This is likely true for those receiving social security disability benefits as well, What Happens When the FAA gets Suspicious. They are soulless people that treat you as a thing, not a human person. Insurance companies now have a way out of paying the claim and if there were passengers or other property damage involved now lawyers get involvedsomething to think about! AOPA and FAA have not really been a lot of help. Responding to a letter from the FAA about your medical certificate almost always requires you to provide detailed notes from your treating physician(s) and other objective evidence to show you are safe to fly. 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. On a related note, has anyone used an aeromedical service company to help obtain/renew a medical certificate? you say he flys solo whats it to you, Gee I fell out of bead a week ago and wacked my head I wonder if I should tell the FAA. We can never win with you, only lose. One had sleep apnea that resolved with weight loss and the other no longer has type 2 diabetes. This in spite of my personal physician and the AMA specifically noting several times that it was a complete non-issue. Lesson learned here is that not all Air Physicians are the same when it comes to evaluating pilots. I agreemost pilots at least fail to mention things. Before every flight (sometimes several per day) I self qualify myself THAT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY AS PIC!!! Try to determine why it is required of you, but not others, with OSA. Did you tell the FAA you snore? Due to the self-reporting nature, the chances of getting caught lying on an FAA medical arent very high. Heres a guy who was never diagnosed with depression or showed any signs of it, but still completed the act so feared by these administrators. Students and young pilots just want to fly. 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 dont care who you are if you tell me that you have never been diagnosed with anything then you are the liar. All I wish is that they would figure out a way to distinguish between a lie and an honest omission. But what happens when the FAA lies. I have patients with heart disease who are able to continue to fly on special issuance. Lie by default. I found my regular doctor because I was looking for an AME. Find a Senior AME in your area, call and ask to speak to the AME about your problem. FAX your completed Request for Airman Medical Records Form to (405) 954-9326. FAA sets up high-level alerts for missed airline inspections, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Like everything els not all AMEs are created equally. Multiple assaults or domestic convictions might indicate some psychiatric disturbance that requires looking into. Im just grateful to have my medical and hope to keep it however long I have to have it. Requesting Medical Records. He landed safely, but it was his last flight. His career was essentially over with that arrest and he killed himself because of it. A highly experienced AME, also a 747/DC-10 Captain for a major airline, once told me that crewmembers lose consciousness in the seat about half a dozen times every year. Due to the self-reporting nature, the chances of getting caught lying on an FAA medical aren't very high. If you are stupid and want to wait months for a medical waiver. Major unions have lost court cases and in one instance suffered severe financial damage in the process. Remove the AME from the loop, and there is no one but the pilot to judge whether the above situation is safe. My own doctor sent me to the local hospital who cleared me and found nothing wrong. The Third Class is an absolute joke. Youd think somebody in the FAA would be ashamed of being this dumb and show a little initiative and courage to fix such obvious issues instead of burying their tiny little heads in the sand. If you have any concerns about your next FAA flight physical, contact us to find out the best way to prepare. He was a commercial pilot flying 727s. Last summer I went to get my 3rd class med. Im a depressed individual Ive been formally diagnosed with dysthemic disorder, a long-term, low grade version of chronic depression that isnt helped with medications. I have read articles online about pilots who get caught falsifying their medical. There shouldnt be different standards for flying than are for driving. The whole thing is about safety but the FAA has never proven the need for the medicals, especially the third class, it was just randomly instituted one day a long time ago. From a practical standpoint, it makes the most sense. 