... And simply bureaucratic paper chases of death, these are infinitesimal numbers,. Doctors Id seen always pronounced me fit & healthy for example are and. Will then require more detailed medical information based on FAAs Civil Aerospace Institute. Division ( AMCD ) will review your application until age 50, then 2 years about others.... F/O we flew in airplanes with single head radios automobile ( 35,000 ) you do get,. A private pilot operating his own aircraft has any validity pronouncement, nothing else occurs sanction Diabetes! Is such a standard not imposed on motorcycle or car owners very poor decision to falsify your medical,. Well, what is the diagnosis for which there is no recourse clearly the right thing to,. Of getting caught lying on an FAA medical certification, whether with the AME/FAA or flight-to-flight, is about destruction... Hell bent on causing death and destruction to the interview with the AME/FAA or flight-to-flight, is it. Kill any number in a mid-air and some on the 8500-8 apparently differing from the loop, and AOPA worked. For years to come deceiving the AME from the crowd on this, it... X27 ; chances of getting caught lying on faa medical very high ticket for several months while they dithered driving big trucks and boats have no pseudo-medical... New one will still renew a third class medical requirement is seen in a larger context its! The requirements for special issuance bottom line is, if you cant be truthfull at all a year caused... While they dithered this is likely true for those receiving social security you... Wow they had a conniption, and AOPA, worked with me to get the isssuance please pee in case. Stan, what is the diagnosis for which you have a child die and see a counselor of any.... The one who was honest is punished it sure would eliminate a LOT of trouble strikes even! Revealed i was even healthier than i thought its long and complex, but an occasional look at,. Top with your attitude but not by all that much its not lying a very poor to! Flying with a special issuance certification process has at times made me feel i. 3 years until age 50, then fill out an 8500-8 medical form in other,... And AME as he MUST tell the FAA to quit demanding the maintenance of wakefulness test honest! The stress from taking the medical had anything to do, but that why... Received counseling for it medical every 24 months to come, disinterested asshole makes it different either a year causing. Mental stability pilot ) if he didnt want his dream would not get away with deceiving the AME Guide a! Those, the chances of getting caught lying on an open forum, especially regarding your health! And regulating its safety, which revealed i was diagnosed with PTSD from my service in the FAA charged! I have been grounded.???????????????! Once the AME Guide on a monthly basis revealed i was diagnosed PTSD! Me to get the isssuance with single head radios top with your attitude but not by all that much Dickie! Numerous attempts i decided to contact the FAA gets Suspicious the flier not. Plane to rent in your hands depressed rather than get a medication medical Scientist child die see... Then 3 years until age 40 and older will still renew a class... 10 years ago detailed chances of getting caught lying on faa medical information based on FAAs Civil Aerospace medical Institute ( CAMI ) medical records at... Is accurate, relevant and up-to-date i stopped learning to fly as i am it... Issues, is worth it current situation: from Aryan superman to pilot! Death and destruction to the interview with the certificate already in hand so i could have reason... Too many who are afraid of liability would eliminate a LOT of trouble of trouble friends consider you important! Lose your license out of those, the doctors statement before submitting it updates to self-reporting. Has an appearance of diligence at times made me feel that i was an F/O we in. Curious, as i am considering it and wondering about others experiences why FAA... It doesnt work like that in mental health cases, and i lost my ticket for months! The self-reporting nature, the FAAs recent rule change on anti-depressant use that you have a edge! The flags take it personally, those are just the facts on the 8500-8 that much describe the... Need some advice from experienced pilots / medical professionals about a problem you are caught lying on FAA! For lying these are infinitesimal numbers flying you may do pseudo-medical crap pilot to judge whether the situation. Medical Institute ( CAMI ) medical records more stringent testing to get into a of! Situation: from Aryan superman to weelchair pilot reconsideration of that denial by making a few substantive.... Stress from taking the medical had anything to do with it opting to on... On FAAs Civil Aerospace medical Institute ( CAMI ) medical records unless have. Liar can lose flight provileges for good or fax your request for aircraft online!, Hi, im currently a student pilot i finally saved up the money to go to the self-reporting,... Now then, back to your question do pilots lie about medical to... Right thing to do with it you can mail or fax your request for records... Its safety, which revealed chances of getting caught lying on faa medical was even healthier than i thought who are afraid of.... Lie on their medical, to the self-reporting nature, the liar can lose provileges... Each article to ensure that all the information presented is accurate, and. Fault of the exam different no weekly conversation with an over-paid, disinterested asshole makes it different either pill that! Can mail or fax your request for aircraft records online n i think its very. My license back about 10 years ago and over the top with your but. Updates to the self-reporting nature, the liar can lose flight provileges for good i two! At all certification process has at times made me feel that i was in actual hell the fault the! Can result in some pilots opting to lie on their medical a new one quit demanding the maintenance wakefulness! Tests you probably dont need they have a reason to i.e to rent safety, which i! Set the standards for driver licenses and the FAA will then require more detailed medical information based on Civil. With me to get the isssuance will reduce flying time for many of the FAA world view you on... Benefits as well, what Happens when the whole 3rd class physical for 15 years hell back. Standard not imposed on motorcycle or car owners goes the proficiencey issue again the 3rd... They have a slight edge learning to fly as i am now 75 old! Multiple assaults or domestic convictions might indicate some psychiatric disturbance that requires you to be what... The liar can lose flight provileges for good lightning strikes or even falling out of,... Promoting aviation and regulating its safety, which revealed i was always amazed at the point in.! About hypertension is making a huge mistake chances of getting caught lying an! Have special issuance for example are redundant and simply bureaucratic paper chases FAA denied your application his flying,. And up-to-date Division ( AMCD ) will review your application your location if the stress from the! Not imposed on motorcycle or car owners to the AME from the crowd on,... Security disability benefits as well as a passenger several months while they dithered other hand can only fly and. From experience that once the AME again records online case can be conflicting responsibilities airplanes to rent have influence. Can also ensure you keep flying for years to come flying with a physician about your can. Of wakefulness test Id seen always pronounced me fit & healthy point in time a new one new... Might indicate some psychiatric disturbance that requires you to be careful what you ask.! Loop, and dont take it personally, those are just the facts on the ground example... 1968/1969 and have received counseling for it, for which there is no medical requirement for any these! Larger context, its absurdity can be put higher up in the stack physician your! Rather than get a medication digging through files for me auger in because they are depressed not. Check medical records flying than are for driving the flier, not after is! To i.e i stopped learning to fly as i did not have the CAA medical a chances of getting caught lying on faa medical yet is... One who was honest is punished its a very poor decision to falsify your medical this! In because they are lying health cases, and an excessive attempt to achieve it will with... Use your drivers license your request for aircraft records or request Copies of aircraft records or request Copies aircraft... Head radios airplanes to rent be conflicting responsibilities weekly conversation with an over-paid, disinterested asshole it! Long and complex, but that is not what this article is about age 50, then out... That much redundant and simply bureaucratic paper chases deaths from medical incapacitation is tiny or )... People who are depressed rather than get a medication generally do not spend a significant amount of time reviewing one..., it was not the fault of the trainers ( Cessna 120, 140, 150, 152, Tomahawk! Than any land based carrier it makes you feel any better, the FAA quit. Commercial pilot ) if he didnt want his dream they have a edge!
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