Be careful what you tell a person checking you in to ER. He asked me if I drank alcohol, I told him I had not had a drink in over twelve years He wrote down "history of alcohol abuse." That went into my medical record and has taken 3 years and am still waiting on the FAA. So be very clear. Do you use alcohol? No.
It took me nine months of “fighting the good fight” and jumping through many, many hoops to get my first class medical. You really have to advocate for yourself and don’t give up!
Oh wow if you don't mind sharing, why so? I am worried because I could very well soon have an ADHD diagnosis and I'm considering cancelling that appointment. I would love some advice and insight from you.❤️
I’ve definitely fought the good fight with the faa. Over 3 years and one SODA later I have my medical back but it’s definitely a fight, huge process and undertaking but finding the right AME is crucial! And now I have my IFR rating and things have been great. I still have a process to do after the special issuance but it’s become less rigorous!
What's a SODA?? I've been freaking battling with these morons since 2019. Always in freaking review. Three different AME's and all three have been HIMS.
I say my take away for me as a medical marijuana users will be to employ a daily use log showing effective use times and effective down times. Use the five times rule explained in the noted regulation. Use the calculate a clear to fly day in that log or later and before next use. Present this log when needed to authority. 11:22
Don’t give up! My medical application was denied. But then they said I could appeal to the federal air surgeon. After about a 3 years working with them, I was cleared!!! It can be strenuous and hard, but if you can come out on the other side, the flying is that much sweeter.
I am retired military with PTSD so I had to fight for my first 3rd class. Had to do a 5-axis evaluation, I did all my due diligence first and gathered all the results, statements, etc.. before I even went into the AME. It was expensive and time consuming. The AME temp disabled me because he had too, but then I sent everything to FAA and they approved it. No conditions. I now use BasicMed and ironically my doc is a former AME so he has no problem doing the BasicMed paperwork when needed. I have heard alot of chatter about docs that won't do BasicMed.
Told them I'm 100%DV with PTSD & prior alcohol abuse even though remission was in its 5th yr at the time. Told me $8k out of pocket for a "maybe" with one of 2 examiners in my state & a temporary 1yr medical if they find me eligible while under monthly counseling. 🖕that. Other ways to fly without all that 🐂💩.
"Fighting the good fight" often becomes a battle of wills on who can out-stubborn whom... The FAA seems to continually say they don't have enough information even once you've given them everything they've asked for. It just seems arbitrary and mean after a while...
Getting an AME who is a pilot is key. I needed a special issuance due to high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and being on a medication that the FAA wasn’t familiar with.
What helped you most getting through the process? I have High blood pressure not quite where my doctor has to place me on medication but approaching that and hopefully getting some weight off will get it down and avoid meds for that. I also have Sleep Apnea which I use and fully treat and that so far has been one of my biggest concerns. I'm just trying to gather as much information as I can and trying to avoid unnecessary expenses. Is the report from the machine good enough? Do I need letters from my sleep doctor? Anything else you think may help? I feel like I'm probably going to be a special issuance at best already from things I have seen, read, and or watched. Thanks for any suggestions you can provide.
@@justplanefred The BP wasn't a big issue since mine is controlled through medication. Keep in mind I only have a class 3 medical. The sleep Apnea is controlled with a CPAP machine. Mine collects data on my sleep quality and is sent in along with a statement from my doctor saying that I'm being effectively treated. The special medication I was on was for a chronic GI issue and I had to send in an annual letter from the GI Doc that I was being treated effectively and no side effects from the medication. During my last physical my AME told me that the FAA no longer needs the update from my GI DR. So at this point I get my physical with letters regarding BP and sleep apnea every other year and an update on treatment for BP and sleep apnea on the off years. My AME, who is also a pilot was instrumental in making my special issuance easy to navigate and stress free. Let me know if I missed anything.
@@markcrist5388 no that's very helpful! So it sounds like on the sleep apnea side I just need my ResMed report for my AME visit and if I get put on meds for my BP that it would be helpful for them to not be on the no fly list and I should be good to go. Thanks for the reply. Initially I thought due to my sleep apnea and BMI I would be done for and would not be able to proceed. My sleep apnea was very severe prior to treatment and now my sleep doctor tells me annually that as long as I keep using my cpap I'm effectively no different than someone who doesn't have it.
@@chetmyers7041 I’m not really into night flying. Things are getting better. The FAA is no longer asking about the GI issue since the medication is now proven to them. So now it’s just the blood pressure and sleep apnea. Doctors willing to do basicmed are a bit rare up my way.
I love how inspirational your video was. I've had a past history with mental illness and would like people to share their experience with passing the assessment.
