Am I done for? FAA demanding info on old illness

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anon pilot

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Certified letter in the mail today. The demand section is as follows:

Due to your history of pancreatitis, the FAA finds that additional information is necessary to determine whether you meet the medical standards prescribed in 14 C.F.R. part 67. At this time, pursuant to 14 C.F.R. $67.413 (a), you are requested to provide the following information within 60 days for FAA review:
• A current, detailed clinical progress note regarding your history of pancreatitis, generated from a clinic visit with your treating General Surgeon (GS) or Gastroenterologist (GI) in accordance with the enclosed guidelines. The clinical progress note must specifically include:
• If alcohol has been ruled out as a contributing factor (via hospital records or treating physician determination);
• If the common bile duct was cleared of stones/debris;
• If cholecystectomy was performed; and
• The date all pain medications were discontinued.

In around 2018 or 2019, I was hospitalized for a few days with acute pancreatitis. Was told the cause was extremely high triglycerides (I specifically recall one doctor saying they were beyond the levels that could be caused by diet or alcohol). They had me not eat or drink until things got better, but I don't recall any other scans and certainly no surgery. Afterwards I was prescribed a triglyceride medication (also improved my diet/exercise) and saw an endocrinologist (not a GI) a few times in the following months. I was on pain medication in the hospital and they may have prescribed a few days' worth when I was discharged, but I never obtained or needed any more than that. I've never had a recurrence of either the attack or high triglycerides so I haven't seen any specialist about the issue since. I do get an annual physical from a PCP including bloodwork and I'm now on a low dose of statin instead of the previous triglyceride medicine.

At the ensuing medical, I did a consult with my regular AME before a live exam, and brought every record there was with me. He went over everything, determined he could issue in office, and I got a new 2nd class from him the next day. I'm sure he sent all the paperwork I gave him to the FAA with my application. No issues then or with my renewal every year since, including most recently about 3 months ago.

I never saw either in the hospital or since a surgeon or GI doctor. Even if I were able to obtain an appointment with a GI doctor within the next 60 days, would they be considered my "treating" doctor? Would they be able to determine the information needed to write such a letter based on an exam and whatever leftover records I or my insurer has, and would they be willing to? Is there actually more that the FAA wants but doesn't tell you in the first round, or specific FAA-approved doctors you need to see to make them happy? I also see the letter was CC'd to my AME. Should I contact him? I'm concerned that the fact I got better and never needed further treatment is going to make it impossible to provide the requested response.

I guess it doesn't matter, but I sure would like to know why they're coming after me after all this time. I fully disclosed everything, have had no recurrence or any other significant medical issues, and haven't had any aviation events that would bring me to the FAA's attention.
 
The thing that strikes me is the question about alcohol. FAA Searching for evidence of a drinking problem?

I would guess your AME should be able to answer this in suitable medical mumbo jumbo.
 
That is from the drug and alcohol division, and the QA people. I respond to those, as if it were a single DUI because that ultimately to whom you're responding.
Pancreatitis: About 5% are medication reactions or uncontrolled triglycerides, 5% are unknown and 90% are excess alcohol related. You have to show to reasonably credulity, that it's not the 90%.

First a letter from your GI-internist detailing how little you drink, and that he thinks it was due to the elevated triglycerides (over 400!). This, in the form of a Detailed Clinical progress note (an office visit, in person). See attachment. You HAVE to go see the doc.
DMV search- no DUIs
Personal statement
Random PETH and it better be negative
Current corrected triglycerides as measured in the current time (current lipid profile)

Just don't play around with the "if we have not received a reply" date stated in the letter. ON day 55 you can verbally ask for a 30 day extension- the only one they will give you.

Fill the squares. YOU ARE NOT DONE YET.

B

(and I am not soliciting here, but you can turn on "siglines" and there's a link there if you want to email me directly)
 

Attachments

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It’s going to cost some money, but if you have been truthful with about your diagnosis, the suspected causation, and resolution, this should be rather easy to satisfy the FAA.

To those who think this was a witch hunt, this is a person with a Class II medical and a medical condition highly associated with alcoholism. The FAA is doing their job.
 
