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#1
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Help With Medical Problem Identified During Medical Exam
I'm taking flight lessons and was hoping to get my private pilot certificate
not too far down the line. Today I went in for my medical and was told by the examiner I have a couple problems. Although I've been asymptomatic for some time I'm on a medication that is not allowed by the FAA. When I went to the physician who prescribed the medication (a non-pilot) he was shocked that the FAA does not allow pilots to take it. Unfortunately he does not recommend I discontinue its use. Nor is there an alternative medication acceptable to the FAA. Do I have any recourse other than discontinuing the medication even though my physician recommends I stay on it or accepting that I won't be able to fly. In other words is there any kind of appeal process provided I can get the prescribing physician to state the medication does not impair my abilities? This is particularly frustrating in that had I known the med was not allowed, starting YESTERDAY I could have gone for a recreational pilots certificate without a medical review, but now it's too late. Any help will be appreciated. -- Too many spams have forced me to alter my email. If you wish to email me directly please send messages to pjbphd @ cox dot net |
#3
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"pjbphd" wrote in message Do I have any recourse other than discontinuing
the medication even though my physician recommends I stay on it or accepting that I won't be able to fly. If your AME did in fact file the rejection with the FAA, you can ask for a deviation from the FAA's aeromedical branch in Oklahoma City. Depending on the medication, you may be successful. As others have mentioned, join AOPA and let them handle the politics with Aeromedical. D. |
#4
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This is particularly frustrating in that had I known the med was not allowed, starting YESTERDAY I could have gone for a recreational pilots certificate without a medical review, but now it's too late. (You mean Sport Pilot. Recreational Pilots have a 3rd Class Medical.) I don't read your situation to say that your medical has been denied. Has it been denied, or is it just stalled pending further information? Perhaps others can dive in here. I've seen references to Special Issuance applciations being "withdrawn", but this isn't a special issuance, and you haven't withdrawn it. What exactly has happened here? Was there a denial? Is there a record of this application at the FAA? Does it really exist, or was it aborted? Anyone? all the best -- Dan Ford email: (put Cubdriver in subject line) The Warbird's Forum www.warbirdforum.com Expedition sailboat charters www.expeditionsail.com |
#5
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Hi. I recently went through a similar process, but for a medication
that was neither specifically approved nor disapproved for my particular condition. I was approved, but it took 4 months. Luckily I still had time remaining on the third-class privileges of my 'old' medical...I was just waiting on my second class, so I could still fly and instruct. Here is my advice, for what it is worth. 1. Contact the AOPA, as other have suggested. They were a Godsend with me. 2. Ask your AME to refer the problem to the regional aeromedical office first, not OK City. Regional is often much faster. 3. Get a letter from your primary care physician *specifically* stating the following: a. The underlying disorder is not incapacitating, nor does it increase the liklihood of sudden incapacitation. b. That you have been asymptomatic for the underlying disorder (if true) for how long you have been. c. Thet he knows of no issues regarding either the underlying disorder or the treating medication that would make it unsafe in any way to operate a car or aircraft. d. That you suffer no side effects from the use of the medication, and have not suffered any adverse reactions in how long. e. That you have been stable on this medication for how long you have, and that it has been effective in the treatment of your disorder. f. That your physician has been treating you for however long he has been. 4. If the FAA requests any reports from specialists, contact them directly and advise them specifically of what the FAA is requesting. Approve their response before they send it. I had one specialist make this rambling complicated response that didn't address the specific requests from the aeromedical office. had I not had a chance to correct it, it may well have delayed my approval. 5. Keep copies of *everything*. 