As a result, I had to take an EKG. As they say the truth eventually comes out but sometimes lies can go untold forever and I believe there are pilots who are flying around in our airspace with disqualifying medical conditions that should be special issuance or not even have a medical. Even when telling the truth the FAA doesnt give the AME the power to decide. In the FAA world view you are not telling the truth. 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. Otherwise I tend to be so healthy that I simply wouldnt ever go to the doctor. An airline pilot may have 500 passengers aboard while flying under stringent IFR conditions. Even patients, with well controlled epilepsy, may safely drive. I found their reaction to my sleep apnea to be too late, ineffective, and over reacting. 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. If you did go fly one, it would be a violation of the Sport Pilot rule on self certification. Or have a child die and see a counselor of any sort. How did the terrorists that crashed into the twin towers pass a medical that I failed for COUNSELING??! I fly a Cirrus, my wife knows how to pull the parachute. At worse, you may face a hefty fine or even criminal prosecution. 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 premise of someone getting over long-term depression is laughable. All FAA medical certificate applicants are required to acknowledge that warning before submitting their application in MedXPress. Question 17 can identify for the FAA that an individual is currently taking a disqualifying medication such as Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, Strattera, etc, commonly used to treat ADHD. Its a basic truth of the human condition that everybody lies. 2022 MedMG - All Rights Reserved The entire aeromedical FAA staff can go kill themselves for all I care. I am working on my private pilot license and I was honest and admitted to an episode of seasonal depression treated with medication (which I no longer require or take). Bluskye, the FAA does not have the personnel to handle things quickly.. Who gave the FAA the power to stop pilots from flying because they take antidepressants? If this is a recurrent problem, getting a class 3 medical can be difficult. When the whole 3rd class medical requirement is seen in a larger context, its absurdity can be seen. If your nephew had his medical denied for 10 years, he must have been found to have epilepsy. PLEASE HELP Why would you need to report that? Online posts, including anonymous posts and posts made here on APC, have been used in lawsuits against unions. Wiley Post would have never passed a physical. I am a rental pilot as well, and unfortunately, there are no sport rentals available, and they are too expensive to buy. 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. Perfect safety is impossible, and an excessive attempt to achieve it will conflict with freedom. Returning home, the Civil Aviation Medical Board cleared me for flying. At least my livelihood doesnt depend on it. That resulted in the rejection of my 2010 medical! Try walking in my shoes and you will not agree with that statement. My ex lied and never mentioned it. Those pilots who lie on the FAA exams are likely to lie to themselves if/when they self certify etc. | site designed by. I forgot to mention that your Idea sounds like a good Idea. That is why the FAA doesnt sanction Mr. Diabetes as Dickie would like. Im sorry to hear that. Before treatment, when I was sleepy, FAA wasnt concerned. Many of the changes result in the easing or clarifying the rules for AMEs to follow. What are the chances you will get caught? Telling the truth in MedXPress is clearly the right thing to do, but that is not what this article is about. That is approximately the same magnitude as deaths from lightning strikes, or falling out of bed (literally). I found my regular doctor because I was looking for an AME. Also the FAA does check your National Driver Register/Record so make sure you keep your driving safe. Responding to a letter from the FAA about your medical certificate almost always requires you to provide detailed notes from your treating physician(s) and other objective evidence to show you are safe to fly. If you have more than two DUIs you are disqualified for good unless you can get the FAA to budge which is rare I have known people who have had this happen to them. That process will have to be repeated every year. The AME also cannot read their minds, so he cannot go beyond a reasonable interpretation either to help with these questions. 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. If after that the FAA denied your application, you can seek reconsideration of that denial by making a few substantive arguments. 3. You said they can search, where do they find that information? Your family and friends consider you more important than any flying you may do. If your AME does not spot anything on your physical exam, you have a clean driving record and you have never served in the military, chances are that the FAA will not question the information you submit in MedXPress. All medical certificates are valid for 60 months, unless youre 40 or older the day you get it (then its 24 months). Seek help, get punished? In fact he asked me where did I see that I could make that attachment. 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! Simple you dont need to know and if you are scared to apply for you medical because your feared in getting caught. (BTW, I am a member of both.) Legally, it does have to be the original. FAA Current Detailed Clinical Progress Notes. The information contained herein is meant for informational purposes only. That is when the truth will come out. 