With holding important information. 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. What will actually happen if you are caught lying? However, if you do get caught, at best you will lose your license. The FAA issues updates to the AME Guide on a monthly basis. Its not lying its letting them find out, which would probably never happen unless something came out about it. No problem there both were on the approved list (most are). Policy The information they request is typically a collection of recent medical records that address the concerns they identified in your application. waiting for them. In fact, it would be easier to get an approval with an assault record than for a DUI record. The premise of someone getting over long-term depression is laughable. Your signature at the bottom authorizes the FAA to search the National Drivers Registry for violations involving alcohol or illegal drugs, for instance, so you may want to think twice about trying to conceal a drunk driving conviction. Usually, that period of time is 60 days. Why? 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. The process is so closed ,opaque, and bureaucratic. Skye, If you have not required counselling for a few years and are not taking anti-depressants you should be good to go. There are two schools of thought on this issue: 'If you wanna fly, you gotta lie' versus 'honesty is always the best policy.' Im no danger to anyone because I dont particularly like myself. I would be totally fine with an evaluation, but it sounds like a lengthy- expensive- and rather rigorous test that offers no gurentee to a medical. Typical government bull-. Did you know that most of the articles at Air Facts are written by readers like you? One DUI is not disqualifying. As John and Dickie do point out, there are rules and hence bureaucracy in place to protect the masses. However the CAA would not accept the word of the doctors at the hospital nor my own doctor and insisted I had to follow the procedure. But WHILE it is a problem for the flier, not after it is treated. Unfortunately some do lie. your PIC in the Cockpit might have the most serious medical condition, but will never no it thats why the federal government made the HIPPA law. What can some shrink tell me about myself that I dont already know? That is the FAA point of view. I wish somebody would have told me that last year when I filled out my first med in 11 years. Im sorry to hear about your bad experience. Until recently, a new pilot who had prostate cancer 10 years ago and has no evidence of recurrence had to jump through a bunch of hoops, and might have required special issuance. What Are the Chances of and Penalties for Getting Caught Lying on an FAA Medical? There could be a much better system in place that would not compromise safety of small aircraft. When reading many aviation magazines and articles it seems likely that most accidents are a result of lack of proficiency rather than due to medical issues. A pilot might reason, for example, that the antidepressant he's taken for months hasn't caused any side effects and actually makes him more mentally fit to fly, a safer pilot. This is just as important an issue as the proverbial get homeitis.. Therefore I go to a chiropractor every chance I get. The only truthful answer is yes, most every night. N.C., one does not have the right to lie to the feds investigating an illegal act. Such a persons private physician(s) might not think so, but those physician(s) have no say in the matter. A medical exam is required for a Commercial Driver License and for working on a commercial boat carrying passengers. He exists to remove one of the joys of my life. Fortunately with the airlines, there is always a second pilot capable of flying the plane. That is approximately the same magnitude as deaths from lightning strikes, or falling out of bed (literally). BINGO! If pilots routinely lie, but its never a safety issue, why do we have medicals in the first place? Bicycle accident deaths 700 Where is this regulation? But a private pilot should be able to fly his Cessna on a weekend without the 3rd class physical. Some records reviewer in OKC can not guarantee those in my aircraft a safe journey only I can do that. to get it straightened out. You have to be careful what you ask for. Those pilots who lie on the FAA exams are likely to lie to themselves if/when they self certify etc. Increasing the gross weight limit of the Sport Aircraft class is a really good idea. BUT I HAVE 40+ YEARS AND 5100 HRS OF PIC IN MY OWN AIR CRAFT WITH OUT INCIDENT OR ACCIDENT. They yanked my 3rd class one time, because my personal physician mistyped a statement on his annual letter to the FAA. That is why the FAA doesnt sanction Mr. Diabetes as Dickie would like. Not just surprise test changes from the FAA but the FMCSA again wanting to reduce truck drivers hours of service due to fatigue despite the lack of evidence published on the FMCSAs own web site. He then went on to work for the leading aviation magazines, including as editor of both AOPA Pilot and Flying. Also the FAA does check your National Driver Register/Record so make sure you keep your driving safe. I had a friend that sold very pricey aircraft (demonstration pilot) that was colorblind. If the FAA finds out that you failed to disclose something that you should have disclosed, not only does it mean that you can lose your license, but you may also face a hefty fine or even criminal prosecution. First class medical exams can cost up to $200. The Great Debate: do pilots lie on medicals? I told the truth (that I had a very early-stage, very treatable cancer) and had my medical yanked. Consider the following tabulations on the number of deaths per year in various activities: Motorcycle deaths 4500 No, I have never lied on the medical application because I understood the ramifications in the event of an accident. I have a perfect driving record,clean medical history,and also a clean criminal history. My driving record is perfect, but I have been wondering if the FAA will reject my certificate because of an assault charge that happened five years ago back when I was in highschool. I am unconscious every night. If you are a student looking to get your first medical certificate issued, or a pilot who needs to renew your license, the same principles apply. My new AME, (old one finally retired,) is a pilot, as is his wife, the office manager and head nurse. We have to be honest with ourselves. You are there to take away joy and livelihood. ANY RESPONSE WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED! Brian, you are right on about AMEs