I have also been on a special issuance First Class Medical for three years now. We have been contacted by major union legal teams regarding this issue. When a government becomes oppressive, intransigent, and unreasonable, allowing no recourse beyond its edicts, eventually people react. Your family and friends consider you more important than any flying you may do. These blogs are linked to your name/email be truthful but be careful. The problem is I was diagnosed with ADHD back when I was about 9. What objective proof can they present that Im actually depressed or for that matter no longer depressed that would otherwise qualify me for a medical? I flew for 16 years in the Air Force with a known heart murmur that I know would preclude me form a civilian 1st class. Fess and get a special issuance if necessary. I have been flying for 39 years and professionally since I was 18. No, I have never lied on the medical application because I understood the ramifications in the event of an accident. 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. Im healthy, but had been to the doc a number of times over the last couple years (or whatever the reporting period was), for inconsequential (for flying) things, so, just reading the med form, as it said I could, I attached a sheet with all those doc visits. Have tried the polite calling routine, found they will lie to you, one time the lady told me my SI was approved & mailed 2 days prior, when I finally got it 3 weeks later the post mark date proved they had lied. This is likely true for those receiving social security disability benefits as well, What Happens When the FAA gets Suspicious. Another friend had accompanied me to this testing and he sat across the table from me so that he could see the doctors actions. Of course, as others have posted here NO ONE can truthfully answer no to all the questions because of ever. Furthermore if one has the right against self-incrimination in court testimony, why should one be forced to self-incriminate before a Federal Agency that is extremely bureaucratic, slow to change, and out of touch with reality? A. Funny thing is the murmur is gone but Ill never have my life back If you lie on your medical form Best of luck. If you succeed in running that gauntlet, there is something else to consider. The FAA processes close to 400,000 flight physicals every year. Also, I had had an episode 12 years ago (you know the thing, have you ever in your life. that I listed on that attachment and it hasnt been an issue since. to get it straightened out. Question 18m. Give blood, nope, they do tests on it, might find something. Brian, you are right on about AMEs being able to grease the wheels for pilots with the FAA medical people. Please type or print legibly and remember to sign and date the request. Global misunderstands that Procedure codes, diagnosis codes and pharmacy codes were denied protections under to ACA of 2010. However the CAA would not accept the word of the doctors at the hospital nor my own doctor and insisted I had to follow the procedure. Not just surprise test changes from the FAA but the FMCSA again wanting to reduce truck drivers hours of service due to fatigue despite the lack of evidence published on the FMCSAs own web site. I am an AME and 4,000 hour pilot. This is just as important an issue as the proverbial get homeitis problem so many flyers seem to have. From the archives: how valuable are check rides? Misdiagnosed with epilepsy. My thought exactly: my last 3 medicals have consisted of please pee in this cup do you have any complaints? I am going to take my FAA First Class Medical examination in a few months for my very first certificate. How do I get a copy of my FAA written test? Hes very consciencious, and does not tolerate much in the way of obfuscation, at which he appears to be very good at spotting. You can mail or fax your request for aircraft records or Request Copies of Aircraft Records online. Now then, back to your question do pilots lie about medical conditions to their AME naaaaaaah! 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. Thats a good way to get into a LOT of trouble. Maybe I misunderstood the content regarding flagging his file, maybe this is an appropriate means of discipline, they did not elaborate. Discussion in 'Medical Topics' started by Globalpilot, Oct 6, 2018. hej Jim, you couldnt describe better the current situation: from Aryan superman to weelchair pilot. He never lied. I do not expect it to change in my life time. I would like to see how many incidents of NOT seeking medical attention, due to knowing that the FAA will pull their ticket, have led to problems. What is 1st 2nd and 3rd class FAA medical? Be careful that if you have seen your doctor and are responding yes to question 19 and your doctor diagnosed you with ADHD (or suggested that you had ADHD), you will also likely need to respond yes to question 18m. Congress should forbid the FAA from requiring any medical for recreational flying. The big question is, though, whether it matters. Do You Need A PHD To Be A Medical Scientist? Would I report this or any depression on the 8500-8? However, if you do get caught, at best you will lose your license. Its possible that a pilot could fill out a MedXpress form to the best of their knowledge and still leave something off that could be revealed in an investigation. What will actually happen if you are caught lying? Not only is the medical certificate process flawed, so is the new AOPA iniative. You should report any AME who does not do a reasonably thorough examination and review what you put on the 8500-8. There are hardly any crashes or incidents related to pilot incapacitation and if there were the FAA or NTSB would have expressed grave concerns. If they can get and autopsy on the pilot, they look for blood levels of the medications found at the crash site as well as illicit drugs that might be found in the pilots blood. My first flightdoctor told me he was very happy about having pilots as clients. Ill continue to go by the book until such time as the rules change, or I wish to no longer fly. With holding important information. I definitely do not lie on my medical application (8500-8) form because its a legal instrument. The FAA medical certification process starts when you fill out an electronic application in MedXPress. So, I can only assume that the FAA will see it so there is no question about having to report it myself. The AME Guide explains that the question pertains to unexplained unconsciousness. The other will not. If its temporary, shaddup about it. They are busy guarding the barn only after the horse is back inside. His career was essentially over with that arrest and he killed himself because of it. Simply having an assault on record does not by itself result in denial. Others accept what the agency is trying to do'protect everyone's best interests'and play by its less-than-perfect rules. Theyll wait until a couple of major airline pilots go postal or have a seizure over the threshold and get the front page bold type, then overreact totally inappropriately, and far too late. by Paul Engstrom, Aviation Writer and IFA Member. In other words, bigger name on the other line. If they used MODERN medicine and common sense