I'm new on this forum (although I've occasionally visited) so I apologize for mistakes I may make in terms of creating threads/ posting on this website.
I recently applied for a 3rd class medical certificate for the first time. I unfortunately had to mark yes to question 18w due to an arrest that occurred 3.5 years ago that resulted in a misdemeanor substance possession charge (I am not going to get into the details, but it is fairly straight forward and I assume many of you can fill in the pieces). Other than this, the rest of my exam went fine. I was 23 at the time but I have grown up a lot since then and have taken responsibility for my actions, really.
I brought with me to my exam: 1. The court documentation and arrest report 2. A personal statement 3. A positive evaluation and recommendation from a DOT Certified SAP, concluding that this was a one time mistake and not a dependency/abuse problem.
The AME felt that I should be able to be issued a medical without a deferral. The AME did not issue it in the office but instead followed up by calling the FAA. The AME informed me that whoever answered the phone in OKC was filled in on the details of my case, and they checked with an FAA Physician who said that it was the AME's call whether to issue or deffer my application. The AME elected to issue my certification and send all my documentation in.
As of today I have my 3rd Class medical. My question relates to how the FAA has 60 days to reverse the AME's decision to issue my medical if they so choose. Again, the FAA instructed my AME that it was his call on whether to issue me.... which he did. However, I am a bit paranoid and hesitant to start my private pilot training until 60 days pass. My worry is that someone else in OKC may receive my medical who has a different opinion than the guy over the phone.
1. Does anyone know how often the FAA even Reviews 3rd Class Medicals that were issued by an AME? I've read they are typically to bogged down in reviewing deferred applications and that they typically trust the AME's decision if the medical is issued.
2. Given the circumstances would they reverse an AME's medical decision with a case like mine? Its not like I had a disqualifying medical diagnosis, it is more of a subjective case...
Again, I think I am being a bit paranoid, but have no experience dealing with the FAA in OKC.
Thank you for your time and responses.
I recently applied for a 3rd class medical certificate for the first time. I unfortunately had to mark yes to question 18w due to an arrest that occurred 3.5 years ago that resulted in a misdemeanor substance possession charge (I am not going to get into the details, but it is fairly straight forward and I assume many of you can fill in the pieces). Other than this, the rest of my exam went fine. I was 23 at the time but I have grown up a lot since then and have taken responsibility for my actions, really.
I brought with me to my exam: 1. The court documentation and arrest report 2. A personal statement 3. A positive evaluation and recommendation from a DOT Certified SAP, concluding that this was a one time mistake and not a dependency/abuse problem.
The AME felt that I should be able to be issued a medical without a deferral. The AME did not issue it in the office but instead followed up by calling the FAA. The AME informed me that whoever answered the phone in OKC was filled in on the details of my case, and they checked with an FAA Physician who said that it was the AME's call whether to issue or deffer my application. The AME elected to issue my certification and send all my documentation in.
As of today I have my 3rd Class medical. My question relates to how the FAA has 60 days to reverse the AME's decision to issue my medical if they so choose. Again, the FAA instructed my AME that it was his call on whether to issue me.... which he did. However, I am a bit paranoid and hesitant to start my private pilot training until 60 days pass. My worry is that someone else in OKC may receive my medical who has a different opinion than the guy over the phone.
1. Does anyone know how often the FAA even Reviews 3rd Class Medicals that were issued by an AME? I've read they are typically to bogged down in reviewing deferred applications and that they typically trust the AME's decision if the medical is issued.
2. Given the circumstances would they reverse an AME's medical decision with a case like mine? Its not like I had a disqualifying medical diagnosis, it is more of a subjective case...
Again, I think I am being a bit paranoid, but have no experience dealing with the FAA in OKC.
Thank you for your time and responses.