🔥😎👍Thank you Jason, EXCELLENT video. ❤️ Rusty pilot on the west coast getting back up, meet the eligibility for basic med, looking forward to getting with an instructor and knocking off the cobwebs, gain proficiency. Thank you again. 🙏👍😎
I had no idea what awaited me after answering honestly about a medication I was once on. The FAA started digging into my records and found other things of concern to them. After over 14 months of going it alone I was denied. However the FAA gave me an avenue/ process to reapply. For this I hired an aviation attorney who guided me and counseled me through the process. Within 4 months I was issued my 3rd class SI and in thrilled. Don't give up and hire a good advocate if needed. It's not cheap, but nothing about flying is. Good luck to everyone in the good fight!
Been working on my Class III for the past 14 months, jumping through hoop after hoop. Hopefully this next round of documents can finally get it done. I want to get this lifelong bucket list that I started 20 years ago.
A SODA is for a fixed defect. A special issuance is for individuals who cannot meet criteria for medical certification. As an AME, happy to assist for those with questions or concerns.
I went through the process. I’m not sure where you are in the process but get ALL the information about your condition, history, tests, prescriptions ahead of time. Then when you get the letter of initial denial you can reply with all the info quickly. It took them another 4 months to approve. Took about 7.5 months total
@@vitaly6312 I sent in all the info I had a month ago today and they got back to me a few days ago saying they needed more information. I honestly don't know what they want though because I sent them everything they asked for
I was diagnosed with WPW Wolff Parkinsons white. It's a heart defect but I had surgery to cure the issue. The AME denied it and FAA wanted me to do a stress test and a 24 hour Holts monitor test. With a very FAST time line. I asked for a extension and was granted a 1 time extension and was able to turn them in and get my class 3
i've always gone to Dr Sherman in spruce creek (7FL6). Great guy i've known for years. Always patient with you and (like me) if you're nervous etc he gives you time to relax before continuing etc... for example, I had just started wearing graduated bi focal glasses (the ones where they go from one prescription to another without a line) when i got my last medical this year, and was still not used to wearing them so he let me put my old glasses on and do it that way (scripts were the same, just wasnt used to the transition bit)
I am a color-blind, one eyed, pilot and have a SODA. It took about 6 months to fully secure but the process was tedious. I fought the good fight with a good AME and lots of documentation. My flight school was amazing during the process and was there to back me up every step of the way. I currently have a special issue for sleep apnea but the FAA outlined everything that is needed and the process to maintain is straight forward.
Im a 34yr man who is between careers and looking to join up a school to become a commercial pilot. current A&P. i feared this because i felt too old to be changing up and i know ill be one of the old guys in my class but your video encouraged me. im about to schedule my class 1 and hope nothing major pops up. the only thing wrong with me is a few extra pounds from being married for 10years. wish me luck!
I am scheduled to meet my AME next week with PFT results. I had asthma as a child, but received prescription for just in case every year. But, no hospitalization or ER whatsoever. Pretty nervous what if my medical for 3rd class denied. Your video and all the comments below gave me courage to handle situation wisely. Thanks everyone!
@@senorchocolate At first, AME didn't even look at my results. He checked once again on CACI-Asthma worksheet and found 'PFT is not required if the only treatment is PRN use.....'. So, he gave me 3rd class medical. However, my FEV1 was only 70%. I took test of allergy reaction, allergy doctor said my PFT is probably caused by seasonal allergy. Since then, I'm taking allergy medication. Hope it helps.
@@jaeahn816 thanks for the answer . I’m military and covid gave me asthma so now my FEV1 was 65 with methacholine and 77 without . They are kicking me out so hopefully I can still get the first class with asthma
@@senorchocolate At first, thanks for your service. My AME told me - he also have asthma - that as long as symptom is not severe, asthma is not an serious issue. He said if I can have a letter from PCP to explain my symptom is under control and if there is no record of hospitalization due to asthma, it shouldn't be an issue. I will cross my fingers for you.
how strict rigid is vision part of test by AME ? I know class III min is only 20/40 but class I and II is 20/20 for distance. How does AME do it?.. look at crappy paper chart down hallway ? .. or use modern machine like DMV does for road car DL ? How ? Do some AME do it diff way ? Does FAA have a strict std that must go by ? Has the vision reqt gotten tighter stricter in the last 20-30 yrs til now ? Had a class III way back 30+ yrs ago... was easy then.. healthy young. thxx
I’m a disabled vet with hearing loss and Vestibular peripheral Vertigo ( when laying down in a certain position). I keep my vertigo in check with exercises and am good to go. Flying is something I always wanted to do. Guess the worst they can say is no. But I’ll give it a go.
I was arrested for DUI but not convicted (the case was ultimatley dismissed) back in January of 2021 when I was 17. I am now 20 and and trying to get my first class medical certficate to continue my pilot training. I have about 60 hours so far and need my meidcal certificate before I can solo and finish my private. It was a one time offense and I have no substance abuse history with alchahol just a bad one time mistake and the bac was 0.07 although I don't have any official documents regarding the bac. (I am trying my best to obtain these documents and the police report). After going to the AME I passed all the phsycial tests but they had to defer the application to the FAA for them to review it last week. My AME told me they will either issue a certificate or tell me what else I may need to do in order to get the medical. I was told they can take 4-8 weeks if not longer them to respond. Do you know what will the most likley outcome for me and what my best options are? Any advice and tips would be highly appreciated as I am very passionate about aviation and I can't think of doing anything else.