then I would have no problem with them. John has been quoted or mentioned in major publications, including Chron, Flying Mag, and National Review. In order to understand how likely it is the FAA would catch you lying, it is important to understand how they would catch you. 3. Just waht we need more busybodys like you who cant mind their own business. At worse, you may face a hefty fine or even criminal prosecution. I hope you realize a world that had perfect safety would be one not worth living in. The Aircraft Registration Branch maintains registration records on individual aircraft and serves as a repository for airworthiness documents received from FAA field offices. He did not disclose any of his medical issues to the AME, and passed his medical in 2011. While my husband sailed through after having lied. (And not be able to go to the interview next month with the cert in hand). He wouldnt go to hell and back (becoming a commercial pilot) if he didnt want his dream. This is left bundle branch block which is a stop as far as the CAA is concerned. I was dumb enough to tell them about my marriage counseling! It does nothing to me other than help prevent the gotta go right NOW urges. Should I be worried? Now, what other activity with a rate of death this low has a major federal bureaucracy policing it? I WAS A BIRD DOG PILOT IN VIETNAM FOR 3+ YEARS WHEN I WAS SENT TO THE DECK BY SMALL ARMS FIRE. Ive been prescribed them, but have stopped taking them simply due to the fact that they are useless and I see no point in continuing to pour money down the drain for nothing. From open heart surgery and stroke to PTSD and diabetes, it is possible to qualify for an FAA medical certificate with more conditions than most pilots suspect. Google "Operation Safe Pilot." In a blatant violation of the privacy act of 1974 as amended, the FAA, DOT Inspector General, and SSA Inspector General, conducted an illegal database match looking for common personally identifying information (names and/or social security numbers) in the FAA medical certificate database and the SSA Title 2 and Title 16 disability databases of 45,000 Northern . I completely agree with you. It can also ensure you keep flying for years to come. The next hell will be finding out what conditions they place on that SI. Too little or false information could park a pilot on the ground'permanently'and lead to fines and jail time if authorities detect a lie or deceit. 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. As a 74 year old pilot, I feel that seeing the Aviation Doc every two years is good for my health. The FAAs denial letter may look daunting, but time and time again, airmen with a history of ADHD are being issued medical certification following the appropriate presentation of the airmens fitness for flight. Im just grateful to have my medical and hope to keep it however long I have to have it. Should that person be allowed to self-certified medically and carry as many as 5 passengers? N.C., one does not have the right to lie to the feds investigating an illegal act. Again, take a look at the AME Guide on the FAA website. . Would the FAA prefer people to auger in because they are depressed rather than get a medication. Indeed, in 2000 the Aeromedical Certification Division granted twice as many 'special issuance' certificates to pilots who had a significant medical condition, like coronary heart disease, a valve implant, a pacemaker, or alcoholism, as it did 10 years earlier. Because they can longer fly. You actually do have a point and I think the same thing sometimes if people want to be private pilots they shouldnt even have to carry a third class medical just their drivers license. If you have vision with only one eye, you can get a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) by taking a Medical Flight Test. PLEASE HELP In other words, your health is in your hands. I am a physician instrument pilot with an appreciation for medical limitations. Is Medical Coding The Same As Medical Transcription? One of the questions is, have you ever had unconsciousness for any reason.. Both asked for, and received, removal of their Special Issuance. Case in point: A student pilot I was familiar with crashed his aircraft into the runway and killed himself after being arrested for drunk-driving the previous night. I dont feel it would be correct to try to hide a condition from these people. waiting for them. The information request usually comes with a warning about certificate revocation and enforcement action if you do not respond within the period specified in the letter. Others have their dreams dashed who lived years longer flying ultralights. The standards are too strict and the FAA bases thier decisions (especially on medication) on generalizaitons instead of listening to the pilots and doctors. I had a friend that sold very pricey aircraft (demonstration pilot) that was colorblind. I do medicals on two pilots who went on a vigorous diet and lost weight. The cost of the medical exam will vary by location and examiner as well as the type of exam given. Ive held a private certificate since 1991 and fly for pleasure and fun, occassionally with passengers and somtimes just to stay current. As you say does nothing to hinder my ability to fly a plane in anyway, but the FAA says is not allowed, SO. Im also struggling with depression. People Lie to do what they love to do. Of course people lie on the application, they want the medical so they can keep flying. A pilot might reason, for example, that the antidepressant he's taken for months hasn't caused any side effects and actually makes him more mentally fit to fly, a safer pilot. but I was frustrated because a desk bureaucrat figured they knew more about my health than 3 doctors who had recently examined me with aviation in mind.. I look at the FAA as the enemy trying to take my life away. If anyone cares to share their thoughts or any advice I would appreciate hearing from you. I hesitated to contact the FAA as I didnt want to deprive this man of his dream to be a pilot but the risk of harm to himself and to others was greater than His Dream so I sent a detailed letter. You and I both know our government never needs to justify their efforts.lol. Im not a Senior AME, Ive only been one for a year. Port St. Lucie, FL 34988
Unfortunately some do lie. Bluskye, the FAA does not have the personnel to handle things quickly.. We are equally desiring of our freedom, but because we are a small group, the bureaucracy can get away with it. Governmental overkill? With a second class medical, itll be 12 calendar months, and if you start with the third class medical, itll be for 24 calendar months. Ive seen pilots successfully conquer exams and die days later (in flight). Simply having an assault on record does not have the right to lie to DECK. As the enemy trying to take my life back if you are caught lying keep for., your health chances of getting caught lying on faa medical in your life 39 years and professionally since I was SENT to AME. Is the medical certificate process flawed, so is the murmur is gone but Ill never have my medical (. My thought exactly: my last 3 medicals have consisted of please pee in cup. 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