lbfjrmd
Line Up and Wait
I get these 2 or 3 times a week. I answer for free ... for a while:
1 of 23
DWI arrest
to me
Good evening,
My name is x and on April 5, I got arrested for a DWI in x. I've been in contact with Dr. x about my case, but I wanted a second opinion on some of the stuff he's shared with me. If you have some time, I would love to chat with you and see what your thoughts would be. I'm not questioning his expertise by any means, but like any diagnosis, it sometimes helps to have a second opinion, or even just clarification/confirmation of what's already been communicated. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Thank you,
x
Louis Fowler <lbfjrmd@gmail.com>
10:03 AM (1 hour ago)
to x
For now, kindly outline Dr. x's suggestions and pose me your questions.
x
10:22 AM (1 hour ago)
to me
To make a fairly long story short, I had a PI back in college in 2010 and a DL suspension resulted from that. Regs say "actions arising from the operation of a motor vehicle," which wasn't the case for the first incident. I've been told that I need to do private random drug and alcohol screening and attend meetings prior to visiting a HIMS psychiatrist. I have no issue with any of that (except the enormous cost!) as I've stopped drinking entirely following this DWI. Further, I'm told that my medical is already invalidated, although I haven't received any notice from the FAA at this time. I'd like to continue to fly if it's legal to do so, but if it isn't, then I'll respect that and discontinue flying. I have a third class medical and a PPL. Thank you again for your time.
Louis Fowler <lbfjrmd@gmail.com>
10:42 AM (45 minutes ago)
to x
for clarity what is a PI?
A HIMS-AME cannot assign to case as being HIMS. The FAA makes that determination upon application.
Yes, technically you no longer have a valid medical. In fact this should have been reported to the FAA immediately, though most pilots do not. It does not influence your case going forward.
My approach is to gather facts and submit application to FAA ASAP and then tailor program to their requirements. I have taken cases that I was fairly sure were 2 B HIMS, only to hear from the FAA to do x and y but not z.
x
10:45 AM (41 minutes ago)
to me
Public intoxication. It has nothing to do with driving at all. I did self-report after consulting with Dr. x, but as I said, I’ve gotten no word back yet. Again, I’m not opposed to jumping through the FAA hoops, but they are expensive!
Louis Fowler <lbfjrmd@gmail.com>
10:59 AM (27 minutes ago)
to x
I myself had similar issues 22 years ago. To keep my license to practice medicine i experienced expense ($80K) and 1 year away from the practice of medicine. You wont come close to that. But you will have hoops (the FAA will choose them for you) and expenses.
x
11:21 AM (6 minutes ago)
to me
Thanks for the input; good to know that even a senior AME can keep on trucking with a “history”. So I guess my last question is this: am I officially illegal to fly at this point?
Louis Fowler <lbfjrmd@gmail.com>
11:25 AM (1 minute ago)
to x
no
1 of 23
DWI arrest
to me
Good evening,
My name is x and on April 5, I got arrested for a DWI in x. I've been in contact with Dr. x about my case, but I wanted a second opinion on some of the stuff he's shared with me. If you have some time, I would love to chat with you and see what your thoughts would be. I'm not questioning his expertise by any means, but like any diagnosis, it sometimes helps to have a second opinion, or even just clarification/confirmation of what's already been communicated. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Thank you,
x
Louis Fowler <lbfjrmd@gmail.com>
10:03 AM (1 hour ago)
to x
For now, kindly outline Dr. x's suggestions and pose me your questions.
- Louis Blanding Fowler Jr., M.D.
- Family Practice / MDVIP
- Senior Aviation Medical Examiner
- Consulting Medical Director Services
- FAA / HIMS / ATC
- Addictions Treatment ( Suboxone - Vivitrol )
- Medical Aesthetics / Facials / Massage
- 431 E. Government St.
- Pensacola, Fl 32502
- 850-433-9391
x
10:22 AM (1 hour ago)
to me
To make a fairly long story short, I had a PI back in college in 2010 and a DL suspension resulted from that. Regs say "actions arising from the operation of a motor vehicle," which wasn't the case for the first incident. I've been told that I need to do private random drug and alcohol screening and attend meetings prior to visiting a HIMS psychiatrist. I have no issue with any of that (except the enormous cost!) as I've stopped drinking entirely following this DWI. Further, I'm told that my medical is already invalidated, although I haven't received any notice from the FAA at this time. I'd like to continue to fly if it's legal to do so, but if it isn't, then I'll respect that and discontinue flying. I have a third class medical and a PPL. Thank you again for your time.
Louis Fowler <lbfjrmd@gmail.com>
10:42 AM (45 minutes ago)
to x
for clarity what is a PI?
A HIMS-AME cannot assign to case as being HIMS. The FAA makes that determination upon application.
Yes, technically you no longer have a valid medical. In fact this should have been reported to the FAA immediately, though most pilots do not. It does not influence your case going forward.
My approach is to gather facts and submit application to FAA ASAP and then tailor program to their requirements. I have taken cases that I was fairly sure were 2 B HIMS, only to hear from the FAA to do x and y but not z.
x
10:45 AM (41 minutes ago)
to me
Public intoxication. It has nothing to do with driving at all. I did self-report after consulting with Dr. x, but as I said, I’ve gotten no word back yet. Again, I’m not opposed to jumping through the FAA hoops, but they are expensive!
Louis Fowler <lbfjrmd@gmail.com>
10:59 AM (27 minutes ago)
to x
I myself had similar issues 22 years ago. To keep my license to practice medicine i experienced expense ($80K) and 1 year away from the practice of medicine. You wont come close to that. But you will have hoops (the FAA will choose them for you) and expenses.
x
11:21 AM (6 minutes ago)
to me
Thanks for the input; good to know that even a senior AME can keep on trucking with a “history”. So I guess my last question is this: am I officially illegal to fly at this point?
Louis Fowler <lbfjrmd@gmail.com>
11:25 AM (1 minute ago)
to x
no