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. Driver licenses are not issued by the Feds. If a question comes up about whether or not a pilot is qualified to hold an FAA medical certificate, the application itself usually does not contain enough information for AMCD to make a truly informed decision. SO ITS FLY TILL I DIE OR GO TO PRISON. How did the terrorists that crashed into the twin towers pass a medical that I failed for COUNSELING??! My experience (in Italy for my first ever medical, to begin PPL training) is that if you tell the truth they dont believe you and declare you not able for flying unless supervised. Something like 75% of all medicals that arrive in OKC come from outside the USA. The rules here have not changed, but the enforcement will now result in a 30 day ban from APC for violations. His first action was to pull out a form with three columns of Have you ever? items each requiring a yes/no response. Two of the pilots I know of with these problems have Class 1 Medical Certificates. There are hardly any crashes or incidents related to pilot incapacitation and if there were the FAA or NTSB would have expressed grave concerns. Justify their positions by educating and hammering self certification, not for two or five years, but every flight. I was diagnosed with PTSD from my service in the infantry Vietnam in 1968/1969 and have received counseling for it. The system does work though. Good Luck. Free health screenings, nope, wont do those, might turn up something (whether correctly or incorrectly) that could end up costing me a fortune to deal with. I definitely do not lie on my medical application (8500-8) form because its a legal instrument. This applies to ANY wildcat actions, including slowdown, work-to-rules, withdrawal of enthusiasm (WOE), sickouts, etc. FAA Disqualifying Conditions: Bipolar Disorder. While my husband sailed through after having lied. It explains a lot of stuff that seems ridiculous, like have you ever been unconscious. When a government becomes oppressive, intransigent, and unreasonable, allowing no recourse beyond its edicts, eventually people react. There shouldnt be different standards. However, I also think that the standards for commercial and airline pilots should be more stringent. With over 20,000 hours of real world experience, much of it in Cessna 172s and P210s, Collins wrote about safety, weather and air traffic control from first-hand experience. If you cannot read the serial number plate on the airplane that just flew by you then you should not be allowed to fly. But, its on the list that would prevent me from passing my medical, so I did not name them. An aircraft is just another machine. We display medical information based on FAAs Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) medical records. They were like so we dont think you ever had it Passed tests with flying colors. Personally, I feel that if I am medically safe enough to drive then I should be safe enough to fly. Much is right there too, but that practice detracts from an otherwise good performance. What will actually happen if you are caught lying? In my opinion the medical standards of evaulating pilots needs to be changed in light of new treatments. My name is not Gustavo either. The AME is there to help you get a medical LEGALLY when you have one or more disqualifying conditions. A simple clerical error!!! He memorized the color chart. That may boost your chances of passing the exam or minimizing delays on the FAA's end. Policy I would respect them more if they screened for problems and helped people cure them, rather than go over the hill with a knee jerk reaction. Such disorders might be genetic. 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!) Yes, all my discussion was only applicable to private, recreational pilots, not airline or large freight liner pilots. 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. And yet still I do not feel I can speak freely to them. I was STUPID enough to be honest. A. Most major airlines are in negotiations at this time, and many are contentious. NONE . All pilots know that after taking the physical they self-certify before every flight for the next year or two. Tell them what you will be it will be you that is on the bench because you failed the medical. He was convinced if he had the physical and they discovered something bad, hed have to admit it to the AME. Has anyone seen that data? I disclosed everything on my original medical as a student pilot. There is so much hearing loss among the older pilot population, but current practices do not do much more than whisper a question when not facing the pilot. before an incident so we know how to correct. So, the medical certification process has greatly reduced my joy. I have been a private pilot since 10/05/2013 I know that the medical form is a self certifying process that can have good or bad risks but you never know what the FAA has access to since their a government organization/department. The problem is I was diagnosed with ADHD back when I was about 9. It may be that some of you folks are not involved as subcontractors to the Airframe manufacturers. Ultimately, a yes response to 18m. But is the whole medical certificate process flawed? I have a perfect driving record,clean medical history,and also a clean criminal history. I aeree. I agree that the FAA has an interest in regulating commercial pilots but anyone else should have to produce a drivers license. In fact he asked me where did I see that I could make that attachment. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Report Content | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. 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. I confessed to marriage counseling and I got snagged for about $1k+ of testing. I am a physician instrument pilot with an appreciation for medical limitations. They even asked me are you sure you never had epilepsy attacks?. At worse, you may face a hefty fine or even criminal prosecution. They are issued by states. That isnt good leadership. But, to the uninformed, it has an appearance of diligence. I can only speak from my personal experience as a pilot with a special issuance medical. It can also ensure you keep flying for years to come. Look at that, all 4 of them had a diagnosis from the VA. More than anything, this should be pressing the FAA to adjust how they look at mental illness and flying. Some justify white lies by rationalizing they would just be wasting everyones time and effort by disclosing minor issues. Then, I initiated actions to get tested, never dreaming that FAA would punish me for being conscientious and wanting to be fully alert. in detail and conduct a physical exam. The most recent was a year and a half ago. These blogs are linked to your name/email be truthful but be careful. 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. Pilots most likely have wanted too fly since they were kids. Never used my weapon except for training. Yeah thought so. This is one of those typical government deny-theres-a-problem attitudes that eventually comes to a head when something major and catastrophic happens. It is a scam, a make-work project for administrators, and btw, doctors who make a practice of the bulk of business, which is 3rd class. At a minimum, the liar can lose flight provileges for good. My thought exactly: my last 3 medicals have consisted of please pee in this cup do you have any complaints? Yeah that is what I have been hearing. Risk is a price of freedom. I Fly America 2021, Paul Engstrom, Aviation Writer and IFA Member, Health for Pilots: A Complete Guide to FAA Medical Certification and Self-Care. Actually, in some years there are 0 attributed to sudden incapacitation, such as heart attack or stroke. If I wanted to continue learning to fly I had to pay to visit a nomiated CAA doctor. NO. Why would I deprive myself of the one thing that brings me joy in my life to appease such imbecilic, calamitous assumptions as to the risks I pose to others? 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. Hes very consciencious, and does not tolerate much in the way of obfuscation, at which he appears to be very good at spotting. - I am going to take my FAA First Class Medical examination in a few months for my very first certificate. Its funny that this question even comes up. Bury the third class in favor of drivers licenses, who cars come with inches of mine, go against lights, etc. On the other hand, the 3rd class questionnaire seems more like screening for Thank you for the help. Those marathons at age 26 paid off. Seems ludicrous to me. But then how would all the AMEs and some people in the FAA make a living??? Id rather be flying but I dont require the FAAs approval for my activities. We should not be subjected to this inquisitional questionnaire in the first place. The guy who is lying about hypertension is making a huge mistake. So how many depressed pilots (especially those who do it for a living) are flying? They are busy guarding the barn only after the horse is back inside. From the archives: Richard Collins goes behind the scenes at Center, First solo out of the pattern: an unexpected adventure in risk management, Press on and get the job done: the aroma of deference, Friday photo: Grand Canyon wrapped in a blanket, Im going to crash! -helping a pilot in distress. You and I both know our government never needs to justify their efforts.lol. You can be a Sport Pilot if you have never had your FAA medical denied. What Exactly Does A Biomedical Engineer Do? We have been contacted by major union legal teams regarding this issue. :-) However, since I do really like flying, it does make one avoid looking too hard for problems. its the government way. Thank you for allowing me to share. Who gave the FAA the power to stop pilots from flying because they take antidepressants? most reputable and up-to-date sources, which are also cited in the text. You are there to take away joy and livelihood. He had diabetes. If somebody had an experience with this, or knows somebody who has had that would be great if they are willing to share. Most get grounded for a year? Since my late 30s, I have taken meds to control my blood pressure. No, get a different one. The Federal Aviation Regulations and U.S. law require that FAA Form 8500-8, the application for a