OP here. I appreciate the input. I also spoke to AOPA’s medical certification people this morning and got their advice, and since it’s 2026, I also ran the whole thing past an AI.

For the record, AI thinks based on the requested info that the FAA thinks I had gallstones and not pancreatitis from triglycerides, and that’s what needs clarification. AOPA thinks it was somewhat random and I might be able to get by with a note from a PCP since I’ve never seen a surgeon or a GI doctor previously, and I see Dr. Bruce’s method is to treat this as an alcohol evaluation and pre-submit additional information on that basis. I am considering all approaches while I gather documentation, being mindful of the 60-day hard limit but also “winding my watch in an emergency”.

All advice indicates that reminding the FAA that they already knew about and approved this condition is not a useful path, so I’ll have to have a doctor involved. I actually was able to schedule an appointment with a board-certified gastroenterologist without a referral, and within the FAA’s 60-day window. I should also be able to get a PCP appointment for an annual physical prior to that, so I can have current bloodwork to bring to the GI appointment.

I’ve also requested the following documentation:
-Full medical records from my insurer/HMO for the hospitalization and all followup care
-Full pharmacy records from then to the present day from both the HMO and the state
-Full FAA medical file (had to fax that request, lol)

My goal with the documentation is to give the GI enough info that he can state that alcohol wasn’t the cause, I’m not and haven’t been taking any pain medicine since shortly after discharge, I don’t and never did have gallstones so treatment for such was never indicated, and the issue has totally resolved with no further symptoms. Covering all possible bases for the inquiry, so to speak. And of course to get this all written as per the FAA’s provided guidelines. AOPA advises that I can send them the GI’s progress note and they will review it to ensure it complies with the FAA’s desired formatting before I submit it. I will also consider further steps while I await the paperwork.

I certainly have…thoughts, on the FAA randomly reopening files that were already fully disclosed and favorably evaluated many years ago. I am doing everything I can to stick strictly to the requested medical information and doing things “the FAA way” until either I can resolve the situation or they make me the world’s most mandatory glider pilot.
 
Definitely do this as well per
Dr Bruce
DMV search- no DUIs
Personal statement
 
I have an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the connective tissue along my spine. I was first diagnosed in 1992. I disclosed my condition on each subsequent aviation medical along with the medication I was taking to manage the disease. It was never a problem until someone in Oklahoma decided in 2017, OH MY GOD, this pilot has Ankylosing Spondylitis, he can't have a regular medical! After considerable expense and and time investment, I was finally awarded a Special Issuance 3rd Class certificate. That came with the expectation that I would repeat the onerous paperwork from my rheumatologist, my GP and the AME every year henceforth. As soon as I got my SI, I switched to Basic Med and haven't looked back. Why the FAA would deny a regular medical when my AME had examined me in person and had determined I was good to go is a mystery to me. It's as if the FAA was intent on shrinking the pilot population. My actual belief is that experienced FAA personnel have retired and have been replaced by a younger, less experienced crowd that sees less risk in denying certificates than in awarding them. I'm glad to be done with that crowd, but I do miss flying into Canada.
 
Clip4 said:
To those who think this was a witch hunt, this is a person with a Class II medical and a medical condition highly associated with alcoholism. The FAA is doing their job.
Click to expand...

Even with your argument, I still think its a witch hunt. Basing their case on condition alone, with zero other supporting evidence, costing an airman time and money to prove a negative.

"Guilty until proven innocent"

And they wonder why pilots avoid going to doctors like the plague. Better to ignore your health than accidentally having a doctor get you grounded.
 
