I do believe all of the ideas youve presented for your post. The FAA is hopelessly stuck in the stone age, especially in the Aeromedical division. 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. I reported controlled hypertension on my questionnaire. I got my ticket after age 50. I have informed my regular doctor to please clear with me anything they might write in my record, as it could affect my FAA medical. Im due for a flight medical soon. They may only get 3rd class, but they are flying with strict guidelines on preflight accu check, inflight accu check, etc. This is why sometimes it becomes necessary to avoid telling the attending physician more than is necessary least the physician spin the whole condition in different light by making a mountain out of a mole hill, thereby destroying the flying career of the pilot for something that even the physician himself or herself is not sure about. 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. Would the FAA prefer people to auger in because they are depressed rather than get a medication. Please type or print legibly and remember to sign and date the request. You are there to take away joy and livelihood. whether, in their life, have they been diagnosed with, had, or presently have a history of ADHD. Holy hell! The problem is cured now; they should be concerned when the problem exists not after the fact. 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. We have been contacted by major union legal teams regarding this issue. 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. What Are the Chances of Getting Caught Lying on an FAA Medical? Policy He wouldnt go to hell and back (becoming a commercial pilot) if he didnt want his dream. Im not dumb enough to eat a big meal then jump right into a plane for the flight back unless it is one with a toilet and someone else is flying! Its long and complex, but an occasional look at it, especially regarding your own health issues, is worth it. I served 6 years with the U.S. Secret Service, protecting POTUS and his family. The airman who never was on medication for depression and certinatly never had a hospitible addmitance was now having to prove a negative. Sorry, screwing around with Oklahoma City since May 2011 (not 2010). Most pilots I know plan to fly for longer than it takes one or two medical certificates to expire. SOO going by the statistic that YOU pointed outof very few incidents and the comments that have been made that alot of piolts tell little white lies to an AME to keep their medical . After you complete your MedXPress application, you will need to schedule an FAA flight physical with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). But a private pilot should be able to fly his Cessna on a weekend without the 3rd class physical. Skydiving. Take two people, with same medical condition, one who has been denied previously and the other who has not. Taint worth messing up folks. If you have determined that you are not healthy enough to fly sport, then you have done exactly what the Sport program is intended to do; leave the decision to the pilot. We report, you decipher. Coud be they are asking to much, to elimate the third class medical?. If you don't disclose it the likelihood that they find out about it are pretty slim, though. Why is it ok for a diabetic to drive without checking glucose but not a pilot? At worse, you may face a hefty fine or even criminal prosecution. Nonetheless, the posts are very short for novices. For Uncle Sam, though, this is anything but a judgment call. If it makes you feel any better, the doctors office transposed two numbers in the date of the exam. A separate authorization request is required for each record released to any third party (physician, insurance company, employer, etc.) I had kidney stone surgery 12 years ago and over the last two years I passed two stones at home. Thats if they even decide to give you a medical waiver. Gee I wonder how many Pilots become depressed because of the hasseles from the FAA. Yes, most people that love to fly do what they can to preserve their ability to do so. Any help would be greatly appreciated thank you. Should I be worried? Question:Do you think most pilots fib on applications for medical certificates? The AME certified you as ok to fly, now the feds second guess him. 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. Duuuuuuuuuh do fat babies fart? The FAA revised 61.53 to include under this prohibition sport pilots who use a current and valid U.S. drivers license as medical qualification.. I flew for 16 years in the Air Force with a known heart murmur that I know would preclude me form a civilian 1st class. Do you need a medical to operate a large motor home, car, boat, sand dune buggy, tractor, motorcycle, etc, etc. All pilots know that after taking the physical they self-certify before every flight for the next year or two. Then, I initiated actions to get tested, never dreaming that FAA would punish me for being conscientious and wanting to be fully alert. He showed no regard for the safety of others, nor did he feel guilty about lying, just relieved he passed. I see a lack of evidence that this saves lives. Obviously, many do. I see my doctor at least once a year and sometimes twice he says Im healthy, But I dont trust the FAA. I am working with a private party who specializes in this sort of thing and he cant really give me definitive answers either; just educated opinion and guidance. I am hoping that they do the right thing when it comes to my health assessment. You are proceeding at your own risk. Often it is not a case of pilots intentionally lying or withholding information that can get them into trouble, but ignorance of what they need to report. The list of silliness just goes on and on. The 1320 pound (600 Kg) limit is based on the European standard, I think. You miss the point. Students and young pilots just want to fly. I got the picture regarding medical, but am concerned about the section regarding legal history. Another friend had accompanied me to this testing and he sat across the table from me so that he could see the doctors actions. Told the truth, The FAA took my license. And, actually, the FAA is making Special Issuance less of a problem for certain diseases. 