3rd Class Medical - Jump Through Hoops?

[GEG]

I'm a student pilot. I went for my first medical today.
There were 3 issues.
1 regarding Lasik - which he had a form to fill out from my
opthamologist. Fine.

The second regarded a prescription for Bextra, which I use
for occasional "flare ups" on my hip (I'm only 37 but have
some hip troubles from sports and what not).

The thing that got me was the Bextra has no FAA restrictions
yet he wants medical records specifically on my use of Bextra.
Plus, I only have 2 weeks to get the info.

Is this normal?

There were a half-dozen other pilots through there, one older
gentleman who seemed as though he could barely walk and he went
right through (I'd imagine he is a professional pilot
and has been going there a long time.)

Do I need to worry? I mean, my hip condition isn't too bad (I did
have some surgery), and I know I can play hockey and lift weights
well beyond what the other pilots there were doing.

The third was a clarification on another prescription, which
seems understandable.

Oh - he charged me $20 extra because of "extra paperwork" for the
items I need to follow up on and get sent to them.

Is that also normal?

Just curious.

Thanks!

Gary

[Dave Butler]

GEG wrote:
> I'm a student pilot. I went for my first medical today.
> There were 3 issues.

I don't know the answers to your specific questions, but I have a suggestion:

If you're not a member of AOPA, join. Actually, I'm not sure pre-solo students
are eligible to join... Anyway, get to the aopa web site and read through all
the stuff in the medical section. The medical section is in the members-only
section, so either join AOPA or borrow a member's user id. Maybe your instructor
is a member and will help you get access to the info. There's a lot of good
information there about getting through the medical process.

Good luck.

DGB

[Peter Duniho]

"GEG" > wrote in message
...
> [...]
> The thing that got me was the Bextra has no FAA restrictions
> yet he wants medical records specifically on my use of Bextra.
> Plus, I only have 2 weeks to get the info.
>
> Is this normal?

Since probably most pilots don't take Bextra, I don't see how any handling
of Bextra could be considered "normal" one way or the other. :) Why the
two-week deadline, I don't know. That seems odd. Typically, any
irregularities like that would just result in your application being
"deferred" to the FAA offices in Oklahoma City. It should be out of your
AME's hands, the moment anything falls outside the normal procedures he's
supposed to follow.

> There were a half-dozen other pilots through there, one older
> gentleman who seemed as though he could barely walk and he went
> right through (I'd imagine he is a professional pilot
> and has been going there a long time.)
>
> Do I need to worry? I mean, my hip condition isn't too bad (I did
> have some surgery), and I know I can play hockey and lift weights
> well beyond what the other pilots there were doing.

I don't think you need to worry about taking a medication that's not on the
FAA's restricted list. But as Dave says, for best results you might
consider becoming an AOPA member and availing yourself of their medical
advisors. They aren't perfect either, but they certainly can offer better
and more specific advice than most of us could.

> [...]
> Oh - he charged me $20 extra because of "extra paperwork" for the
> items I need to follow up on and get sent to them.
>
> Is that also normal?

Never heard of it myself. I've had a variety of "extra paperwork" type
issues over the years, and have never paid any additional fees. That said,
a $20 surcharge seems reasonable, for a doctor who wants to nickel and dime
everyone. Just be glad it's not $50. :)

Pete

[GEG]

Yes - I'm a member.
I'll look into it.
I read through it, but I don't see anything
about dealing with this.
I looked at their (AOPA) medication site and didn't expect this.

What can they do.
I'm telling the truth - that's rule #1, right?