Flyhound said:
I have an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the connective tissue along my spine. I was first diagnosed in 1992. I disclosed my condition on each subsequent aviation medical along with the medication I was taking to manage the disease. It was never a problem until someone in Oklahoma decided in 2017, OH MY GOD, this pilot has Ankylosing Spondylitis, he can't have a regular medical! After considerable expense and and time investment, I was finally awarded a Special Issuance 3rd Class certificate. That came with the expectation that I would repeat the onerous paperwork from my rheumatologist, my GP and the AME every year henceforth. As soon as I got my SI, I switched to Basic Med and haven't looked back. Why the FAA would deny a regular medical when my AME had examined me in person and had determined I was good to go is a mystery to me. It's as if the FAA was intent on shrinking the pilot population. My actual belief is that experienced FAA personnel have retired and have been replaced by a younger, less experienced crowd that sees less risk in denying certificates than in awarding them. I'm glad to be done with that crowd, but I do miss flying into Canada.
Click to expand...
@Flyhound and I have very similar experiences. I'd get a report and an "I'd fly with him anytime" letter from my neurologist yearly to send in for my special issuance that allowed me to take an FAA-allowed med for MS. With no relapses or decline of any kind I got a demand for full CogScreen, MRIs annually and other tests more frequently than my neuro suggests. Don't think I could even get scheduled to see the neurologist as often as they were requesting. So I switched to BasicMed. Have a family cabin in Canada and I do miss flying there. (It's a seven hour drive vs less than two hours in the Arrow.)
 
OP, after you get this done, go Basic Med if at all feasible for you, to avoid this kind of BS.

Also, complain to your Congresscritter that this is how the FAA spends their funding.
 
Basic med is a Godsend for all of us who develop medical issues as we age (and we all do). FlyHound, I was on the development team that got Enbrel approved for ankylosing spondylitis. For nearly all patients, it controls the disease incredibly well. I hope you have found relief from that difficult disease.
Immediately, going BasicMed when a potential issue arises seems to be the best path for those not requiring a Class 1 or 2 medical.
 
Flyhound said:
I have an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the connective tissue along my spine. I was first diagnosed in 1992. I disclosed my condition on each subsequent aviation medical along with the medication I was taking to manage the disease. It was never a problem until someone in Oklahoma decided in 2017, OH MY GOD, this pilot has Ankylosing Spondylitis, he can't have a regular medical! After considerable expense and and time investment, I was finally awarded a Special Issuance 3rd Class certificate. That came with the expectation that I would repeat the onerous paperwork from my rheumatologist, my GP and the AME every year henceforth. As soon as I got my SI, I switched to Basic Med and haven't looked back.
Click to expand...

I'm right there with ya, brother, except in my case it's autoimmune liver disease (well treated, and my liver has regenerated and is normal again). As soon as my SI came through, Dr. Bruce advised me to "switch to Basic Med now, now, NOW!" which I did.

The OKC folks can change the rules out from under you at any time, or a different person can review your file one year and make a different decision than that from prior years. I won't ever spin that FAA medical roulette wheel again!
 
midwestpa24 said:
Even with your argument, I still think its a witch hunt. Basing their case on condition alone, with zero other supporting evidence, costing an airman time and money to prove a negative.

"Guilty until proven innocent"

And they wonder why pilots avoid going to doctors like the plague. Better to ignore your health than accidentally having a doctor get you grounded.
Click to expand...
Nobody is guilty of anything. In fact, the OP properly reported the condition. Even if the FAA finds him unfit, he is still guilty of nothing, The FAA engaging in further investigation of a pilot who could be flying for hire. I realize some believe the unsuspecting public should fly at their own peril and the FAA is supposed to stick their head in the sand.
 
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midwestpa24 said:
Then they should be responsible for the cost of their investigation. The unnecessary doctor appointments and testing doesn't come free.
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Indeed. They requested far more tests than my ophthalmologist, a glaucoma specialist, normally conducts. He's cool with me flying, BTW, and helped me out considerably by cutting red tape and getting me in under the deadline for the additional tests. Passed the exam at the AME, as well. But ... deferred. So without seeing me, someone will judge if I can see enough to fly. Which I do once a week.
I'm only a couple grand into it, but the process has just started.
 
midwestpa24 said:
Then they should be responsible for the cost of their investigation. The unnecessary doctor appointments and testing doesn't come free.
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No problem. Should the govt increase your income taxes or adopt and annual pilot certificate renewal fee to pay for this.? This is a class II medical - commercial privileges.
 
Flyhound said:
I was first diagnosed in 1992. I disclosed my condition on each subsequent aviation medical along with the medication I was taking to manage the disease. It was never a problem until someone in Oklahoma decided in 2017, OH MY GOD, this pilot has Ankylosing Spondylitis, he can't have a regular medical!
Click to expand...