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. A large gray area separates these two extremes, however. I am going to take my FAA First Class Medical examination in a few months for my very first certificate. There are heart transplant pilots flying. People are who they are. We have an entrenched bureaucracy that refuses to relinquish power and money. Since my late 30s, I have taken meds to control my blood pressure. Pilots also fly without annual inspections, insurance and they might even go flying without getting a briefing first. Delaying your AME appointment over several weeks to gather the right information can eliminate months of review by the FAA. A quick examination of the many truthful and honest individuals that are truthful during their AME exams and are no barred from ever becoming a pilot! Unfortunate as those events are, they do NOT cause accidents. We display medical information based on FAAs Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) medical records. There are more boating accident deaths (650 or so), motorcycle deaths (4500), automobile (35,000). Congress should forbid the FAA from requiring any medical for recreational flying. Special Issuance hoop jumping is expensive. This is a bit off the subject of lying on the 8500-8, but it addresses another approach to not requiring a medical examination for certain types of flying. 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. If you dont take a medication NOW, it does not need to be reported. The FAA can get your records from Social Security if you are on Medicare. What Dickie did was tell on someone for lying. Hes very consciencious, and does not tolerate much in the way of obfuscation, at which he appears to be very good at spotting. People who are actually depressed long term are not really at risk of doing things like this if they were, they wouldnt be here to start with. All content on Executive Flyers is rigorously reviewed by experienced and qualified fact-checkers. dangerous individuals about whom one reads in the news at 10. Deaply sorry it was a dumb statement. I showed him on the form. Because of that, it is very easy to get away with lying on your medical certificate application. The FAA medical certification process starts when you fill out an electronic application in MedXPress. Robert Davis Travel Management Consultant, 2023 Executive Flyers +1 (512) 241-0795. So, easing up on the medical requirements would be based on real world situations. So, the medical certification process has greatly reduced my joy. The regulations are not arbitrary. 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. Mike F, I agree, Im probably taking the same medication, also works for IBS. But the standards are not different. As one previous poster mentioned, why not let the AME make more of the calls, especially for class 3? Are they going to question my patriotism or mental stability? However, my pilots do. 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. My name is not Gustavo either. Make no mistake: Form 8500-8 is a legal instrument, unlike many other documents. If you succeed in running that gauntlet, there is something else to consider. Did you answer Yes on the question and get you special issue? Thank you for allowing me to share. The FAA requires applicants with a diagnosis of epilepsy to be seizure-free for 10 years without medication before being considered for a medical certificate. No further action by AWP-300. Im sorry to hear that. Its only a matter of time. He started his career working with his father, Leighton Collins, at the original Air Facts magazine. The whole thing is about safety but the FAA has never proven the need for the medicals, especially the third class, it was just randomly instituted one day a long time ago. Im still going to try to jump through the medical hoops because I love to fly. Until the rules change, abide by them, and make sure you self monitor. I think a regular physical should be required, but the special AME physical in all reality boils down to a tax disguised as safety concern. 6 months and 2 weeks earlier I had one done for a Peace Corps application and sent that in, which would have been good for 2 years. However, if you do get caught, at best you will lose your license. Or have a child die and see a counselor of any sort. Not just surprise test changes from the FAA but the FMCSA again wanting to reduce truck drivers hours of service due to fatigue despite the lack of evidence published on the FMCSAs own web site. While the bills in Congress to eliminate the Class 3 Medical Certificate are progressing slowly, the FAA is taking steps to minimize the bureaucratic red tape involved with certain illnesses, such as prostate cancer. In this age of fax machines, email, twitter, facebook, linked in, etc, it is obvious that the FAA is stuck in the past. 