Hey Jason thank you for making this Video, if you don’t mind I like to share my experiences, something happen in my Personal life where develop mental health issues from A family Member, who hate me, and wish I was never born. One day me and my family got into fight, where he say I wish my Mom(His sister) abort me. Which cause my health issue,after the fight my mom and dad ask me if I want to talk to someone about it. i say no because I didn’t want anyone or specially him think I was crazy. However maybe should then, However I didn’t and it got worst as soon I went to college, and it got so bad that my University got the FAA involved and they suspended my Medical Certificate for good four months for additional testing to make sure that I was fit to fly. It a long four months to my medical Certification Restate. Been flying ever since then. I want to say if to any that have dream flying, if you want your dream bad enough, make it happen thank you Jason for letting me share keep up the Good work and love ur videos
Great video! I have had to fight the good fight. I flew for 3 years on special issuance before convincing the FAA that I was worthy of a Class 3. After taking a decade off, they have bumped me back down to the SI -- Question: can a pilot on SI get a Basic Med to continue flying?
Let me start by saying that I'm not trashing the FAA here, and it's just an observation. I have Epilepsy, and even though it's been under control for years, it's still and automatic disqualification for a PPL in the FAA's eyes. I am still looking to get my LSA license, as only a Driver's License is required for that. However, I've heard that flying is statistically safer than driving, so it's weird that the FAA has that restriction.
It is archaic; there are quite a few diagnoses which are disqualifying even if you are rarely symptomatic and present in extremely mild form. The FAA basically just looks at the common symptoms and assumes you have them all. Anyway, flying is definitely NOT statistically safer than driving (it's actually 10-20x more dangerous), but it IS weird that the FAA is obsessed with medicals because almost none of the accidents are ever caused by medical conditions.
So I took the medical but no certificate issued as AME said FAA has issues with some medications I take for arthritis as well as a CPAP machine. So the AME left me hanging. Jason, how about a video on what people like me can do? I’m rusty pilot wanting to go flying but stuck. My original medical is old so the Basic Med would not work for me. We need to hear from some pilots that in your phrase “fought the good fight.”
MedEx # is only good for 60 days! Ask me how I know? ;-) If you have doubts, and or an older person you can schedule a Meeting with your AEM to cover any issues.... Dues to Blood Pressure medication, we had to apply for an exemption! It takes a month but was not aweful! Even though I passed the medical, as I was on more than 3 drugs, you automatically have to apply for the exemption, and then have a check up after one year not the two my third class would have covered me for... This was due to my age! Also some Pills.... have more than one drug in them! Who knew! Basic, but if you do some checks before hand then it will be helpful... I took my last cardiologist visit report with me, and that went to the FAA also!
Personally I’m dreading the special issuance process. I flew when I was younger. Since then, I’ve become a little on the “sweet side”. The whole fight is one I’ll be ready to take soon.
I am just starting to think of trying to get my ppl! on the subject of basic medical is that enough and roughly how much money and time would that take? I do have a job and work but don't make a lot. sure wasn't born with dollars in my hand lol but I'm good with that! just trying to figure out how to achieve a life long dream that just hasn't happened. as a kid I fell in love with planes but long story short. I was young and dumb and strayed away thinking it was just too complicated! a few people in the past taught me some things but I never got to go up. But now I got into the Microsoft flight simulator and although I know it's just a sim It has shown me some things that I never would have understood without some kind of hands on. now it's all I can think about but if it takes this long and so much money to fight the FFA to get through the medical barrier then it just takes the wind out of this dream for me. Who ever reads this if you have the chance to do something you want to do do not stray or delay cause life can pass by so fast. just go for it! cause regret is heavier then fear and doubt.
Fought to get my 3rd class. I had a successful valve repair (genetic and no artificial valve) with 20 years of success and still was held up 7 months and then got only conditional one year with constant review. I’m now Basic Med. And still hope to be CFI.
Do you agree that all CFIs must have first achieved Commercial Pilot privileges? I thought all Commercial Pilot APPLICANTS had to hold a 2nd Class medical at time of check ride. Although, a flight instructor only needs a 3rd class medical.
I’d like to earn my private and commercial. I’ve been concerned, however, that being a disabled Veteran I won’t be cleared. What’s your experience with those situations?
I got my Canadian Category 3 medical (PPL) before I started flight training. I had been having trouble with my gallbladder (an automatic medical fail) and once that had been fixed I realized I was still interested in flying, could pass a medical, and could afford to do something about it. When I started flight training I was badly overweight. A year and a half later I had lost 160 pounds. FYI: whining that you've lost so much weight that none of your clothes fit gets very little sympathy.
