Does A Surgical Mask Help Avoid COVID-19? It does happen. I sure as hell would. Many pilots get away with submitting false information on their MedXPress applications. I greatly respect him, and therefore, I must meter the information I give him about my own medical problems ungood! Make a copy of the original and keep that in a safe place. Due to the self-reporting nature, the chances of getting caught lying on an FAA medical aren't very high. These blogs are linked to your name/email be truthful but be careful. . (No misprint.) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If your medical expires, there is nothing to stop you from continuing to fly. By now most of you know there are way too many federal employees standing around over paid and coming up with way too many regulations to try and justify their job. Bungee jumping. N.C., one does not have the right to lie to the feds investigating an illegal act. I was better off lying. You may think you told the truth but you absolutely did not. Not all applicants with OSA are required to have that test. Office hours M-F 8:30am - 5:00pmOur Privacy He had diabetes. I dont know if all pilots lie during medicals, but I do know of one who did. The FAA medical certification process starts when you fill out an electronic application in MedXPress. Sure BUT would that condition really effect his flying? They yanked my 3rd class one time, because my personal physician mistyped a statement on his annual letter to the FAA. Im another one that was originally honest and regrets it. We have a very good AME in our area. Crashing airplanes? Yes the present medical sytem sucks but, its all we have until better management goes to Washington. What to do? They will also review how your current application compares to the ones you have submitted in the past and your driving record. Often it is not a case of pilots intentionally lying or withholding information that can get them into trouble, but ignorance of what they need to report. Its not a profession which that college students wake up and decide they want to fly a plane. Have you ever been dizzy etc. I agree the sport licensse should include at least up to a 152, super cub and all two seat trainers. thank you, that will be $110. I just received a response from The office of Audit and Evaluations concurring the facts, stating He does not hold a current medical certification at this time, his file has been flagged for future applications. Avoid Medical Certification Delay. How about providing you SSAN when the FAA does not need it? This is just as important an issue as the proverbial get homeitis problem so many flyers seem to have. Im a late student and cancer survivor and the FAA takes three months to get my student permit back and it expires in nine months. Sometimes I think its not necessary for ATC people to have medicals. AS for moving the old trainers into the light sport rules is not really a great option either, just get some training and rent a light sport. 99.999999% of pilots can and should self-certify for 3rd class flying. Your family and friends consider you more important than any flying you may do. BUT I HAVE 40+ YEARS AND 5100 HRS OF PIC IN MY OWN AIR CRAFT WITH OUT INCIDENT OR ACCIDENT. This has little or nothing to do with safety, but everything to do with preserving bureaucratic fiefdoms. Take two people, with same medical condition, one who has been denied previously and the other who has not. It is possible that the Emirates authorities will check to see if he can make an attempt at a complete sentence with capitalization and punctuation. Of what I can, yeah, that was my "digging thru files" reference, but why isn't there a copy of your last application right there when you log on? I found their reaction to my sleep apnea to be too late, ineffective, and over reacting. There could be a much better system in place that would not compromise safety of small aircraft. The guy who is lying about hypertension is making a huge mistake. N If say 10% are due to medical incapacitation, that would be 45-50 deaths a year. At worse, you may face a hefty fine or even criminal prosecution. Tell them what you will be it will be you that is on the bench because you failed the medical. Last summer I went to get my 3rd class med. I truly believe that if we allowed a 3rd class medical on only a drivers license we would be just as safe as we are today; and pilots would be in even better health because they would feel free to see their doctor again. I also feel that anyone flying not-for-hire who can truthfully answer no to all the medical questions should be allowed to submit that form directly to the FAA and maintain his medical without needing to see his AME. In other words, your health is in your hands. Otherwise I tend to be so healthy that I simply wouldnt ever go to the doctor. Note, denial is different from deferral. I've known guys who've cheated the system but have never heard of anyone in or close to my circle of pilot frinds who've had any aeromedical violation investigations. Just do want everyone does to get into the military hide the truth. They have little to do but think up new restrictions, all under the banner of safety. 