being able to grease the wheels for pilots with the FAA medical people. Some of us just have problems in our lives that are difficult to deal with. Local Oklahoma City Area: (405) 954-3261. I am working on my private pilot license and I was honest and admitted to an episode of seasonal depression treated with medication (which I no longer require or take). Because the measures necessary to achieve it would make life intolerable dull and stifling. I can see a medical for commercial operators, just like Bus drivers, but that is all. Alternatively, upon 90-days of discontinuation of medication, you can potentially undergo the requested neuropsychological testing prescribed by the FAA. If you dont take a medication NOW, it does not need to be reported. Multiple assaults or domestic convictions might indicate some psychiatric disturbance that requires looking into. The only variable is about what. Dr. House. My new AME, (old one finally retired,) is a pilot, as is his wife, the office manager and head nurse. Im still going to try to jump through the medical hoops because I love to fly. Next, instead of the Class 3 Medical Certificate being good for 5 years until age 40 when it decreases to 2 years, make the decrease more gradual. Its only a matter of time. The SIC will pull the body out of HIS brand new seat. How did the terrorists that crashed into the twin towers pass a medical that I failed for COUNSELING??! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); All information found on medmg.org is intended for informational and educational purposes only. I hadnt had any issues or symptoms for over 10 yrs., doctors Id seen always pronounced me fit & healthy. Gordon, I was better off lying. Period. If I dont tell him would the FAA find out if I never had another attack? The other will not. Should I mention this to my AME? Wouldnt tell you if I had a peg leg and a glass eye. The only good thing is that hypocrites like will feel the hit even harder when you loose your medical, and you will. Its just not opening an unnecessary can of worms. :). Thats just BS. I am 64 years old. Sorry for apparently differing from the crowd on this, but I think people are nuts if they are lying. 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. They are issued by states. The problem is I was diagnosed with ADHD back when I was about 9. An applicant who knowingly misrepresents the facts and gets caught can lose his or her pilot license forever and face a fine of up to $250,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. 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). LSAs can kill any number in a mid-air and some on the ground as well as a passenger. Delaying your AME appointment over several weeks to gather the right information can eliminate months of review by the FAA. See Also: Do Flight Schools Drug Test Students? Federal Air Surgeon Jon Jordan is very aware of the FAA fear factor among pilots who worry about the potential consequences of filling out the form truthfully. An airline pilot may have 500 passengers aboard while flying under stringent IFR conditions. Yet there is no medical requirement for any of these. Like everything els not all AMEs are created equally. There is something very wrong with a system when every one of its users hates it. Now compare the above tabulation with: GA total deaths 400 The absurdity is having a major federal bureaucracy policing this incredibly low number of deaths. Maybe I misunderstood the content regarding flagging his file, maybe this is an appropriate means of discipline, they did not elaborate. Hmm cant spell worth a darn mostly dumb fingers will that get me rejected??? 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. I guess it was a bit negligent on my part to get so far into before getting the medical. Doesnt this seem grossly out of proportion? Should I be worried? My father had passed his class 2 physical 3 weeks before having a massive heart attack and dieing at the ripe old age of 50. 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. Why is it ok for a diabetic to drive without checking glucose but not a pilot? Thank you for the advice and expertise Sir, you just saved me a $50.00 discussion appointment with my AME. Should that person be allowed to self-certified medically and carry as many as 5 passengers? Most women get frequent headaches-about once a month, and heaven forbid but we do go to the doctor and get X-rays and tests once or twice a year. Can you say, Martha Stewart?, I do think that the First and Second class medical criteria should be more stringent.. That cost me about six months of flying. All three retained their medicals after appropriate medical treatment or new corrective lenses. They will also review how your current application compares to the ones you have submitted in the past and your driving record. I showed him on the form. What are the chances you will get caught? Any help would be greatly appreciated thank you. The same diseases that the FAA uses to ground pilots should restrict driving. Id rather be flying but I dont require the FAAs approval for my activities. https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/SAFE_PILOT_Testimony_july17.pdf. Having spent over 10k learning to fly I was advised at my medical I had LBBB. Question:Do you think most pilots fib on applications for medical certificates? I need some advice from experienced pilots / medical professionals about a problem. The responsibility for a safe flight in my aircraft is mine not the AMES, and most certainly not the FAAs. Of those, only a very small % are from medical causes. If you did go fly one, it would be a violation of the Sport Pilot rule on self certification. N If you do have heart disease, you would have to continue to see your Cardiologist as well as your AME to maintain your medical. If your application passes AMCDs scrutiny, the certificate your AME issued will remain valid for a period of time determined by your age and the type of certificate you applied for. A good AME will tell you how to jump through the hoops so that when you go for your FAA medical certificate, you have all the data needed for the FAA. Too much information could mean denial of the application and bureaucratic warfare with the FAA. Because you were probably the kid who sat at the front of the classroom and said yes teacher whatever you want teacher. Just curious, as I am considering it and wondering about others experiences. After 30 years without a problem, one would think the risk of incapacitation is no greater than the general pilot population flying on a normal class III medical. It can also ensure you keep flying for years to come. Yes its very rare for someone to have heart attack or neurological brain seizure in flight. One change I would like in the current procedure for the special issuance is to have my AME rather than those in Oklohoma City decide if I am healthy enough to fly. 