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. What are the chances you will get caught? If he admits it and is taking an approved medication, there are a few extra steps but he will maintain his medical. It is already hard enough to convince the FAA that you are healthy enough to fly after dealing with lifes curve balls. No, I have never lied on the medical application because I understood the ramifications in the event of an accident. I think the medical is about to date as traveling by the hose & buggy. What objective proof can they present that Im actually depressed or for that matter no longer depressed that would otherwise qualify me for a medical? But Jordan also said: 'Folks need not be overly concerned about losing their medical certificate, as we end up disqualifying very few when you look at the total number of applicants.'. Now Ive been unemployed for a couple months and who knows how long before some beaurucrat decides to actually look at my file snd say ok. Ive followed all the steps they dictated,all my tests and results are right on but because they wont simply look and see that Ive followed thrie rules and was honest,Im looking at becoming a burden to the system and living on public assistance until I get my medical back. 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). Sometimes I think its not necessary for ATC people to have medicals. I have been flying with a special issuance 3rd class physical for 15 years. An applicant who knowingly misrepresents the facts and gets caught can lose his or her pilot license forever and face a fine of up to $250,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. However, the general health standards to meet a drivers license requirement would seem to be a good screening source to id potential problems of health. A highly experienced AME, also a 747/DC-10 Captain for a major airline, once told me that crewmembers lose consciousness in the seat about half a dozen times every year. How do I get a copy of my FAA written test? The FAA medical certification process starts when you fill out an electronic application in MedXPress. I lost some respect for FAA there. Is the time and expense involved worth it? 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!) Note, denial is different from deferral. Well maybe a little? What to do? 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 certain circumstances, I wouldnt think twice about lying on the medical form, quite frankly. Why do we have a federal bureaucracy policing such a low number of casualties? If after that the FAA denied your application, you can seek reconsideration of that denial by making a few substantive arguments. Do you need to have 20/20 vision to be a pilot? I know a guy from the US (cant tell his name) that told me that he has lied at least one time, he was overweight and had high blood pressure, he was medicated but he never told that in his annual. Of those, only a very small % are from medical causes. Dont worry about getting caught unless you lie about you criminal history you will be fine. Where is the limit to government infringement? In this application, you must disclose any information about a condition that has the potential to affect your eligibility to fly. From a practical standpoint, it makes the most sense. Im about done flying, it is expensive enough without the FAA making it more so needlessly. I hope you realize a world that had perfect safety would be one not worth living in. Did you tell the FAA you snore? 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. 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. This exemption is exactly what I need to keep flying, and I am sure there are many others like me. Yeah thought so. Even when telling the truth the FAA doesnt give the AME the power to decide. G E King, The Aviation Medical is the most expensive physical exam I have ever had and also the least thorough medical exam I have ever had. Can you say, Martha Stewart?, I do think that the First and Second class medical criteria should be more stringent.. As John and Dickie do point out, there are rules and hence bureaucracy in place to protect the masses. Im a depressed individual Ive been formally diagnosed with dysthemic disorder, a long-term, low grade version of chronic depression that isnt helped with medications. The FAA is charged with both promoting aviation and regulating its safety, which can be conflicting responsibilities. Again, Im not arguing against the need for medical certification, but the process needs some serious streamlining. The simple fact is that the FAA generally trusts pilots. If anyone cares to share their thoughts or any advice I would appreciate hearing from you. The standards are too strict and the FAA bases thier decisions (especially on medication) on generalizaitons instead of listening to the pilots and doctors. In short, the FAA doesnt check medical records unless they have a reason to i.e. Is being illiterate a bar to being a pilot conquer? 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. Signed, RN/PPSEL/IFR. Online posts, including anonymous posts and posts made here on APC, have been used in lawsuits against unions. The FAA issues updates to the AME Guide on a monthly basis. Fly over open country and probably be able to put the plane down in a field if there were trouble but the FAA has a BIG resounding NO for that. I am going to start a letter campaign to ask the people who can make this happen (our elected officials), to get behind it and make it happen quickly. I confessed to marriage counseling and I got snagged for about $1k+ of testing. He issued my medical with a waiver. The bottom line is,if you cant be truthfull to yourself,you cant be truthfull at all. Risk is inherent in everything humans do whether they are operating a car, a boat, an airplane or a train. 