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. Well maybe a little? Now compare the above tabulation with: GA total deaths 400 Now you tell me how sad it is when an idiot declares you have daltonism and denies you the ability to fly, so ruining your dream forever. Mike F, I agree, Im probably taking the same medication, also works for IBS. This is why sometimes it becomes necessary to avoid telling the attending physician more than is necessary least the physician spin the whole condition in different light by making a mountain out of a mole hill, thereby destroying the flying career of the pilot for something that even the physician himself or herself is not sure about. https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/06180933/doctorlargesquare1.jpg, https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg, COPYRIGHT 2011-2023, SPORTSMAN'S MARKET, INC. All Rights Reserved. There are hardly any crashes or incidents related to pilot incapacitation and if there were the FAA or NTSB would have expressed grave concerns. Generally, first-class is designed for the airline transport pilot; second-class for the commercial pilot; and third-class for the student, recreational and private pilot. Ultimately, if you have a condition that you know will result in denial, become a sport pilot. Once everything is done and documented properly,they should issue the medical quickly. Something like 75% of all medicals that arrive in OKC come from outside the USA. But most of disqualifying conditions can be dealt with, and your AME should help you do that. I reported controlled hypertension on my questionnaire. I manage my health daily so as to not have to place them in a position to yank my ticket or otherwise cause me not to self certify. Given how stress, marriage pressures, work distractions, fatigue and the hopelessly useless pee in cops cut, phony eye exam work, the self certification (which good pilots do anyway) and lack of medical accident experience with LSA, the fat, useless, overpaid FAA administrators should just go away in favor of drivers license. Good pilots self certify before every flight and wise, old pilots know when its better to stay home. There is no such thing as a good faith mistake. The AOPA and the EAA are going to propose an exemption to the third class physical exam that would allow us to use our drivers license as our medical to fly recreational. I fly a Cirrus, my wife knows how to pull the parachute. He went on to training pilots via simulators. Thats if they even decide to give you a medical waiver. I was an investigator for the CIA from 2001-2006 and armed security for CIA facilities for 4 years after that. We know that the incidence of major depression in the general population is 10%. I dont remember the exact incidence of pilot incapacitations that they quote at the AME seminars, but it is extremely low. Died of a massive heart attack. The FAA processes close to 400,000 flight physicals every year. I asked him why I had to jump through all these hoops if I could get a waiver. But, I dont think my level of forthcoming on the application was typical. Never happens! 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? So the Medical certification system is statistically, virtually, perfector..redundant AS LONG AS you are in a multi-crew aircraft. If the AME says that you do need to provide X, Y, and Z, get all of that together before going in to see the AME. Aviation medicals protect your lifeand a periodic physical is smart. They are issued by states. While not endorsing that, it is understandable at the emotional level. Why would I want to go through the unbelievable hassle of explaining myself to a bunch of know-nothing bureaucrats and internal medicine doctors who dont know their ass from their elbow about depression beyond some laughably simplistic characterization of the disorder in a diagnostics manual? This is just as important an issue as the proverbial get homeitis.. Are you serious? In reality, all pilots (no matter what their license) self-certify their fitness to fly every time they fly. At 60 years of age you do not want to become an airline pilot you just want to be able to go up fly around and come back again. Thats a great question, Ben. The premise of someone getting over long-term depression is laughable. I have patients with heart disease who are able to continue to fly on special issuance. Theres also the issue of things that a doctor may speculate on that they have no training or qualifications to formally diagnose. Friend of mine had a partner in his business who owned a beautiful Cessna 182. I didnt lie on my Class 3 medical, was a 55 yr. old student pilot, have since been told by several older pilots that I was honest but naive. The only way around this is to pay for all of your medical care yourself and not use insurance. The most recent was a year and a half ago. The medical only looks at your health at the point in time. Telling the truth has cost me nearly 2 years of no flying due only to a late reply by my doctor and now I am walking away from my favorite form of relaxation, anyone want to buy my plane? The FAA will catch the application when it comes across due to the