6. Read and understand FAR Part 67 well. If you recently went to the AME, you almost certainly have not been 'denied'. You have probably been deferred. The folks I talked to at the FAA aeromedical office told me the number one reason people do get denied in the end is that the FAA does not receive the information it needs. Doctors don't respond, or respond with the wrong kind of information, or applicants just give up. If the regional flight surgeon can't approve you, he'll defer you (in all liklihood) to OK City. AT this point, after a couple of weeks, the AOPA can put a 'tracker' on your file. It seems to help it move along, and they can advise you of the status and any problems that arise. The guidelines for AMEs from the FAA itself indicates that being on a non-approved medication is not automatically disqualifying. And just a hard-earned piece of advice for next time. Ask around and find out which AMEs in your area are more 'flexible' than others. Some of these guys are hardcore jackasses...mine was. Some will work with you and use common sense. Avoid the guys with a bad reputation...the guy I went to is no longer on the referral list of either of the flight schools at my airport. bad AMEs are like bad DEs...best to just ignore tham and don't use them. Eventually they'll get the message when they don't get any business. But keep at it. I talked to a lot of people, including 3 different AMEs during my process. Absent a few specific issues and medications, the FAA Aeromedical office can be pretty flexible, and seems to genuinely want to approve most applications. Good luck, Cap "pjbphd" wrote in message news:9ZPZc.193012$sh.8999@fed1read06... I'm taking flight lessons and was hoping to get my private pilot certificate not too far down the line. Today I went in for my medical and was told by the examiner I have a couple problems. Although I've been asymptomatic for some time I'm on a medication that is not allowed by the FAA. When I went to the physician who prescribed the medication (a non-pilot) he was shocked that the FAA does not allow pilots to take it. Unfortunately he does not recommend I discontinue its use. Nor is there an alternative medication acceptable to the FAA. Do I have any recourse other than discontinuing the medication even though my physician recommends I stay on it or accepting that I won't be able to fly. In other words is there any kind of appeal process provided I can get the prescribing physician to state the medication does not impair my abilities? This is particularly frustrating in that had I known the med was not allowed, starting YESTERDAY I could have gone for a recreational pilots certificate without a medical review, but now it's too late. Any help will be appreciated. |
#6
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Thanks for all the advice. Unfortunately from what I've found out,
including a conversation with AOPA, I'm screwed. Almost. Here's the deal. I've been on Effoxor, an anti-depressant for a few years. It's not allowed by the FAA. I tired to contact the AME today, but he was out of the office. Hopefully I'll reach him next week. Nevertheless, because I've disclosed it to him, it is my understanding that he has to report it. Therefore, my only recourse is to discontinue it's use. Something I'd like to do anyway, but it's pretty sad when a medication must be discontinued to comply with an FAA rule. As I mentioned, I've been asymptomatic for some time. I've also operated fine on high elevation mountains (14,000 feet) while taking it with no problem. This isn't the fault of the AME, he's just the bearer of bad news. It is frustrating for me, but not depressing grin. It looks like at a minimum it'll put my flight training on hold for six months, and maybe permanently. If anyone has any additional advice, I'm open. pjbphd BTW, when the DR. who prescribed the Effexor read the FAR and AOPA information stating that it is a disqualifying medication he said "That's insane!" Then he said "Oh, I shouldn't say that!" grin "pjbphd" wrote in message news:9ZPZc.193012$sh.8999@fed1read06... I'm taking flight lessons and was hoping to get my private pilot certificate not too far down the line. Today I went in for my medical and was told by the examiner I have a couple problems. Although I've been asymptomatic for some time I'm on a medication that is not allowed by the FAA. When I went to the physician who prescribed the medication (a non-pilot) he was shocked that the FAA does not allow pilots to take it. Unfortunately he does not recommend I discontinue its use. Nor is there an alternative medication acceptable to the FAA. Do I have any recourse other than discontinuing the medication even though my physician recommends I stay on it or accepting that I won't be able to fly. In other words is there any kind of appeal process provided I can get the prescribing physician to state the medication does not impair my abilities? This is particularly frustrating in that had I known the med was not allowed, starting YESTERDAY I could have gone for a recreational pilots certificate without a medical review, but now it's too late. Any help will be appreciated. -- Too many spams have forced me to alter my email. If you wish to email me directly please send messages to pjbphd @ cox dot net |
#7
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"pjbphd" wrote:
I'm taking flight lessons and was hoping to get my private pilot certificate not too far down the line. Today I went in for my medical and was told by the examiner I have a couple problems. [AME would not issue the certificate; remainder snipped] (Captain Wubba) writes: [recast to bottom-post] Hi. I recently went through a similar process, but for a medication that was neither specifically approved nor disapproved for my particular condition. I was approved, but it took 4 months. Luckily I still had time remaining on the third-class privileges of my 'old' medical...I was just waiting on my second class, so I could still fly and instruct. Here is my advice, for what it is worth. [good recommendations snipped] Another thing that you might want to do is to look at the AME handbook, which can be found online at http://www.faa.gov/avr/aam/game/vers.../home/home.htm where you may find the instructions which called for the AME to refuse to give you a medical certificate...and possibly the instructions to the AME on how to proceed from there. It is, of course, written for a medical professional but if you skip over the medical jargon you can get a good idea of what it's trying to say. (I've been reading the part on cardiac issues to see what I'm going to have to do to get back in the air after having angioplasty and a stent implant...wish me -- and the OP -- luck.) Joe Morris |