I have done searches on-line on the TC aviation medical site. There is nothing specific about cataracts, but am just wondering, if one has surgery to remove cataracts and with the (new) artificial lens implant thereafter, how long would one have to wait until one can take a medical, especially the vision part, to reassess corrected & uncorrected vision?
@@SailorGerry Talk to your airplane doctor for guidance. They are the only ones who can provide real answers. Other jurisdictions (Australia, England, USA) have information on the subject.
Literally the only reason I pursued an SPL instead of a PPL was not having to do a medical. I’m barely 30, but I used to take an ADHD medication during undergrad and grad school which I knew would be an immediate denial. With an SPL, I can still enjoy flying great planes without worrying about anything 😃
same - I took something like that when I was around 9 and stopped when I was maybe 12 years old. I never actually had ADD - I just went with whatever the doctor was suggesting so my parents wouldn't punish me for being lazy in school. I went on to get straight A's in college. I'm 34 now but a 3rd class medical is just out of the question.
The good news is the FAA is going to release the MOSAIC NPRM to change sport pilot / LSA regulations next year and word is the weight and speed limits for LSA are going up and maybe even being eliminated.
@@logicturtle9838 yep, I'm hoping the change allows more planes to qualify for LSA designation straight from the manufacturer! I fly the Sling 2/NGT now with a full autopilot Garmin G3X glass cockpit and I love it, but I really do hope they allow us to carry more than 1 passenger in the future (although tbh I doubt the FAA will be that generous in our lifetime lol)
@@insanomonkey I am curious about something, because I am going to do the exam soon, do you think if i took anti depressants for maybe less than a month but I realized it was my hormones, that I would get a first class?
@@808_murda2 if it was any medication that you were EVER prescribed that's not allowed, unfortunately there's always a possibility that they'll find out. So in your case, I'm afraid getting any medical is risky/unlikely
I can never get a medical because of migraines ocular a bipolar disorder I was hospitalized many years ago for mental. But the biggest issue is FAILING IN THE POCKETBOOK flying is an EXPENSIVE hobby.
You may not need a soda or special issuance. I'm not familiar but I haven't seen anything relating to HIV directly. Maybe a medication that you may be on could be a limiting factor. You can look up the disallowed medications on the faa website pretty easily
this guy seriously wearing two wrist watches on different hands and wants me to take him seriously? wtf do u need 2 for and who wears a watch on their right hand...
Jason, I have been fighting with the FAA Medical Department for now three years. In current, inbox for review. Last review took 10 months. Please reach out to me and let me know if you have any contacts. I'm beyond 😢😢😢😢 Please feel free to message me through FB and I'll explain everything in an inbox message.
Be careful what you tell a person checking you in to ER. He asked me if I drank alcohol, I told him I had not had a drink in over twelve years
He wrote down "history of alcohol abuse." That went into my medical record and has taken 3 years and am still waiting on the FAA. So be very clear.
Do you use alcohol? No.
It took me nine months of “fighting the good fight” and jumping through many, many hoops to get my first class medical. You really have to advocate for yourself and don’t give up!
what took so long and why so many hoops? what was wrong with you?
Oh wow if you don't mind sharing, why so? I am worried because I could very well soon have an ADHD diagnosis and I'm considering cancelling that appointment. I would love some advice and insight from you.❤️
@@skatergirl1759so what happened
@@skatergirl1759how’d this go, student pilot with A&P same situation
I’ve definitely fought the good fight with the faa. Over 3 years and one SODA later I have my medical back but it’s definitely a fight, huge process and undertaking but finding the right AME is crucial! And now I have my IFR rating and things have been great. I still have a process to do after the special issuance but it’s become less rigorous!
What's a SODA?? I've been freaking battling with these morons since 2019. Always in freaking review. Three different AME's and all three have been HIMS.
I say my take away for me as a medical marijuana users will be to employ a daily use log showing effective use times and effective down times. Use the five times rule explained in the noted regulation.
Use the calculate a clear to fly day in that log or later and before next use. Present this log when needed to authority. 11:22
This is genious. My medical exam is tomorrow and I occasionally use marijuana. Should I get a medical card or outright quit soon?
@@sethmackenzie4419how did your medical go? Did they pass you even with pot in your system??
The local AME in our area is a pilot as well as a retired USAF Flight Surgeon
Don’t give up! My medical application was denied. But then they said I could appeal to the federal air surgeon. After about a 3 years working with them, I was cleared!!! It can be strenuous and hard, but if you can come out on the other side, the flying is that much sweeter.