Thanks,

Gary

Dave Butler wrote:
> GEG wrote:
>
>> I'm a student pilot. I went for my first medical today.
>> There were 3 issues.
>
>
> I don't know the answers to your specific questions, but I have a
> suggestion:
>
> If you're not a member of AOPA, join. Actually, I'm not sure pre-solo
> students are eligible to join... Anyway, get to the aopa web site and
> read through all the stuff in the medical section. The medical section
> is in the members-only section, so either join AOPA or borrow a member's
> user id. Maybe your instructor is a member and will help you get access
> to the info. There's a lot of good information there about getting
> through the medical process.
>
> Good luck.
>
> DGB

[Mark Hansen]

On 3/15/2005 11:59, Dave Butler wrote:

> GEG wrote:
>> I'm a student pilot. I went for my first medical today.
>> There were 3 issues.
>
> I don't know the answers to your specific questions, but I have a suggestion:
>
> If you're not a member of AOPA, join. Actually, I'm not sure pre-solo students
> are eligible to join...

Of course they are.

> Anyway, get to the aopa web site and read through all
> the stuff in the medical section. The medical section is in the members-only
> section, so either join AOPA or borrow a member's user id. Maybe your instructor
> is a member and will help you get access to the info. There's a lot of good
> information there about getting through the medical process.
>
> Good luck.
>
> DGB


--
Mark Hansen, PP-ASEL
Sacramento, CA

[GEG]

He gave me 2 weeks to submit medical information to him, it appears,
to be included in my application. Maybe he's doing me a favor by
covering the bases that the FAA might wish to have additional
information on. That might actually save me time in the end.

[nrp]

I think an AME that starts an exam has only a couple of weeks before
mandatory submission of his findings, yea or nay - completed or not.
The forms are numbered.

Remember that an AME is not supposed to be acting as your advocate,
rather you are hiring him just like any other FAA designated examiner
to check you.

There are two levels of AMEs. The Senior ones are given more
discretion by the FAA. Maybe this guy is a junior one trying to keep
his nose clean?

Even after the AME sends in his report, the FAA still has 60 days to
limit, revoke, or put additional conditions on whatever he may have
granted.

AOPA is good but not infallible. I'm sure anyone can join though & I'd
recommend it.

That's as I understand it. Been there many times.

[Dave Butler]

GEG wrote:
> Yes - I'm a member.
> I'll look into it.
> I read through it, but I don't see anything
> about dealing with this.
> I looked at their (AOPA) medication site and didn't expect this.

OK, then call or email them and ask them for specific advice. That's what your
membership dues pay for. Good luck.

Dave

[Peter Clark]

On Tue, 15 Mar 2005 14:59:19 -0500, Dave Butler > wrote:

> Actually, I'm not sure pre-solo students are eligible to join... Anyway, get to the aopa web site and read through all

As far as I know, you don't even need to be a pilot to join. However,
I know I was pre-solo student when I did.

[Ron Natalie]

GEG wrote:

> The thing that got me was the Bextra has no FAA restrictions
> yet he wants medical records specifically on my use of Bextra.
> Plus, I only have 2 weeks to get the info.

While the drug may be approved, they want to make sure what you are
taking it for is approved.
>
> Is this normal?
>

Not uncommon. Just be sure that the AME wants it for his own
information. Try to avoid a deferral at all costs, suggest a call
to the regional Flight Surgeon if he is waffling. Without the regional
FS assistance I'd have really been in trouble when I had the medical
from the scum of the earth AME.


> There were a half-dozen other pilots through there, one older
> gentleman who seemed as though he could barely walk and he went
> right through (I'd imagine he is a professional pilot
> and has been going there a long time.)

Generally once you've got something buy the AME/FAA the first time,
rewewals are just an issue of marking "Previously Reported, No Change"
on that item.
>

[Chris Ehlbeck]

Pre-solo students can definitely join. I did and they were and immense help
with problems on my medical.

Chris Ehlbeck

"Dave Butler" > wrote in message
news:1110916586.364684@sj-nntpcache-5...
> GEG wrote:
> > I'm a student pilot. I went for my first medical today.
> > There were 3 issues.
>
> I don't know the answers to your specific questions, but I have a
suggestion:
>
> If you're not a member of AOPA, join. Actually, I'm not sure pre-solo
students
> are eligible to join... Anyway, get to the aopa web site and read through
all
> the stuff in the medical section. The medical section is in the
members-only
> section, so either join AOPA or borrow a member's user id. Maybe your
instructor
> is a member and will help you get access to the info. There's a lot of
good
> information there about getting through the medical process.
>
> Good luck.
>
> DGB

[Peter Duniho]

"GEG" > wrote in message
...
> He gave me 2 weeks to submit medical information to him, it appears,
> to be included in my application. Maybe he's doing me a favor by
> covering the bases that the FAA might wish to have additional information
> on. That might actually save me time in the end.