#8
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The FAA's mindset is about 30 years behind the times with regards to
their take on Psych meds.. once upon a time, the psych meds had such crude mechanisms of action and their side effects were so severe, that they were only used in the most severe of psychiatric illnesses.. Truth was.. back then, if you were messed up enough to need meds, then you didnt need to be flying. Fast forward a few decades.. the meds are much better.. more specific, less side effects.. and they are no longer the sole realm of Psychiatrists. Pediatricians and Family Practicioners hand out Prozac and Zoloft like they are candy, and the cure-all for PMS, maladjustment disorders and anything else they think a "feel good" pill would fix. However, the FAA still has the approach that if you are out of kilter enough to require medication, then you are out of kilter enough to be denied a medical. It doesnt matter what the disorder, how bad, how long, how well adjusted.. what flavor medication.. if it's a psychotropic med, its automatically disqualifying under that premise. Good luck with a waiver based on demonstrated ability... And this is not meant to be a slight to you, but rather to any newbies who are following this... DO YOUR HOMEWORK... You wouldnt take a written test or practical test unprepared... likewise, dont have any surprises when you go to the medical test. Know what they are looking for, and where you fit. AOPA is a great resource with regards to this. Had you been aware of the limitations beforehand.. you could have addressed in several possible ways. 1) nondisclosure (lying by omission).. which has a whole nother set of consequences, if discovered.. but very well may have been the "reasonable and prudent" course of action by a body of your peers.. 2) a trial "drug holiday" managed closely by your primary doctor to see if the condition requiring medication re-emerges to the point of clinical significance (you get "sick" again) 3) a conscious decision not to pursue an exam by an AME and opt for flying options that do not require such an exam (sport pilot) Others have said, and I continue to say.. AOPA is a good resource with regards to this, and many other certification related issues. Dave pjbphd wrote: Thanks for all the advice. Unfortunately from what I've found out, including a conversation with AOPA, I'm screwed. Almost. Here's the deal. I've been on Effoxor, an anti-depressant for a few years. It's not allowed by the FAA. I tired to contact the AME today, but he was out of the office. Hopefully I'll reach him next week. Nevertheless, because I've disclosed it to him, it is my understanding that he has to report it. Therefore, my only recourse is to discontinue it's use. Something I'd like to do anyway, but it's pretty sad when a medication must be discontinued to comply with an FAA rule. As I mentioned, I've been asymptomatic for some time. I've also operated fine on high elevation mountains (14,000 feet) while taking it with no problem. This isn't the fault of the AME, he's just the bearer of bad news. It is frustrating for me, but not depressing grin. It looks like at a minimum it'll put my flight training on hold for six months, and maybe permanently. If anyone has any additional advice, I'm open. pjbphd BTW, when the DR. who prescribed the Effexor read the FAR and AOPA information stating that it is a disqualifying medication he said "That's insane!" Then he said "Oh, I shouldn't say that!" grin "pjbphd" wrote in message news:9ZPZc.193012$sh.8999@fed1read06... I'm taking flight lessons and was hoping to get my private pilot certificate not too far down the line. Today I went in for my medical and was told by the examiner I have a couple problems. Although I've been asymptomatic for some time I'm on a medication that is not allowed by the FAA. When I went to the physician who prescribed the medication (a non-pilot) he was shocked that the FAA does not allow pilots to take it. Unfortunately he does not recommend I discontinue its use. Nor is there an alternative medication acceptable to the FAA. Do I have any recourse other than discontinuing the medication even though my physician recommends I stay on it or accepting that I won't be able to fly. In other words is there any kind of appeal process provided I can get the prescribing physician to state the medication does not impair my abilities? This is particularly frustrating in that had I known the med was not allowed, starting YESTERDAY I could have gone for a recreational pilots certificate without a medical review, but now it's too late. Any help will be appreciated. -- Too many spams have forced me to alter my email. If you wish to email me directly please send messages to pjbphd @ cox dot net |