I'm on the three year fight. It's such a BS
I am retired military with PTSD so I had to fight for my first 3rd class. Had to do a 5-axis evaluation, I did all my due diligence first and gathered all the results, statements, etc.. before I even went into the AME. It was expensive and time consuming. The AME temp disabled me because he had too, but then I sent everything to FAA and they approved it. No conditions. I now use BasicMed and ironically my doc is a former AME so he has no problem doing the BasicMed paperwork when needed. I have heard alot of chatter about docs that won't do BasicMed.
That’s my concern as well. I’m 100% DV but want to try flying instead of being a desk jockey for the rest of my working years.
@@MAJPhilipCrabtree What the heck does 100% DV mean? Sounds serious, can you drive a car or operate a piece of complex machinery? Ride a bicycle?
Told them I'm 100%DV with PTSD & prior alcohol abuse even though remission was in its 5th yr at the time. Told me $8k out of pocket for a "maybe" with one of 2 examiners in my state & a temporary 1yr medical if they find me eligible while under monthly counseling. 🖕that.
Other ways to fly without all that 🐂💩.
"Fighting the good fight" often becomes a battle of wills on who can out-stubborn whom... The FAA seems to continually say they don't have enough information even once you've given them everything they've asked for. It just seems arbitrary and mean after a while...
Getting an AME who is a pilot is key. I needed a special issuance due to high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and being on a medication that the FAA wasn’t familiar with.
What helped you most getting through the process? I have High blood pressure not quite where my doctor has to place me on medication but approaching that and hopefully getting some weight off will get it down and avoid meds for that. I also have Sleep Apnea which I use and fully treat and that so far has been one of my biggest concerns. I'm just trying to gather as much information as I can and trying to avoid unnecessary expenses. Is the report from the machine good enough? Do I need letters from my sleep doctor? Anything else you think may help? I feel like I'm probably going to be a special issuance at best already from things I have seen, read, and or watched. Thanks for any suggestions you can provide.
@@justplanefred The BP wasn't a big issue since mine is controlled through medication. Keep in mind I only have a class 3 medical. The sleep Apnea is controlled with a CPAP machine. Mine collects data on my sleep quality and is sent in along with a statement from my doctor saying that I'm being effectively treated. The special medication I was on was for a chronic GI issue and I had to send in an annual letter from the GI Doc that I was being treated effectively and no side effects from the medication. During my last physical my AME told me that the FAA no longer needs the update from my GI DR.
So at this point I get my physical with letters regarding BP and sleep apnea every other year and an update on treatment for BP and sleep apnea on the off years. My AME, who is also a pilot was instrumental in making my special issuance easy to navigate and stress free. Let me know if I missed anything.
@@markcrist5388 no that's very helpful! So it sounds like on the sleep apnea side I just need my ResMed report for my AME visit and if I get put on meds for my BP that it would be helpful for them to not be on the no fly list and I should be good to go. Thanks for the reply. Initially I thought due to my sleep apnea and BMI I would be done for and would not be able to proceed. My sleep apnea was very severe prior to treatment and now my sleep doctor tells me annually that as long as I keep using my cpap I'm effectively no different than someone who doesn't have it.
@@markcrist5388 Is night flying important to you? Have you considered basic med?
@@chetmyers7041 I’m not really into night flying. Things are getting better. The FAA is no longer asking about the GI issue since the medication is now proven to them.
So now it’s just the blood pressure and sleep apnea. Doctors willing to do basicmed are a bit rare up my way.
I love how inspirational your video was. I've had a past history with mental illness and would like people to share their experience with passing the assessment.
🔥😎👍Thank you Jason, EXCELLENT video. ❤️
Rusty pilot on the west coast getting back up, meet the eligibility for basic med, looking forward to getting with an instructor and knocking off the cobwebs, gain proficiency. Thank you again. 🙏👍😎
I had no idea what awaited me after answering honestly about a medication I was once on. The FAA started digging into my records and found other things of concern to them. After over 14 months of going it alone I was denied. However the FAA gave me an avenue/ process to reapply. For this I hired an aviation attorney who guided me and counseled me through the process. Within 4 months I was issued my 3rd class SI and in thrilled. Don't give up and hire a good advocate if needed. It's not cheap, but nothing about flying is. Good luck to everyone in the good fight!
Hell yes borther spend thousands of dorllars on a whim 🥴 the system isn’t broken or anything . . . Just keep sending dem cash wooo!
Been working on my Class III for the past 14 months, jumping through hoop after hoop. Hopefully this next round of documents can finally get it done. I want to get this lifelong bucket list that I started 20 years ago.
20 years to go to the doctor and have good health is crazy bro.
A SODA is for a fixed defect. A special issuance is for individuals who cannot meet criteria for medical certification. As an AME, happy to assist for those with questions or concerns.
What about if you took depression meds before and sleep meds and anxiety meds in the past.
What if you have a deactivated medical marijuana card
What about aderall?
What about aortic valve replacement and never having a med cert before
I'm currently in the process of trying to get the FAA to approve me for a 1st class. I'm looking to start flying and I'm so nervous.