Yes, that might explain it. I don't really know whether the FAA actually
gives him that much discretion, but yes...if he's willing to perform that
filtering process, it certainly could save you some time, if it avoids
having you wait on an application deferred to Oklahoma City.

Pete

[Blanche]

Anyone is eligible to join AOPA at any time. In fact student pilots
(regardless of point in time of training) can benefit thru many
of the training programs, e.g. Flight Training mag, the Mentor
program, the website. Plus the legal advisor option (an additional
fee) and the medical advisor (comes with AOPA membership).

No, I'm not paid by AOPA. Nor do I get any kickbacks (I wish!)

[Nathan Young]

On Tue, 15 Mar 2005 14:38:55 -0500, GEG >
wrote:

>I'm a student pilot. I went for my first medical today.
>There were 3 issues.
<issues snipped>
>Is that also normal?

The 2 week extension for info is out of the norm, but as others
mentioned he may be doing you a favor...

In practice, your 1st medical will be the most difficult. The Dr. has
no history with you and needs to come up to speed on any conditions.

Subsequent visits to the same doctor should be more expedient -
assuming your medical conditions stay the same or get better.

-Nathan

[Colin W Kingsbury]

"GEG" > wrote in message
...
>
> I looked at their (AOPA) medication site and didn't expect this.
>
> What can they do.
> I'm telling the truth - that's rule #1, right?
>

No, rule #1 is to cover your ass. That means not lying. There's a difference
between answering questions dishonestly and presenting your particulars in
the best possible light. AOPA can help you figure out where that line is. It
is worth the membership price for the medical advice alone, I've used them
several times and it has saved me money and headaches.

-cwk.

[George Patterson]

GEG wrote:
>
> The thing that got me was the Bextra has no FAA restrictions
> yet he wants medical records specifically on my use of Bextra.
> Plus, I only have 2 weeks to get the info.
>
> Is this normal?

Yes. Normally, you can let it go longer than 2 weeks, but then you will be
forwarding everything to Oklahoma City and waiting at least 3 months for your
certificate. I sounds like your examiner is cutting you a deal.

> There were a half-dozen other pilots through there, one older
> gentleman who seemed as though he could barely walk and he went
> right through (I'd imagine he is a professional pilot
> and has been going there a long time.)

He probably has been through several situations much like the one you are
facing. After a condition has been reported, all the paperwork has been filed,
and OK City has approved the deal, all you have to do the next time is say
"Condition previously reported - no change."

You'll find this out for yourself in three years.

> Do I need to worry? I mean, my hip condition isn't too bad (I did
> have some surgery), and I know I can play hockey and lift weights
> well beyond what the other pilots there were doing.

Probably not. If the FAA objects to the medication, there's probably another one
you can use.

> Oh - he charged me $20 extra because of "extra paperwork" for the
> items I need to follow up on and get sent to them.
>
> Is that also normal?

My AMEs have never done this, but, again, it sounds like yours is signing off on
stuff that mine would forward to the FAA. IMO, the extra $20 is a great deal.

George Patterson
I prefer Heaven for climate but Hell for company.

[George Patterson]

Dave Butler wrote:
>
> If you're not a member of AOPA, join. Actually, I'm not sure pre-solo students
> are eligible to join...

They allowed me to join before I got my medical certificate.

George Patterson
I prefer Heaven for climate but Hell for company.

[Highflyer]

I would say that is exactly what he is doing. If it comes to the FAA with
all the i's dotted and the t's crossed so that they have a form with the
correct entry for every blank on their computer screen it will go right
through without a problem. If they have a blank that doesn't have the
information in the paperwork then the application goes into the "in box" on
someones desk and they write a letter to you asking for the additional
information. Then you get the information and send it to them and they
can't find your application because it isn't filed, it is in someone's inbox
and they went on vacation yesterday.