#9
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You DON'T need a second class to 'fly and instruct'. You can do any
instructing with a third class, or lots of instructing with no medical. Captain Wubba wrote: Hi. I recently went through a similar process, but for a medication that was neither specifically approved nor disapproved for my particular condition. I was approved, but it took 4 months. Luckily I still had time remaining on the third-class privileges of my 'old' medical...I was just waiting on my second class, so I could still fly and instruct. Here is my advice, for what it is worth. 1. Contact the AOPA, as other have suggested. They were a Godsend with me. 2. Ask your AME to refer the problem to the regional aeromedical office first, not OK City. Regional is often much faster. 3. Get a letter from your primary care physician *specifically* stating the following: a. The underlying disorder is not incapacitating, nor does it increase the liklihood of sudden incapacitation. b. That you have been asymptomatic for the underlying disorder (if true) for how long you have been. c. Thet he knows of no issues regarding either the underlying disorder or the treating medication that would make it unsafe in any way to operate a car or aircraft. d. That you suffer no side effects from the use of the medication, and have not suffered any adverse reactions in how long. e. That you have been stable on this medication for how long you have, and that it has been effective in the treatment of your disorder. f. That your physician has been treating you for however long he has been. 4. If the FAA requests any reports from specialists, contact them directly and advise them specifically of what the FAA is requesting. Approve their response before they send it. I had one specialist make this rambling complicated response that didn't address the specific requests from the aeromedical office. had I not had a chance to correct it, it may well have delayed my approval. 5. Keep copies of *everything*. 6. Read and understand FAR Part 67 well. If you recently went to the AME, you almost certainly have not been 'denied'. You have probably been deferred. The folks I talked to at the FAA aeromedical office told me the number one reason people do get denied in the end is that the FAA does not receive the information it needs. Doctors don't respond, or respond with the wrong kind of information, or applicants just give up. If the regional flight surgeon can't approve you, he'll defer you (in all liklihood) to OK City. AT this point, after a couple of weeks, the AOPA can put a 'tracker' on your file. It seems to help it move along, and they can advise you of the status and any problems that arise. The guidelines for AMEs from the FAA itself indicates that being on a non-approved medication is not automatically disqualifying. And just a hard-earned piece of advice for next time. Ask around and find out which AMEs in your area are more 'flexible' than others. Some of these guys are hardcore jackasses...mine was. Some will work with you and use common sense. Avoid the guys with a bad reputation...the guy I went to is no longer on the referral list of either of the flight schools at my airport. bad AMEs are like bad DEs...best to just ignore tham and don't use them. Eventually they'll get the message when they don't get any business. But keep at it. I talked to a lot of people, including 3 different AMEs during my process. Absent a few specific issues and medications, the FAA Aeromedical office can be pretty flexible, and seems to genuinely want to approve most applications. Good luck, Cap "pjbphd" wrote in message news:9ZPZc.193012$sh.8999@fed1read06... I'm taking flight lessons and was hoping to get my private pilot certificate not too far down the line. Today I went in for my medical and was told by the examiner I have a couple problems. Although I've been asymptomatic for some time I'm on a medication that is not allowed by the FAA. When I went to the physician who prescribed the medication (a non-pilot) he was shocked that the FAA does not allow pilots to take it. Unfortunately he does not recommend I discontinue its use. Nor is there an alternative medication acceptable to the FAA. Do I have any recourse other than discontinuing the medication even though my physician recommends I stay on it or accepting that I won't be able to fly. In other words is there any kind of appeal process provided I can get the prescribing physician to state the medication does not impair my abilities? This is particularly frustrating in that had I known the med was not allowed, starting YESTERDAY I could have gone for a recreational pilots certificate without a medical review, but now it's too late. Any help will be appreciated. |
#10
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"Bill J" wrote in message
... You DON'T need a second class to 'fly and instruct'. You can do any instructing with a third class, or lots of instructing with no medical. Not true. You need a 2nd class medical any time you are being paid to exercise the privileges of your pilot certificate. If you are not acting as PIC, you need no medical at all, but if you are, you need a 2nd class medical (and a commercial pilot certificate, of course). Pete |
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