I went through the process. I’m not sure where you are in the process but get ALL the information about your condition, history, tests, prescriptions ahead of time. Then when you get the letter of initial denial you can reply with all the info quickly. It took them another 4 months to approve.
Took about 7.5 months total
@@vitaly6312 I sent in all the info I had a month ago today and they got back to me a few days ago saying they needed more information. I honestly don't know what they want though because I sent them everything they asked for
I was diagnosed with WPW Wolff Parkinsons white. It's a heart defect but I had surgery to cure the issue. The AME denied it and FAA wanted me to do a stress test and a 24 hour Holts monitor test. With a very FAST time line. I asked for a extension and was granted a 1 time extension and was able to turn them in and get my class 3
i've always gone to Dr Sherman in spruce creek (7FL6). Great guy i've known for years. Always patient with you and (like me) if you're nervous etc he gives you time to relax before continuing etc... for example, I had just started wearing graduated bi focal glasses (the ones where they go from one prescription to another without a line) when i got my last medical this year, and was still not used to wearing them so he let me put my old glasses on and do it that way (scripts were the same, just wasnt used to the transition bit)
I am a color-blind, one eyed, pilot and have a SODA. It took about 6 months to fully secure but the process was tedious. I fought the good fight with a good AME and lots of documentation. My flight school was amazing during the process and was there to back me up every step of the way. I currently have a special issue for sleep apnea but the FAA outlined everything that is needed and the process to maintain is straight forward.
I'm color blind myself, but I am looking to get my license. Can you tell me what the process was like?
Colorblind too and doing all the process to see what happens 🙏🏼
I'm going for my first ever Firts class medical exam next Thursday!! Wish me luck!!
How did it go?
Im a 34yr man who is between careers and looking to join up a school to become a commercial pilot. current A&P. i feared this because i felt too old to be changing up and i know ill be one of the old guys in my class but your video encouraged me. im about to schedule my class 1 and hope nothing major pops up. the only thing wrong with me is a few extra pounds from being married for 10years. wish me luck!
@@TheZackness2790 So how did everything work out? Did you manage to get the 1st class medical? At 34 y.o., you're just a kid!!
Best of luck...
This is a great video Jason! I think the CAA has a lot to learn from the US , especially on colour vision.
Don’t let them tell you no, fight the good fight!
I am scheduled to meet my AME next week with PFT results. I had asthma as a child, but received prescription for just in case every year. But, no hospitalization or ER whatsoever. Pretty nervous what if my medical for 3rd class denied. Your video and all the comments below gave me courage to handle situation wisely. Thanks everyone!
What was the result and PFT FEV1?
@@senorchocolate At first, AME didn't even look at my results. He checked once again on CACI-Asthma worksheet and found 'PFT is not required if the only treatment is PRN use.....'. So, he gave me 3rd class medical. However, my FEV1 was only 70%. I took test of allergy reaction, allergy doctor said my PFT is probably caused by seasonal allergy. Since then, I'm taking allergy medication. Hope it helps.
@@jaeahn816 thanks for the answer . I’m military and covid gave me asthma so now my FEV1 was 65 with methacholine and 77 without . They are kicking me out so hopefully I can still get the first class with asthma
@@senorchocolate At first, thanks for your service. My AME told me - he also have asthma - that as long as symptom is not severe, asthma is not an serious issue. He said if I can have a letter from PCP to explain my symptom is under control and if there is no record of hospitalization due to asthma, it shouldn't be an issue. I will cross my fingers for you.
@@jaeahn816 thank you very much, see you on those happy skies one day ✈️
What’s up with the two watches?
It's been explained in previous videos, look in history.
Thanks for the fruitful information!!!
how strict rigid is vision part of test by AME ? I know class III min is only 20/40 but class I and II is 20/20 for distance.
How does AME do it?.. look at crappy paper chart down hallway ? .. or use modern machine like DMV does for road car DL ? How ?
Do some AME do it diff way ? Does FAA have a strict std that must go by ? Has the vision reqt gotten tighter stricter in the last 20-30 yrs til now ?
Had a class III way back 30+ yrs ago... was easy then.. healthy young.
thxx
I’m a disabled vet with hearing loss and Vestibular peripheral Vertigo ( when laying down in a certain position). I keep my vertigo in check with exercises and am good to go. Flying is something I always wanted to do. Guess the worst they can say is no. But I’ll give it a go.
Do you need two watches to be a pilot?
You actually need 4.
I was arrested for DUI but not convicted (the case was ultimatley dismissed) back in January of 2021 when I was 17. I am now 20 and and trying to get my first class medical certficate to continue my pilot training. I have about 60 hours so far and need my meidcal certificate before I can solo and finish my private. It was a one time offense and I have no substance abuse history with alchahol just a bad one time mistake and the bac was 0.07 although I don't have any official documents regarding the bac. (I am trying my best to obtain these documents and the police report). After going to the AME I passed all the phsycial tests but they had to defer the application to the FAA for them to review it last week. My AME told me they will either issue a certificate or tell me what else I may need to do in order to get the medical. I was told they can take 4-8 weeks if not longer them to respond. Do you know what will the most likley outcome for me and what my best options are? Any advice and tips would be highly appreciated as I am very passionate about aviation and I can't think of doing anything else.