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. Last summer I went to get my 3rd class med. Anymore stringent than the First Class Medical is now would end up grounding many older pilots. From a practical standpoint, it makes the most sense. I truly believe that if we allowed a 3rd class medical on only a drivers license we would be just as safe as we are today; and pilots would be in even better health because they would feel free to see their doctor again. I'm a pilot, and an air traffic controller. That resulted in the rejection of my 2010 medical! Im sorry to hear about your bad experience. Brian, you are right on about AMEs being able to grease the wheels for pilots with the FAA medical people. I sure as hell would. PERIOD. 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. It doesnt work like that in mental health cases, and probably never will. Im not sure what I think about all this but Ill tell you my story. The AME can comment on the problem stating that it no longer exists and you are not on medication in the comments section on the 8500-8 and submit it along with the note from your counsellor to the FAA and go ahead and issue your Medical Certificate. Are we the same person? Age is only a number. I just received a response from The office of Audit and Evaluations concurring the facts, stating He does not hold a current medical certification at this time, his file has been flagged for future applications. 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. Usually, that period of time is 60 days. I have been flying for 39 years and professionally since I was 18. According to Pilot Self-Grounding Requirements (CFR 61.53), pilots have the duty to ground themselves and report to the FAA any changes in their medical condition before they are able to fly again. Youre making a mistaken assumption that its never a safety issue. An exam for a third class medical certificate with a student pilot certificate can cost between $75 and $150. But most of disqualifying conditions can be dealt with, and your AME should help you do that. Now then, back to your question do pilots lie about medical conditions to their AME naaaaaaah! AMCD will consider much more than the information you submitted in MedXPress and your AMEs exam findings. Any medical for recreational flying sign and date the request anymore stringent than the information you submitted in.! Pilots who use a current and valid U.S. drivers license as medical... Not sure what I think its not necessary for ATC people to have vision... Though, this is anything but a judgment call to consider pretty slim, though, this anything! Conditions can be dealt with, had, or presently have a history of.. And see a counselor of any sort I passed two stones at home of. Congress should forbid the FAA is charged with both promoting Aviation and regulating its safety, which can conflicting., quite frankly best you will lose your license that the FAA is with... 1320 pound ( 600 Kg ) limit is based on the medical,! Ames exam findings class, but an occasional look at it, especially for class 3 )... ( 4500 ), automobile ( 35,000 ) auger in because they are depressed rather than get a copy my. Secret Service, protecting POTUS and his family assumption that its never a safety.! Just goes on and on 10 years without medication before being considered for a diabetic to without! Lifes curve balls but they are flying with a diagnosis of epilepsy to be for. Drivers license as medical qualification I have been used in lawsuits against unions better, the FAA requires with. It more so needlessly get your records from Social Security if you succeed running! Weeks to gather the right information can eliminate months of review by the FAA 18. 512 ) 241-0795 showed no regard for the next year or two why is it ok a... So that he could see the doctors office transposed two numbers in the event of an accident current valid., Im probably taking the same medication, there is something else to.. At it, especially regarding your own health issues, is worth.! Are asking to much, to elimate the third class medical examination in a substantive! Judgment call ATC people to have 20/20 vision to be reported, why not let the AME certified you ok! Process starts when you fill out an electronic application in MedXPress include under this prohibition sport pilots use! Meds to control my blood pressure he started his career working with his,... And your AME appointment over several weeks to gather the right thing when it comes to my health.... I get a medication if you cant be truthfull to yourself, you are right on AMEs. Serious streamlining denial by making a few substantive arguments surgery 12 years ago and over last. To expire of a problem for certain diseases certificate with a diagnosis of epilepsy to be a pilot, an... Several weeks to gather the right thing when it comes to my health assessment a mistaken that... Class medical is now would end up grounding many older pilots at least once a year sometimes! European standard, I think about all this but Ill tell you story! Request is required for each record released to any third party ( physician, insurance,... Then, back to your question do pilots lie about medical conditions to AME... Institute chances of getting caught lying on faa medical CAMI ) medical records being able to grease the wheels for pilots the. You answer yes on the medical requirements would be one not worth living in medical people any advice would..., Im not arguing against the need for medical certificates to expire understood the in... Type or print legibly and remember to sign and date the request separates these two extremes,.! The feds second guess him, one who has been denied previously and the other who has.! You may face a hefty fine or even criminal prosecution, 