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. As John and Dickie do point out, there are rules and hence bureaucracy in place to protect the masses. What to do? Question:Do you think most pilots fib on applications for medical certificates? He started his career working with his father, Leighton Collins, at the original Air Facts magazine. If your medical expires, there is nothing to stop you from continuing to fly. Well maybe a little? Global misunderstands that Procedure codes, diagnosis codes and pharmacy codes were denied protections under to ACA of 2010. 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. FAX your completed Request for Airman Medical Records Form to (405) 954-9326. Pilots lying on the there 1st 2nd and 3rd class medicals happens all the time, and it happens just as much as people going to MEPS for the Military. This exemption is exactly what I need to keep flying, and I am sure there are many others like me. Let me start with a word of advice: DONT DO IT. If you have any concerns about your next FAA flight physical. It's safer to allow people to self-disclose and get help, rather than non-disclosure and possibly flying impaired. After you complete your MedXPress application, you will need to schedule an FAA flight physical with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). There could be a much better system in place that would not compromise safety of small aircraft. Why would I want to go through the unbelievable hassle of explaining myself to a bunch of know-nothing bureaucrats and internal medicine doctors who dont know their ass from their elbow about depression beyond some laughably simplistic characterization of the disorder in a diagnostics manual? 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. Who would you send them to? Everyone at some point or another you all have been diagnosed with something. Im not trying to be deceitful, but I really want to be prepared for this interview and I dont see the importance of something that wont effect 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. I am 64 years old. 99.999999% of pilots can and should self-certify for 3rd class flying. Its long and complex, but an occasional look at it, especially regarding your own health issues, is worth it. We all know that volume of cars on the roads vs. number of planes in the air leads to have to deal with more idiots on the ground. He never lied. Oh sure they lie. 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. Risk is inherent in everything humans do whether they are operating a car, a boat, an airplane or a train. And, actually, the FAA is making Special Issuance less of a problem for certain diseases. In certain circumstances, I wouldnt think twice about lying on the medical form, quite frankly. there would be no one to fly these jumbo jets. what tests you need, when you need to take these tests, etc) to satisfy the FAA that youre good to go. This is truly a Great Debate. Thank you for allowing me to share. I tried talking to him about the serious consequences of lying, and every time he goes flying he is putting everyone at risk, but he didnt care. What I think is if a driver goes to the DMV to go get his eyes checked then that drivers license should be his medical as his third class and it would save the government money because there wouldnt be as many pilots to go after it would just be the professionals. Id rather be flying but I dont require the FAAs approval for my activities. Wreck an 18 wheeler and how much property could you damage and how many people could be injured on a busy interstate? I have been asymptomatic for all of those years and I am on no medication. Avoid Medical Certification Delay. 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. 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. Anymore stringent than the First Class Medical is now would end up grounding many older pilots. I have also been on a special issuance First Class Medical for three years now. N.C., one does not have the right to lie to the feds investigating an illegal act. I suffer from multiple personality disorder, but all of the voices affirm they are qualified pilots. The regulations are not arbitrary. 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. Just do want everyone does to get into the military hide the truth. He passed his 3rd class every time. Today with the revolution in the medical diagnostic procedures, and early detection system and timely treatment most airline pilots will qualify and pass the medical exam if the questions were not leading ones. Of those, only a very small % are from medical causes. Duuuuuuuuuh do fat babies fart? Really? If you have a condition which COULD result in a denial then get it checked out because you have a potential medical condition that could be a problem with you living. The FAA would, if it could, ban all general aviation to create a perfect safety record, and thus avoid any potential criticism from the press and Congress. Comparatively, what I take is barely more than a prescription grade Imodium AD. Wish I would have! Unfortunatley I have seen too many accident reports where the pilot was on prescription medications (found during the toxicological examination)many of them disqulifying, and none of them were reported on the medical application. If you have a disqualifying medical condition, say unexplained loss of consciousness, you cant fly. I am probably am the only one who will answer that I like to go for the medical because if forces me to go to the doctor. The AME Guide explains that the question pertains to unexplained unconsciousness. And even if you assume not, an investigation will cause a demand to produce documents and then the liar is cooked. 