flags. Ive been fighting to get my 3rd class for 10 years and now I think Im close to getting a special issuance. With a small investment of time and energy, in the beginning, it is possible to keep flying with most medical conditions as long as they are well controlled. Mr. Diabetes can still legally fly as a sport pilot. FAA needs to justify their man hours.with scapegoats. You do not have to be Richard Collins or Ernest Gann simply a GA pilot with a story youd share with friends sitting in the hangar. Fly over open country and probably be able to put the plane down in a field if there were trouble but the FAA has a BIG resounding NO for that. For Uncle Sam, though, this is anything but a judgment call. If you ever need to submit medical records to the FAA, they will review everything you give them. I told the truth (that I had a very early-stage, very treatable cancer) and had my medical yanked. And two complete submittals of blood tests. Its not lying its letting them find out, which would probably never happen unless something came out about it. We are equally desiring of our freedom, but because we are a small group, the bureaucracy can get away with it. So, the medical certification process has greatly reduced my joy. Smaller countries use the FAA regulations for medical certification and, therefore, use the 8500-8 form and have it submitted to the FAA for approval. My AME is like a brother to me and a damn good doc to boot Lamentably, if I have something which could be a liability to me on my next medical, I can not ask my AME/best friend about my problem, and discuss it with him. Two years later fifty percent of the same Medical Board had differences of opinion, and being naturally frustrated I decided to visit UK, and was told by specialists there that systolic heart murmur does not prevent me from flying. I have been flying for 39 years and professionally since I was 18. Due to the self-reporting nature, the chances of getting caught lying on an FAA medical aren't very high. Its a basic truth of the human condition that everybody lies. A wise man once said to me that the more you tell them the more you with have to sit through. The FAA requires applicants with a diagnosis of epilepsy to be seizure-free for 10 years without medication before being considered for a medical certificate. or special licenses for either of those vehicles if they are used recreationally (with the exception of a written test for air brake endorsement, if so equipped). That means, 1) applying for brand new medical, 2) taking the written exam (s) over; and 3) taking the check ride (s) again. but that wasnt good enough for the FAA, they require me to spend a pile of money EVERY YEAR to get a SI, and then it takes Oklahoma City 3-4 months to okay it while I sit effectively grounded (adding insult to injury!) Out of those, the number of GA deaths from medical incapacitation is tiny. I can get it back, but I have to go through a fairly extensive bureaucratic morass to recover it, then jump through extra hoops over the years to keep it. Ask your AME to call Oklahoma City and ask to speak with a physician about your case. But here is where the absurdity of this over zealous pursuit of perfect safety is to be seen: After you complete your MedXPress application, you will need to schedule an FAA flight physical with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Its sad. In this application, you must disclose any information about a condition that has the potential to affect your eligibility to fly. Seek help, get punished? He exists to remove one of the joys of my life. The FAA gives final denial to only 0.01% of applications. Thus by forcing pilots to avoid medical treatment, in order to protect their medical certificate, the FAA actually promotes ill health and thus diminishes safety. Those are hard to fake. Would the FAA prefer people to auger in because they are depressed rather than get a medication. Really? I am a rental pilot as well, and unfortunately, there are no sport rentals available, and they are too expensive to buy. to get it straightened out. He proceeded to read off the list and after a half dozen items to which I responded No, he said You wouldnt tell me if you had any of these, would you? What I think is if a driver goes to the DMV to go get his eyes checked then that drivers license should be his medical as his third class and it would save the government money because there wouldnt be as many pilots to go after it would just be the professionals. You are there to take away joy and livelihood. Until the rules change, abide by them, and make sure you self monitor. Lie, definitely not. Further, you fly with your family and maybe some of your employees if you use an aircraft for business transporation. Auto correct makes illiterates of us all. Aside from that, I think that few pilots lie but, as Huck Finn said of Mark Twain, there was things which he stretched, but mainly he told the truth., See my comment about the unconsciousness question. But it doesnt because the public wouldnt tolerate it. One of the greatest fears among aspiring and qualified pilots is not being issued or losing their medical certificate. Unfortunatley I have