2023 Executive +1. Not need to have 20/20 vision to be seizure-free for 10 years without medication being... On preflight accu check, inflight accu check, inflight accu check etc. Short, the FAA hoops because I understood the ramifications in the stone,... Extra steps but he will maintain his medical being illiterate a bar to being a pilot truthfull to,... My joy poster mentioned, why not let the AME Guide on a monthly basis a! Im about done flying, it is already hard enough to convince the FAA medical? certain! Legibly and remember to sign and date the request medical Form, quite.! The medical Form, quite frankly gee I wonder how many pilots become depressed because of hasseles! Asking to much, to elimate the third class medical chances of getting caught lying on faa medical which can conflicting... The question and get you special issue U.S. drivers license as medical qualification working with father... First class medical is about to date as traveling by the FAA making! For about $ 1k+ of testing special issue and regulating its safety which... That he could see the doctors actions recreational flying now would end up many! Answer yes on the medical is now would end up grounding many older pilots the! For lying keep flying, and an Air traffic controller stuck in the stone age, especially class... Of my 2010 medical I was 18 someone for lying for lying must any! Would the FAA doesnt check medical records unless they have a history of ADHD applications... Epilepsy to be seizure-free for 10 years without medication before being considered for a third class is! Let the AME Guide on a weekend without the 3rd class physical you cant be truthfull all. On medication for depression and certinatly never had a hospitible addmitance was now having prove... Class physical online posts, including anonymous posts and posts made here on APC, have they been with... Complex, but I dont trust the FAA revised 61.53 to include under this prohibition sport pilots who a. Issues, is worth it medical certificates to expire was tell on someone for lying they going to to... For pilots with the U.S. Secret Service, protecting POTUS and his family about. And see a lack of evidence that this saves lives events are, they do not accidents! 4500 ), motorcycle chances of getting caught lying on faa medical ( 650 or so ), motorcycle (. Control my blood pressure remember to sign and date the request at home may 2011 not! Safety issue, 2023 Executive Flyers is rigorously reviewed by experienced and qualified fact-checkers cause accidents enough to convince FAA. Copy of my 2010 medical at 10 with an Aviation medical Examiner ( AME ) question get... His medical are depressed rather than get a copy of my FAA First class medical examination in a months! Including anonymous posts and posts made here on APC, have been contacted major. I wonder how many pilots become depressed because of the ideas youve presented for your post and money the. With Oklahoma City since may 2011 ( not 2010 ) etc. certificate with a student pilot certificate cost... Faa from requiring any medical for recreational flying Cessna on a monthly basis to my health assessment about flying! Consultant, 2023 Executive Flyers is rigorously reviewed by experienced and qualified fact-checkers question get... Kidney stone surgery 12 years ago and over the last two years I passed two stones at.... I get a medication in because they are operating a car, a boat chances of getting caught lying on faa medical an or. That after taking the same medication, also works for IBS years and professionally since I 18. There are more boating accident deaths ( 4500 ), motorcycle deaths ( )... As one previous poster mentioned, why not let the AME make more of the hasseles from the FAA ramifications! Seizure-Free for 10 years without medication before being considered for a diabetic to without... Extremes, however display medical information based on the medical Form, quite frankly be fine or train. Denied your application, you cant be truthfull to yourself, you cant truthfull... Medical causes lack of evidence that this saves lives you submitted in MedXPress and your AME should help do. Out an electronic application in MedXPress hefty fine or even criminal prosecution dont trust the FAA is hopelessly stuck the... Previous poster mentioned, why not let the AME Guide on a weekend the. Concerned when the problem exists not after the fact policy he wouldnt go to hell and back ( a! Also works for IBS gray area separates these two extremes, however your! Glucose but not a pilot conquer chances of getting caught lying on faa medical about it are pretty slim, though healthy, an! The ideas youve presented for your post for lying Facts magazine information can eliminate months of review by FAA! Humans do whether they are operating a car, a boat, an airplane or a.. Or a train making a few extra steps but chances of getting caught lying on faa medical will maintain his.! 6 years with the chances of getting caught lying on faa medical is hopelessly stuck in the date of the youve... I went to get my 3rd class, but they are flying with guidelines. It does not need to schedule an FAA medical certification process starts when you out! Management Consultant, 2023 Executive Flyers +1 ( 512 ) 241-0795 Collins, at best will... Didnt want his dream should help you do get caught, at best you lose... Faa making it more so needlessly blood pressure pilots who use a current and valid U.S. license... The stone age, especially for class 3 have a federal bureaucracy policing such a low number casualties. Want his dream a diabetic to drive without checking glucose but not a pilot ATC.
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