Thanks this video helped me understand what exactly a FAA medical is and if i would be able to get one.
Hey Jason thank you for making this Video, if you don’t mind I like to share my experiences, something happen in my Personal life where develop mental health issues from A family Member, who hate me, and wish I was never born. One day me and my family got into fight, where he say I wish my Mom(His sister) abort me. Which cause my health issue,after the fight my mom and dad ask me if I want to talk to someone about it. i say no because I didn’t want anyone or specially him think I was crazy. However maybe should then, However I didn’t and it got worst as soon I went to college, and it got so bad that my University got the FAA involved and they suspended my Medical Certificate for good four months for additional testing to make sure that I was fit to fly. It a long four months to my medical Certification Restate. Been flying ever since then. I want to say if to any that have dream flying, if you want your dream bad enough, make it happen thank you Jason for letting me share keep up the Good work and love ur videos
So you had depression and got it cleared?
And thank you for inviting me to fight the good fight.
Great video! I have had to fight the good fight. I flew for 3 years on special issuance before convincing the FAA that I was worthy of a Class 3. After taking a decade off, they have bumped me back down to the SI -- Question: can a pilot on SI get a Basic Med to continue flying?
Call and talk to AOPA.
Let me start by saying that I'm not trashing the FAA here, and it's just an observation. I have Epilepsy, and even though it's been under control for years, it's still and automatic disqualification for a PPL in the FAA's eyes. I am still looking to get my LSA license, as only a Driver's License is required for that. However, I've heard that flying is statistically safer than driving, so it's weird that the FAA has that restriction.
It is archaic; there are quite a few diagnoses which are disqualifying even if you are rarely symptomatic and present in extremely mild form. The FAA basically just looks at the common symptoms and assumes you have them all. Anyway, flying is definitely NOT statistically safer than driving (it's actually 10-20x more dangerous), but it IS weird that the FAA is obsessed with medicals because almost none of the accidents are ever caused by medical conditions.
So I took the medical but no certificate issued as AME said FAA has issues with some medications I take for arthritis as well as a CPAP machine. So the AME left me hanging. Jason, how about a video on what people like me can do? I’m rusty pilot wanting to go flying but stuck. My original medical is old so the Basic Med would not work for me. We need to hear from some pilots that in your phrase “fought the good fight.”
What was the arthritis medication they didn't like? I take meloxicam for a knee issue and I'm wondering if that would be a disqualifier for me.
MedEx # is only good for 60 days! Ask me how I know? ;-) If you have doubts, and or an older person you can schedule a Meeting with your AEM to cover any issues.... Dues to Blood Pressure medication, we had to apply for an exemption! It takes a month but was not aweful! Even though I passed the medical, as I was on more than 3 drugs, you automatically have to apply for the exemption, and then have a check up after one year not the two my third class would have covered me for... This was due to my age! Also some Pills.... have more than one drug in them! Who knew! Basic, but if you do some checks before hand then it will be helpful... I took my last cardiologist visit report with me, and that went to the FAA also!
Informative video, I appreciate the information brother
Personally I’m dreading the special issuance process. I flew when I was younger. Since then, I’ve become a little on the “sweet side”. The whole fight is one I’ll be ready to take soon.
I died four years ago can I still get a first class?
Yes.
You'll have to fly for Eastern Airlines.
If someone rings a bell, you'll get your wings.
IDK, but you can vote!
I had a minor stroke about 25 years ago as a teenager. Do I have any chance of getting 1st class med?
Great video. Anyone here gotten a medical cert of any class with a pacemaker?
I have a 20 YO kid with Type 1 who wants to go to ATP. Do you have more info on how your friend made it through the process?
Is recommend calling AOPA. 1-800-USA-AOPA.
I have had a heart Value Replacement and take meds for pituitary will I be able to fulfill my dream of flying?
I’m all about it but I’m really really curious, how can a deaf person be a pilot?
Great Info!
I am just starting to think of trying to get my ppl! on the subject of basic medical is that enough and roughly how much money and time would that take? I do have a job and work but don't make a lot. sure wasn't born with dollars in my hand lol but I'm good with that! just trying to figure out how to achieve a life long dream that just hasn't happened. as a kid I fell in love with planes but long story short. I was young and dumb and strayed away thinking it was just too complicated! a few people in the past taught me some things but I never got to go up. But now I got into the Microsoft flight simulator and although I know it's just a sim It has shown me some things that I never would have understood without some kind of hands on. now it's all I can think about but if it takes this long and so much money to fight the FFA to get through the medical barrier then it just takes the wind out of this dream for me. Who ever reads this if you have the chance to do something you want to do do not stray or delay cause life can pass by so fast. just go for it! cause regret is heavier then fear and doubt.