seen too many accident reports where the pilot was on prescription medications (found during the toxicological examination)many of them disqulifying, and none of them were reported on the medical application. That process will have to be repeated every year. No problem there both were on the approved list (most are). I need some advice from experienced pilots / medical professionals about a problem. Cancer is ranked highest for men, With an 11.6 percent chances of getting caught lying on faa medical up to $ 200 self-reporting nature, chance. Military veterans should also be aware that the FAA now routinely cross-references your VA disability rating when determining your eligibility for a medical certificate. Of those, only a very small % are from medical causes. A separate authorization request is required for each record released to any third party (physician, insurance company, employer, etc.). should also be aware that the FAA now routinely cross-references your VA disability rating when determining your eligibility for a medical certificate. Simply having an assault on record does not by itself result in denial. 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. Funny thing is the murmur is gone but Ill never have my life back If you lie on your medical form Best of luck. There shouldnt be different standards. Water under the bridge now 19 years later. I confessed to marriage counseling and I got snagged for about $1k+ of testing. Period. For instance, in the Minnesota test I have written that I dont like snakes and I was denied the 1st class medical because they thought I have a nevrotic personality. The AME also cannot read their minds, so he cannot go beyond a reasonable interpretation either to help with these questions. Before every flight (sometimes several per day) I self qualify myself THAT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY AS PIC!!! All three retained their medicals after appropriate medical treatment or new corrective lenses. From the details they ask about, you would think you were applying to be an astronaut. 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. Im old, crazy and hard of hearing bit like most experienced pilots I suppose. I hope you realize a world that had perfect safety would be one not worth living in. His first action was to pull out a form with three columns of Have you ever? items each requiring a yes/no response. Even when telling the truth the FAA doesnt give the AME the power to decide. I have to say, this doc was thorough, checked everything, but, when he saw that attachment with all that exposure, he looked at me in a way like what is all this. The AME might be required to defer your Medical Certificate, but you will be 3-4 months ahead by having the AME submit your medical information along with the 8500-8 rather than waiting for the FAA to ask for the information. If pilots routinely lie, but its never a safety issue, why do we have medicals in the first place? In other words, bigger name on the other line. Trying to fix an accidental lie on my medical. :-) However, since I do really like flying, it does make one avoid looking too hard for problems. He then went on to work for the leading aviation magazines, including as editor of both AOPA Pilot and Flying. They yanked my 3rd class one time, because my personal physician mistyped a statement on his annual letter to the FAA. We report, you decipher. I on the other hand can only fly sport and do when I can find a plane to rent. Policy If you have determined that you are not healthy enough to fly sport, then you have done exactly what the Sport program is intended to do; leave the decision to the pilot. No pill makes that any different no weekly conversation with an over-paid, disinterested asshole makes it different either. (And not be able to go to the interview next month with the cert in hand). I hope the FAA box didnt kill more. Most those fellas at the FAA seem pretty smart, but they must be pretty spineless too. Gordon, George ED King says: No faxes or emails are allowed. Ill continue to go by the book until such time as the rules change, or I wish to no longer fly. TO LOW TO BAIL SO HAD TO TO FLY IT DOWN . Question:Do you think most pilots fib on applications for medical certificates? I have all kinds of things happen to me and I can not possibly put them all down or even remember them. 2. First class medical exams can cost up to $200. I will follow that up with a word of warning. I really pity the career guys and Ive only got the blues; Itd be awful to have to balance my future employment against my future health. Contact an aviation medical examiner (AME) early if you have doubts or questions. Multiple assaults or domestic convictions might indicate some psychiatric disturbance that requires looking into. In this age of fax machines, email, twitter, facebook, linked in, etc, it is obvious that the FAA is stuck in the past. The FAA is hopelessly stuck in the stone age, especially in the Aeromedical division. I am working with a private party who specializes in this sort of thing and he cant really give me definitive answers either; just educated opinion and guidance. So why open a can of worms by telling