Seriously, the FAA tries hard, but they can only work with the information
that was sent them. A good AME, if there is ANY possible question, will
help you word the description of the problem to avoid tripping alarms
needlessly and help you make sure that all of the information they will
want if together and in the package when it goes in.

I had a medical condition that required a decision from on high a few years
ago. My AME helped me get all of the medical information and statements
from my doctors together and then routed the application to the right
office. He got it in, through, and cleared with no restrictions on my
medical in three days!

Highflyer
Highflight Aviation Services
Pinckneyville Airport ( PJY )

"GEG" > wrote in message
...
> He gave me 2 weeks to submit medical information to him, it appears,
> to be included in my application. Maybe he's doing me a favor by
> covering the bases that the FAA might wish to have additional information
> on. That might actually save me time in the end.

[Ron Natalie]

Blanche wrote:
> Anyone is eligible to join AOPA at any time. In fact student pilots
> (regardless of point in time of training) can benefit thru many
> of the training programs,

Many years ago you had to be an airplane owner or pilot (i.e., had a student
pilot certificate or better) to join AOPA. I guess they figured it made
there membership numbers look more legitimate. They dropped the question
from the membership applciation at least a decade ago.

[Ron Natalie]

George Patterson wrote:
>
> GEG wrote:
>
>>The thing that got me was the Bextra has no FAA restrictions
>>yet he wants medical records specifically on my use of Bextra.
>>Plus, I only have 2 weeks to get the info.
>>
>>Is this normal?
>
>
> Yes. Normally, you can let it go longer than 2 weeks, but then you will be
> forwarding everything to Oklahoma City and waiting at least 3 months for your
> certificate. I sounds like your examiner is cutting you a deal.

If you get deferred it's a MINIMUM of eight weeks. That's if all the submitted
info passes muster. The key is to get the certificate issued subject to review
(it always is anyhow) by the Joklahoma City debacle.

I can't stress how ****ed up Aeromedical Certfication is in Joklahoma City.
This is one part of the FAA that's backwards from the norm. Usually it's
the Field offices that are hosed up. For medical, the field officers are
by and far superior.

[Bryan Burchfield]

Dave Butler wrote:
>
> Actually, I'm not sure pre-solo students are eligible to join.

Let me say this about that...

Before I even started my training I expected that I was going to have
problems getting my medical due to some kidney stone 'issues' I'd
experienced not long before. I called the AOPA medical line and told them
straight-up that I wasn't a member, and that I wasn't even a student pilot
yet. I explained my situation and they were more than happy to help. They
answered all my questions, gave me a plan of attack for passing the medical
(what tests to get done, what paperwork to bring to the AME, etc).
Following their advice I was able to get the AME to rubber-stamp my
application with no hassles at all.

I wrote them a dues check write away after that.

Gary, seeing that you're already a member, you shouldn't hesitate to call
them up and ask them the same questions you posted here. That's what
they're there for.

--
Bryan Burchfield, PP-ASEL
www.biffshangar.com

[GEG]

Shoot! I was a member of AOPA for 6 months before I ever stepped
into a plane!
Of course you can join - and their magazine (Student Pilot) is
an outstanding publication to use to get your mind into flying.

[Carl / KG6YKL]

HMM...Has me wondering...should I do some up front work before I go
get a 3rd class medical? I haven't been flying. Since then I have
been taking Methotrexate for psoriatic arthritis. It has been 100%
effective with no side effects. The drug is listed with FAA. Will I
have any issues? Should I get a letter from my Rheumy?

Carl

[George Patterson]

Carl / KG6YKL wrote:
>
> Should I get a letter from my Rheumy?

I would. The letter should state what you've been taking, what for, the length
of time you've been taking it, and, of course, that you've had no side effects.
You might not need it, but it could make a big difference.

George Patterson
I prefer Heaven for climate but Hell for company.