Fought to get my 3rd class. I had a successful valve repair (genetic and no artificial valve) with 20 years of success and still was held up 7 months and then got only conditional one year with constant review. I’m now Basic Med. And still hope to be CFI.
Do you agree that all CFIs must have first achieved Commercial Pilot privileges? I thought all Commercial Pilot APPLICANTS had to hold a 2nd Class medical at time of check ride. Although, a flight instructor only needs a 3rd class medical.
I assume being blind in one eye is an immediate DQ for class 3 even if the other eye is 20/20
You may be able to obtain a SODA as suggested by Jason.
Yes, you will need to take a medical flight test and will be issued a SODA (statement of demonstrated ability).
Initially probably but then may be okay through the soda process. Look for others with a similar situation for help and guidance.
I start flight training Jan 8th 2024 amd im a combat Veteran. Have you heard of anyone getting denied for ptsd?
How did it go, are you flying?
I’d like to earn my private and commercial. I’ve been concerned, however, that being a disabled Veteran I won’t be cleared. What’s your experience with those situations?
Thank you
I got my Canadian Category 3 medical (PPL) before I started flight training. I had been having trouble with my gallbladder (an automatic medical fail) and once that had been fixed I realized I was still interested in flying, could pass a medical, and could afford to do something about it. When I started flight training I was badly overweight. A year and a half later I had lost 160 pounds.
FYI: whining that you've lost so much weight that none of your clothes fit gets very little sympathy.
Way to go! (And the COST of none of your clothes fitting gets you my sympathy.)
I have done searches on-line on the TC aviation medical site. There is nothing specific about cataracts, but am just wondering, if one has surgery to remove cataracts and with the (new) artificial lens implant thereafter, how long would one have to wait until one can take a medical, especially the vision part, to reassess corrected & uncorrected vision?
@@SailorGerry Talk to your airplane doctor for guidance. They are the only ones who can provide real answers. Other jurisdictions (Australia, England, USA) have information on the subject.
What about type 1 diabetes
Does anyone know if the faa has changed their policy on anti depressants
No, what’s ur situation?
Since when? Certain SSRI meds are allowable now.
Literally the only reason I pursued an SPL instead of a PPL was not having to do a medical. I’m barely 30, but I used to take an ADHD medication during undergrad and grad school which I knew would be an immediate denial. With an SPL, I can still enjoy flying great planes without worrying about anything 😃
same - I took something like that when I was around 9 and stopped when I was maybe 12 years old. I never actually had ADD - I just went with whatever the doctor was suggesting so my parents wouldn't punish me for being lazy in school. I went on to get straight A's in college. I'm 34 now but a 3rd class medical is just out of the question.
The good news is the FAA is going to release the MOSAIC NPRM to change sport pilot / LSA regulations next year and word is the weight and speed limits for LSA are going up and maybe even being eliminated.
@@logicturtle9838 yep, I'm hoping the change allows more planes to qualify for LSA designation straight from the manufacturer! I fly the Sling 2/NGT now with a full autopilot Garmin G3X glass cockpit and I love it, but I really do hope they allow us to carry more than 1 passenger in the future (although tbh I doubt the FAA will be that generous in our lifetime lol)
@@insanomonkey I am curious about something, because I am going to do the exam soon, do you think if i took anti depressants for maybe less than a month but I realized it was my hormones, that I would get a first class?
@@808_murda2 if it was any medication that you were EVER prescribed that's not allowed, unfortunately there's always a possibility that they'll find out. So in your case, I'm afraid getting any medical is risky/unlikely
I can never get a medical because of migraines ocular a bipolar disorder I was hospitalized many years ago for mental. But the biggest issue is FAILING IN THE POCKETBOOK flying is an EXPENSIVE hobby.
Can you get a “SODA” for a healthy, undetectable HIV positive individual?
You may not need a soda or special issuance. I'm not familiar but I haven't seen anything relating to HIV directly. Maybe a medication that you may be on could be a limiting factor. You can look up the disallowed medications on the faa website pretty easily
Fighting the good fight right now. It’s gonna end up costing me at least $12K so it’ll essentially double the cost of my PPL-SEL.
Why is it costing you so much?
It looks like you missed that sport pilots don’t need medical either.
🙌🏽
this guy seriously wearing two wrist watches on different hands and wants me to take him seriously? wtf do u need 2 for and who wears a watch on their right hand...
🛩
Jason, I have been fighting with the FAA Medical Department for now three years. In current, inbox for review. Last review took 10 months. Please reach out to me and let me know if you have any contacts. I'm beyond 😢😢😢😢
Please feel free to message me through FB and I'll explain everything in an inbox message.