FAA Medical and pilots with Sleep Apnea

Juan,

The information on AOPA has changed since my last medical, but only a
little. What you linked to is misleading. That is the protocol for a
*re-issuance*, not a first report issuance.

First issuance requires deferral and FAA decision, no matter what.

Read page 22:

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...s/offices/aam/
ame_guide/media/secaasi.pdf

An initial determination requires more paperwork. The MWT is the
gold-standard for successful OSA treatment. They may authorize on less.
If this is your first report, you can make it easier for them to say yes
by having the MWT in addition to polysomnographs from the sleep study.

Re-issuance with the condition only requires current report from your
treating physician along with the authorization letter from the FAA from
your initial issuance at first report.

Trust me, it *IS* a disqualifying condition. I have been through the
whole process. I get an authorization letter that's good for a year,
then I have to send in a report, then I get another year authorization.




In article ,
"Juan Jimenez" wrote:

"nolan void" wrote in message
...
Chuck,

This is why you NEED AOPA.

Sleep Apnea is a disqualifying condition. Now you have to prove to the
FAA that you deserve a waiver, in the form of a special-issuance
medical.

NO, it is NOT a disqualifying condition, and NO you don't have to do the
special-issuance dance. This is just like hypertension, you just need to
show that you are under treatment and a letter from your doc saying it
works.

VERBATIM from the AOPA web site:

Sleep Apnea

At the time of your next examination, you will need to provide your aviation
medical examiner with a current status report from your treating physician.
If the information is acceptable to the AME and you are found otherwise
qualified, your AME may issue your medical certificate at that time.

The report should include:

A current status report that mentions the present treatment and whether it
has eliminated symptoms. The report should also include specific comments
about daytime sleepiness. If there is any question about treatment
compliance, a Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) will be required.

The AME should defer the application to the Regional Flight Surgeon or
Aerospace Medical Certification Division if:

1. There is any question concerning adequacy of treatment.
2. There is evidence of non-compliance with therapy.
3. The Maintenance of Wakefulness Test is positive (abnormal).
4. Development of associated illness, such as right heart failure, is noted.