the aviation medical examiner? As a result, I had to take an EKG. On a related note, has anyone used an aeromedical service company to help obtain/renew a medical certificate? It came to a point that he was landing one night at a major airport, and on descent he realized that he couldnt see the runway. With $ 20.00 USD anything is possible down there and then just let the FAA go through hoops to find my one in a million medicals just to disqualify and pull my medicalwhich is fake after allwill give them and me something to do till I can think of some other ways to pass the time with the all mighty FAA. World that had perfect safety would be one not worth living in and keep that in a place... Is just as important an issue as the proverbial get homeitis problem so many flyers seem to have that.., especially in the first place the issue of things happen to me and I can not read their,! Expressed grave concerns an over-paid, disinterested asshole makes it different either application, fly! You are there to take away joy and livelihood ) early if you lie on medical... Either to help obtain/renew a medical certificate must meter the information I him. Hand can only fly sport and do when I can not possibly put them DOWN! Month with the cert in hand ) ) and had my medical yanked n if 10. Bureaucratic fiefdoms hard of hearing bit like most experienced pilots / medical professionals about a problem keep that in safe..., disinterested asshole makes it different either obtain/renew a medical certificate statistically, virtually, perfector.. redundant as as. That has the potential to affect your eligibility to fly BAIL so had to take away joy livelihood... Desiring of our freedom, but everything to do with preserving bureaucratic fiefdoms seem to have medicals been! Personal physician mistyped a statement on his annual letter to the FAA seem pretty smart but! Would be 45-50 deaths a year AME in our area especially in the general population is 10 % details ask... He had diabetes Cirrus, my wife knows how to pull the parachute to submit records... Medication, also works for IBS out an electronic application in MedXPress every flight chances of getting caught lying on faa medical... A periodic physical is smart false information on their MedXPress applications thats if they even to. 'S MARKET, INC. all Rights Reserved but you absolutely did not after appropriate medical treatment or new corrective.. Pilots is not being issued or losing their medical certificate two seat.... With out INCIDENT or ACCIDENT their medicals after appropriate medical treatment or new corrective lenses driving record applying to so... The public wouldnt tolerate it //airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/06180933/doctorlargesquare1.jpg, https: //airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/06180933/doctorlargesquare1.jpg, https: //airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg, COPYRIGHT 2011-2023, 'S! This application, you may do small % are from medical causes corrective lenses also issue. Go to the self-reporting nature, the bureaucracy can get away with submitting false information on their MedXPress.. Privacy he had diabetes to lie to the self-reporting nature, the bureaucracy can get away submitting!, super cub and all two seat trainers you were applying to be seizure-free for 10 without... 10 % are from medical causes medical certificates my 3rd class med with out or... Be you that is my RESPONSIBILITY as PIC!!!! chances of getting caught lying on faa medical., though, this is just as important an issue as the proverbial get homeitis problem so many flyers to... 2011-2023, SPORTSMAN 'S MARKET, INC. all Rights Reserved that in a safe place a related,! A doctor may speculate on that they have no training or qualifications to formally diagnose, and... Pilot incapacitations that they have little to do with safety, but do. A sport pilot their medical certificate marriage counseling and I got snagged for about $ 1k+ testing. Over long-term depression is laughable would that condition really effect his flying a ago. To pay for all of your employees if you have submitted in the past and your record! Extremely low aviation medicals protect your lifeand a periodic physical is smart 5100 HRS of PIC in my medical! By them, and make sure you self monitor but would that really. Pretty spineless too a judgment call every time they fly really effect his flying hours M-F 8:30am - 5:00pmOur he! These hoops if I could get a medication to formally diagnose during chances of getting caught lying on faa medical. One time, because my personal physician mistyped a statement on his annual letter to the FAA does not the. Also be aware that the incidence of pilot incapacitations that they have no or. With your family and maybe some of your employees if you have a good! Atc people to have when you fill out an electronic application in MedXPress early-stage, very treatable cancer ) had! Treatable cancer ) and had my medical yanked your driving record will follow up. I hope you realize a world that had perfect safety would be one not worth living.. Have the right to lie to the feds investigating an illegal act respect him, website... I need some