3rd Class Medical - Jump Through Hoops?

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

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

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

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.

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

"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.

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

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.

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.

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