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. The 1320 pound (600 Kg) limit is based on the European standard, I think. The flight will continue without further incident. In other words, the FAA is not currently able to directly view your medical records without your knowledge or approval. If he admits it and is taking an approved medication, there are a few extra steps but he will maintain his medical. XYZZY62, Check the AME Guide posted at faa.gov to determine what the FAA requires for your seasonal depression. If you have a FAA medical denial for ADHD, call your aviation attorney at The Ison Law Firm for a consultation. The big question is, though, whether it matters. I am hoping that they do the right thing when it comes to my health assessment. Like driving big trucks and boats have no such pseudo-medical crap. What Exactly Does A Biomedical Engineer Do? Increasing the gross weight limit of the Sport Aircraft class is a really good idea. Jack, petition the FAA to quit demanding the maintenance of wakefulness test. Make a copy of the original and keep that in a safe place. FAA needs to justify their man hours.with scapegoats. I do recommend that you do ask your AME any questions regarding your medications and or your medical history and assist in the gathering of medical records relating to what condition you may have and also the same for your arrest/and or correctional history to explain why on the medical form in the explanations page. Needless to say, I dont have my class 3 medical now. Your family and friends consider you more important than any flying you may do. Great guy, but he needlessly put a lot of peoples lives in danger. I Fly America 2021, Paul Engstrom, Aviation Writer and IFA Member, Health for Pilots: A Complete Guide to FAA Medical Certification and Self-Care. A good AME will grease the skids for you, but dont expect the AME to overlook a problem. He was the author of numerous books, including. Should I be worried? Most pilots I know plan to fly for longer than it takes one or two medical certificates to expire. And for the record, someone who is truly medically incapable of handling a C172 should not be driving on roads shared by schoolbuses, gasoline tanker trucks, etc. The FAA as a whole believes all people should fly if they desire. What will actually happen if you are caught lying? 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. Because the measures necessary to achieve it would make life intolerable dull and stifling. What can some shrink tell me about myself that I dont already know? At worse, you may face a hefty fine or even criminal prosecution. As for lying on the medical form, lies can be undiscovered for a lifetime of flying, but if there is an incident or accident, the FAA and/or NTSB will dredge up every doctor visit, medication, hospitalization they can. Back when I was an F/O we flew in airplanes with single head radios. But, I dont think my level of forthcoming on the application was typical. Both have risks. Just waht we need more busybodys like you who cant mind their own business. I have been flying with a special issuance 3rd class physical for 15 years. The 3rd class medical crosses the line where freedom is unreasonably denied in the pursuit of absolute safety. I wish somebody would have told me that last year when I filled out my first med in 11 years. They want to approve, not deny medicals. If I remember correctly, being off antidepressant medication for 6 months or longer makes the problem that required the medication no longer an issue. That is the FAA point of view. Why is such a standard not imposed on motorcycle or car owners ? Its just not opening an unnecessary can of worms. Hell no!!! Military veterans should also be aware that the FAA now routinely cross-references your VA disability rating when determining your eligibility for a medical certificate. Emmons wait until you have an episode of situational hypertension or have to see a marriage counselor. Please type or print legibly and remember to sign and date the request. They ask about frequent or severe yet dont define how frequent is frequent or how severe is severe. The FAA processes close to 400,000 flight physicals every year. These blogs are linked to your name/email be truthful but be careful. If you didnt say yes then you lied. I can only speak from my personal experience as a pilot with a special issuance medical. Fess and get a special issuance if necessary. 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. Make no mistake: Form 8500-8 is a legal instrument, unlike many other documents. Actually, in some years there are 0 attributed to sudden incapacitation, such as heart attack or stroke. Nope, they requested an entirely new one. Maybe you think, John, that flying an aircraft with the grandkids by a pilot with diabetes, high blood pressure, 20/50 vision, and a coronary artery stent or 2 is just fine without jumping through the FAA hoops. Syed, I have no problem with the current system. They leave that up to you, but just make sure you read their minds so that your interpretation matches theirs that they dont tell you. Having people squeal on them? 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. However, if you do get caught, at best you will lose your license. 13. Your email address will not be published. Office hours M-F 8:30am - 5:00pmOur Privacy Please remember, he has a liability also. Politicians create government agencies empowered to rule by edict. 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Their minds, so he can not read their minds, so he can not go a... Larger context, its absurdity can be seen other words, the FAA now routinely cross-references your disability! Dickie would like telling the truth end up grounding many older pilots in the rejection of 2010... Fact he asked me where did I see that I simply wouldnt ever go to the investigating! To achieve it will conflict with freedom that would not compromise safety of small aircraft taking an approved medication there... Though, whether it matters many older pilots keep your driving safe are many others me! Some years there are 0 attributed to sudden incapacitation, such as attack...

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