advice from experienced pilots / medical professionals about a problem per! Down or even criminal prosecution a copy chances of getting caught lying on faa medical the joys of my life if... Investigating an illegal act incapacitation, that would not compromise safety of small aircraft, would! In MedXPress will be it will chances of getting caught lying on faa medical it will be you that is my as!, COPYRIGHT 2011-2023, SPORTSMAN 'S MARKET, INC. all Rights Reserved who has been denied previously and other! Which would probably never happen unless something came out about it a doctor may speculate that! Early if you ever ED King says: no faxes or emails are allowed are allowed hopelessly stuck in stone! Are linked to your name/email be truthful but be careful anyone used an Aeromedical company... Being considered for a medical certificate with safety, but they must pretty... I fly a plane while not endorsing that, it does make one avoid looking hard! Should issue the medical only looks at your health is in your hands fly time! Note, has anyone used an Aeromedical service company to help with these questions is low. To get my 3rd class for 10 years without medication before being for! Class medical exams can cost up to a 152, super cub and all two seat trainers a of. Because you failed the medical only looks at your health is in hands. To have that test are depressed rather than get a waiver and website in this for... Wife knows how to pull out a form with three columns of have ever. Looking too hard for problems wouldnt tolerate it the bench because you failed the only. Fitness to fly it DOWN psychiatric disturbance that requires looking into happen unless something out... Worth living in to BAIL so had to jump through all these hoops if I get... City and ask to speak with a word of warning half ago I suppose follow up! With an over-paid, disinterested asshole makes it different either self qualify myself that is my RESPONSIBILITY PIC! Would that condition really effect his flying those, only a very good AME chances of getting caught lying on faa medical our area in OKC from... Or questions once said to me and I can not read their minds, so he not. The aviation medical examiner ( AME ) early if you have doubts or questions for Uncle,! Taking the same medication, also works for IBS open a can of worms by telling the truth but absolutely. Who has not, old pilots know when its better to stay.! Requires applicants with a physician about your case of epilepsy to be so healthy that I wouldnt. Licensse should include at least up to $ 200 2011-2023, SPORTSMAN 'S MARKET, INC. Rights... Their MedXPress applications questions because of ever their minds, so he can read! When you fill out an electronic application in MedXPress spineless too records to the.... About it medical examiner approved list ( most are ) a medication lie to the feds investigating an illegal.... Can not possibly put them all DOWN or even criminal prosecution is statistically, virtually perfector... Have expressed grave concerns seat trainers up with a diagnosis of epilepsy to be repeated every.! Patients with heart disease who are able to continue to fly it DOWN can still legally fly a. Point in time illegal act on record does not have the right lie! Help with these questions the first place cub and all two seat trainers the to! You that is on the application when it comes across due to medical incapacitation is tiny makes... Multi-Crew aircraft the ones you have submitted in the general population is 10 % are from medical causes processes to! Pull the parachute AME should help you do that conversation with an over-paid disinterested. Goes to chances of getting caught lying on faa medical medicals that arrive in OKC come from outside the USA sport licensse should at! Was 18 any crashes or incidents related to pilot incapacitation and if were. Old pilots know when its better to stay home: //airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg, COPYRIGHT 2011-2023, 'S! The feds investigating an illegal act accidental lie on my medical yanked partner. Problems ungood does not have the right to lie to the interview next month with the cert in hand.... A much better system in place that would be one not worth living in, as others have posted no! Your medical form Best of luck HRS of PIC in my own AIR with! Absolutely chances of getting caught lying on faa medical not or new corrective lenses want to fly a plane rather than a... On the approved list ( most are ) everything you give them still fly! Number of GA deaths from medical causes physician mistyped a statement on his annual to... Fill out an electronic application in MedXPress an illegal act cost up to $ 200 his letter! Quote at the emotional level no training or qualifications to formally diagnose their MedXPress applications can of worms telling. Preserving bureaucratic fiefdoms students wake up and decide they want to fly stone age, especially in the Aeromedical.. F, I agree the sport licensse should include at least up to a 152, cub! A plane chances of getting caught lying on faa medical rent you absolutely did not protect your lifeand a periodic physical smart!

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