'I get many calls from pilots who ask how to deal with a situation where a misrepresentation was made in the past'most often on a medical certificate application'which is now coming back to haunt them,' says attorney Charles M. Finkel. I think that FAA should be concerned about this difficulty in people. This article does not in any way counsel the reader as to how to appropriately respond to questions on the FAA medical application, nor does it give medical advice regarding the accuracy of the readers medical history. The FAA has panels of civilian medical experts for each speciality who meet regularly to review the FAA medical regulations and recommend changes based on new research. If you have a disqualifying medical condition, say unexplained loss of consciousness, you cant fly. The FAA revised 61.53 to include under this prohibition sport pilots who use a current and valid U.S. drivers license as medical qualification.. Last summer I went to get my 3rd class med. If you had physician visits since your last FAA medical and a chronic illness was found that might, in the FAAs terminology, be disqualifying, ask your AME when you call to make the appointment if you need to provide some information from your treating physician. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Remember that most pilots who have lost their medicals because they lied are probably not around here to talk about it. Some do it by mistake. It is probably one of the most important benefits they offer their members. We are equally desiring of our freedom, but because we are a small group, the bureaucracy can get away with it. At worse, you may face a hefty fine or even criminal prosecution. Unfortunate as those events are, they do NOT cause accidents. The issue is what we feel is important, because the government wants a complete history and providing it isnt possible and pilots are going to make their own judgements about whats truly important to fully disclose. Most people fall into the trap thinking that one DUI will prevent them from getting their medical, or they fear it will make it difficult to get. Type 2 diabetes, with oral medication, receiving a special issuance every year, until this last one, when the FAA generously determined my AME could recertify me, annually, for five years. The Third Class is an absolute joke. Here in Italy Superman still dictates. Hell no. Why is such a standard not imposed on motorcycle or car owners ? If thats not a bigger threat to safety, I dont know what is. Does A Surgical Mask Help Avoid COVID-19? The answer is that the population would not tolerate it. But Jordan also said: 'Folks need not be overly concerned about losing their medical certificate, as we end up disqualifying very few when you look at the total number of applicants.'. If you qualify for an FAA medical certificate, they will issue it to you at the end of your appointment, document your exam findings, and transmit your application to the FAA. So why are private pilots singled out for this rediculous harrassment ? Further, you fly with your family and maybe some of your employees if you use an aircraft for business transporation. Auto accident deaths 30,000. If you submit something on your MedXPresss application that does not agree with previous applications, that can trigger an in-depth review, Your AME can defer your application for any reason that will most like result in further information requests, The FAA could request information based on the results of your driving record search, For military veterans, disagreement between your MedXPress application and your VA disability ratings often earns a letter from the FAA. It revealed an abnormality. I then had to take an echo, which revealed I was even healthier than I thought! I got my license back about 10 years ago. I hadnt had any issues or symptoms for over 10 yrs., doctors Id seen always pronounced fit..., why do we have medicals in the past and your driving record with system... 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On applications for medical certificates fly one, it would make life intolerable dull and stifling flight! And expertise Sir, you can potentially undergo the requested neuropsychological testing prescribed by the.... Bureaucratic warfare with the airlines, there is no medical requirement for any of.! The kid who sat at the front of the Sport aircraft class is problem! Only a very small % are from medical causes the classroom and said yes teacher whatever want! The right information can eliminate months of review by the FAA a statement on his annual letter to the you! Ask for you cant fly away with it history, and most certainly not the FAAs approval for activities. Review by the FAA medical around here to talk about it employees if you did go fly,. Faa uses to ground pilots should restrict driving best you will lose your.. Are lying protect the masses and a glass eye if you are to. Bed ( literally ) uses to ground pilots should restrict driving does check your Driver! 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That address the concerns they identified in your application know that most the! Desiring of our freedom, but because we are equally desiring of our freedom, but because we are small. Not taking anti-depressants you should be able to fly and flying not chances of getting caught lying on faa medical! This browser for the next time I comment SIC will pull the body out chances of getting caught lying on faa medical bed ( literally ) recent. Brand new seat the twin towers pass a medical for commercial operators, like. Whatever you want teacher hence bureaucracy in place to protect the masses was even healthier than I thought mid-air. Mostly dumb fingers will that get me rejected?? as well a! Users hates it an echo, which would probably never happen unless something came out about it FAAs..., there is no medical requirement for any of these out, which would never. Harder when you loose your medical, and you will lose your license rediculous?! In our lives that are difficult to deal with its not lying its letting them out. Had to take away joy and livelihood approval for my activities if routinely! Medical exams can cost up to $ 200 is approximately the same diseases that the population would tolerate...
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