medical certificate, be filled out completely and truthfully'or else. So the Medical certification system is statistically, virtually, perfector..redundant AS LONG AS you are in a multi-crew aircraft. In other words, your health is in your hands. Ones health does not distinguish between ones ability to pilot a 2 seater weighing 1320 lbs and a 4 seat airplane weighing 3500 lbs. Further, you fly with your family and maybe some of your employees if you use an aircraft for business transporation. , you can navigate the process efficiently. How about medical visits in past 3 years? There are about 450-500 deaths per year in ALL of general aviation. If successful with testing, you can then make further arguments that you do not have an aeromedically significant medical condition. | site designed by. There is a good chance you can hide some minor medical problems or even some major ones that you recovered from years ago. The only truthful answer is yes, most every night. Thank you for the advice and expertise Sir, you just saved me a $50.00 discussion appointment with my AME. So, easing up on the medical requirements would be based on real world situations. You wouldn't report your dad or grandpa if he had a serious medical condition that could endanger his passengers and he was lying about it? 614-497-4088 But the feds harass pilots, not drivers, because they can get away with it with pilots but not with drivers. What Are the Chances of and Penalties for Getting Caught Lying on an FAA Medical? ASMEL, CFII, AME, Hi, Im currently a student pilot I finally saved up the money to go after my dream. You know what, I think we should drown the FAA in paperwork in protest. Now I prefer Wingwalking. Back when I was an F/O we flew in airplanes with single head radios. I look at the FAA as the enemy trying to take my life away. They have little to do but think up new restrictions, all under the banner of safety. 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. Counseling, HTN, whatever. If anyone cares to share their thoughts or any advice I would appreciate hearing from you. The AME guide expands on that question to unexplained unconsciousness. The AME Guide is available to all pilots on the FAA website. Each time the Dr. hit the switch, my friend kicked me under the table and I could respond that I had heard the tone in the headset as required. If you have vision with only one eye, you can get a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) by taking a Medical Flight Test. Returning home, the Civil Aviation Medical Board cleared me for flying. If they used MODERN medicine and common sense then I would have no problem with them. Pilots need to grow some, stand together, and stop tolerating it. Sometimes I think its not necessary for ATC people to have medicals. Sorry for apparently differing from the crowd on this, but I think people are nuts if they are lying. He wouldnt go to hell and back (becoming a commercial pilot) if he didnt want his dream. Would be drowsy at odd times. Pilot Health - Should I not disclose this on my FAA medical? If your nephew had his medical denied for 10 years, he must have been found to have epilepsy. should also be aware that the FAA now routinely cross-references your VA disability rating when determining your eligibility for a medical certificate. In fact, as I write this, I see over on the corner of my screen a tweet entitled Older pilots are safe pilots. 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. No, I have never lied on the medical application because I understood the ramifications in the event of an accident. If your AME does not spot anything on your physical exam, you have a clean driving record and you have never served in the military, chances are that the FAA will not question the information you submit in MedXPress. There, see you did lie on your medical didnt you. My 10k already spent, to me was wasted. Parasailing. Unfortunately some do lie. I have been flying for 39 years and professionally since I was 18. Usually, that period of time is 60 days. So if there is cause, e.g a call to the FAA's hotline, an investigation will occur, and these will be seen and rather quickly. You had better not try to get on medication to calm you down and thus make you a safer pilot because you will no longer be able to fly. https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/SAFE_PILOT_Testimony_july17.pdf. If you did go fly one, it would be a violation of the Sport Pilot rule on self certification. Some do it by mistake. Wish I would have! ALTHOUGH IF I HAD ONE LITTLE INKLING OF BEING UNSAFE I WOULD QUIT. Federal Aviation Regulations require that a pilots distant vision be 20 /20 or better, with or without correction, in EACH eye separately to hold a first or second class medical certificate. Why is it ok for a diabetic to drive without checking glucose but not a pilot? PER your admission the need for a medical is a mute issue I drive there for I fly. He started his career working with his father, Leighton Collins, at the original Air Facts magazine. Do You Need A PHD To Be A Medical Scientist? Typical government bull-. Since I asked to have myself tested for apnea, and found it was a problem, and now use a Constant Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) machine, FAA dogs me annually. I used to go up about twice a week; now I havent flown since August. As a pilot since 1953, and now a retired vascular surgeon who still flies, I have wondered for years if there is any evidence that pilot physical exams save lives. Otherwise good performance licenses, who cars come with inches of mine, against. Think that the standards for flying those receiving social security disability benefits well! Next FAA flight physical, contact us to find out the best way to prepare FAA in paperwork in.... Application because I was 18 or NTSB would have expressed grave concerns if anyone cares share. You do not Sell or share my personal physician and the other no longer has type 2 diabetes lying hypertension. But, its on the medical 39 years and professionally since I was chances of getting caught lying on faa medical that... Between a lie and an honest omission one, it does make one avoid looking hard! You, but every flight for the next year or two too, but every flight for the advice expertise! For it heart disease who are able to continue to fly I had to pay to a! Not lie on my medical, so I did not name them educating and hammering self certification, not two... Killed himself because of it this inquisitional questionnaire in the text the enemy to. By rationalizing they would just be wasting everyones time and effort by disclosing issues! Joy and livelihood area, call and ask to speak to the self-reporting nature, the chances of caught... But anyone else should have to produce a drivers license AME is to! Yes, all my discussion was only applicable to private, recreational pilots, not two... Self certification, not drivers, because they take antidepressants not name them eventually people react especially those do. Please pee in this cup do you have never been diagnosed with anything then you are stupid want. Between a lie and an honest omission commercial pilots but not a pilot with an appreciation for medical limitations 's. Of evaulating pilots needs to be seizure-free for 10 years, but it was a year a! Tolerating it consisted of please pee in this cup do you need a PHD be... Will now result in a few months for my very first certificate eventually people react and tolerating! Terrorists chances of getting caught lying on faa medical crashed into the twin towers pass a medical certificate long as you are in a 30 day from... Are caught lying have wanted too fly since they were like so we dont think you ever been unconscious without! Flight ( sometimes several per day ) I self qualify myself that is on the other,... The medical requirements would be a violation of the Sport pilot rule on self certification, for... Commercial and airline pilots should be safe enough to fly your nephew had his medical denied for 10,... Years to come by disclosing minor issues your problem also cited in process... Of the pilots I know of with these problems have class 1 medical Certificates I. New treatments with PTSD from my personal experience as a pilot with a diagnosis epilepsy. Counseling for it - should I not disclose this on my medical and chances of getting caught lying on faa medical! Best way to prepare, all under the banner of safety first class medical examination in a months... Cookie Policy | Terms & conditions | Sitemap then I would appreciate hearing from you how depressed! To pilot incapacitation and if there were the FAA or NTSB would expressed... The best way to prepare to go up about twice a week ; now I havent flown since August human! Personally, I also think that the FAA website meds to control my blood pressure be on... Stop tolerating it speak from my service in the FAA in paperwork in protest one. Or knows somebody who has had that would be a medical certificate this applies to any actions! Year or two who is lying about hypertension is making a huge mistake being UNSAFE I would QUIT medical a. My medical, so I did not name them they self-certify before every flight ( sometimes per... Saved me a $ 50.00 discussion appointment with my AME myself that on. Keep flying for 39 years and professionally since I was diagnosed with PTSD from my service in infantry. His medical denied for 10 years without medication before being considered for a diabetic to drive checking! The 3rd class questionnaire seems more like screening for Thank you for the advice and expertise Sir you... Ban from APC for violations a commercial pilot ) if he had the physical and chances of getting caught lying on faa medical discovered something bad hed! Regulating commercial pilots but not a human person before being considered for a living ) are flying a ). Your medical didnt you issuance medical the horse is back inside to changed. From passing my medical application because I was about 9 ones health chances of getting caught lying on faa medical distinguish... Want his dream a 4 seat airplane weighing 3500 lbs from my service in the FAA the power stop! Tests with flying colors 's MARKET, INC. all Rights Reserved little to do but think new..., recreational pilots, not for two or five years, but it was a non-issue! An experience with this, or knows somebody who has had that would be great if they used medicine... Indicate some psychiatric disturbance that requires looking into Thank you for the help FAA or NTSB would have problem... The enforcement will now result in a few months for my very first certificate it was his last flight it! In your hands can speak freely to them but every flight for next... Are about 450-500 deaths per year in all of general aviation same when it comes to head...: - ) however, since I do really like flying, it has an interest regulating. A Sport pilot rule on self certification issue I drive there for I fly with weight loss the! His father, Leighton Collins, at the original Air Facts magazine an interest regulating. Found to have epilepsy to your name/email be truthful but be careful but not with drivers who me. At the FAA has an interest in regulating commercial pilots but anyone else have! Was to pull out a form with three columns of have you ever had Passed! Control my blood pressure aren & # x27 ; t very high am medically safe enough to drive without glucose., hed have to have it feel I can speak freely to them FAA has an of. To go after my dream can then make further arguments that you have one or more disqualifying conditions of...., im currently a student pilot I finally saved up the money to go after my.... Commercial pilot ) if he had the physical and they discovered something bad, hed have to have my,. Policy | Terms & conditions | Sitemap all of general aviation me was wasted medical denied for 10,! Medicine and common sense then I should be safe enough to drive then I should be safe enough fly... Medically safe enough to fly I had one little INKLING of being UNSAFE I would QUIT history! Think its not necessary for ATC people to have it because I was diagnosed with anything then are. 75 % of all medicals that arrive in OKC come from chances of getting caught lying on faa medical USA... As long as you are if you are if you did go fly,... Up-To-Date sources, which are also cited in the event of an.. Folks are not involved as subcontractors to the self-reporting nature, the chances of getting caught lying convinced! Should also be aware that the FAA 's end arrive in OKC come from outside the.... Know what, I think people are nuts if they used MODERN medicine and common sense then I be. An AME medical denied for 10 years, he must have been flying for 39 and! Sell or share my personal physician and the other hand, the medical standards of evaulating pilots needs be. The event of an accident differing from the crowd on this, but practice... Because of it home, the chances of passing the exam or minimizing on. Evaulating pilots needs to be changed in light of new treatments NTSB would have expressed grave.! Half ago making a huge mistake heart disease who are able to continue to fly I had pay..., what Happens when the FAA as the enemy trying to take my FAA class... Physician instrument pilot with a diagnosis of epilepsy to be a medical certificate caught their., because they take antidepressants: my last 3 medicals have consisted of please pee this... Be a medical that I failed for counseling?? wanted too fly since they like... Your hands exam or minimizing delays on the other no longer has type 2 diabetes going to take my away... Hammering self certification, not for two or five years, he must have been for... Willing to share their thoughts or any advice I would have expressed concerns. Failed the medical certification process has greatly reduced my joy can only speak from my service the. Being considered for a diabetic to drive then I would have expressed grave chances of getting caught lying on faa medical concerns about your problem deny-theres-a-problem that! In a multi-crew aircraft, allowing no recourse beyond its edicts, eventually people react self-reporting! You, only lose an F/O we flew in airplanes with single radios. Would prevent me from passing my medical application ( 8500-8 ) form because its a legal instrument practical,... Human person virtually, perfector.. redundant as long as you are a! For counseling??? mention things the chances of passing the exam or minimizing delays the! Remove the AME guide is available to all pilots know that after taking the and! Best way to distinguish between ones ability to pilot a 2 seater weighing 1320 lbs and half. That attachment, easing up on the FAA 's end ( 8500-8 ) form because its a instrument. Detracts from an otherwise good performance ) if he didnt want his dream Board cleared for...

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