I have an almost identical story, except different ailment. In my case it took Oklahoma City 18 years and nine slam dunk 3d class medical examinations to decide that I was unfit to fly. Fortunately I was able to get the issue cleared up with the help of a local doc (by coincidence a former AME) who wrote a letter that smoothed everything out.

I eventually had another issue come up and after a four-year battle with the FAA got a special issuance. If I had not had insurance that covered the required testing (some of it quite expensive) I would have been grounded for life. I now am on BasicMed.

Tim
 
Half Fast said:
I think you're correct, but I don't know for sure. It may depend on whether he has applied for a renewal. @Brad Z could advise.
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Assuming the OP has a valid, unexpired medical, being non responsive to the letter will eventually result in Aeromedicine revoking the certificate, disqualifying the OP for BasicMed.
 
Brad Z said:
Assuming the OP has a valid, unexpired medical, being non responsive to the letter will eventually result in Aeromedicine revoking the certificate, disqualifying the OP for BasicMed.
Click to expand...

Got it. He didn't say in the OP whether his medical was current, but presumably they wouldn't have sent the letter if his medical had already expired, right?

Sounds like he'll have to go through the expense and hassle one time before Basic.
 
OP again. As I expect it to be a couple more weeks until I obtain the requested records, and more than a month until I’ll be able to see a PCP and GI, I’m not likely to have a reason to update this thread again before then.

I don’t maintain a medical just for the fun of the FAA paperwork. It’s not a significant percentage of my income and I could live without it, but I do occasionally exercise the privileges of a class 2. Beyond that, the airplane I fly most often for personal use is not BasicMed-eligible and needs at least a class 3, and I’m not aware that there’s any significant difference in the standards. Maybe a quarter of my current flying could be done under BasicMed, and all of that could also be done under sport pilot privileges with MOSAIC.

My understanding is that, while my current medical that I obtained in February is still valid and nothing in the FAA letter even hints otherwise, once the FAA has opened this process, I can either comply until they’re satisfied or they’ll issue a revocation. If the former, there would be no reason not to continue renewing a class 2 annually, unless some other health condition arises. If the latter, BasicMed and sport pilot would both be off the table anyway.

Right now the path of least resistance appears to be to make a good-faith effort to provide the FAA exactly what they requested in as thorough a manner as is possible given the age of the issue, and hope for the best. It’ll be close to the 60-day limit before I can do so, plus however many weeks/months the FAA will sit on what I provide before they review it. Should that result be negative, I’ll consider further options at that time.

One interesting side aspect for me is that this has completely killed the idea of a future career-switch, which I was not actively pursuing but something I’ve occasionally considered, probably like a lot of pilots. I have decades before part 121 retirement age, but the risk that the FAA could just decide to delete my entire income stream with no recourse is just too great for where I am in life right now, not to mention the practical issues of getting hired when you have to convince an airline to pay to train someone with a “complex” medical history vs. taking the 23-year-old whose FAA medical records are a single page.

I appreciate all advice and comments. I’ll hang up and listen, until I have something new to report or the FAA throws another curveball.
 
Flyhound said:
I have an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the connective tissue along my spine. I was first diagnosed in 1992. I disclosed my condition on each subsequent aviation medical along with the medication I was taking to manage the disease. It was never a problem until someone in Oklahoma decided in 2017, OH MY GOD, this pilot has Ankylosing Spondylitis, he can't have a regular medical! After considerable expense and and time investment, I was finally awarded a Special Issuance 3rd Class certificate. That came with the expectation that I would repeat the onerous paperwork from my rheumatologist, my GP and the AME every year henceforth. As soon as I got my SI, I switched to Basic Med and haven't looked back. Why the FAA would deny a regular medical when my AME had examined me in person and had determined I was good to go is a mystery to me. It's as if the FAA was intent on shrinking the pilot population. My actual belief is that experienced FAA personnel have retired and have been replaced by a younger, less experienced crowd that sees less risk in denying certificates than in awarding them. I'm glad to be done with that crowd, but I do miss flying into Canada.
Click to expand...
Did you know that the FAA has finally added AS to the "Acceptable Certification Criteria" of arthritis on the CACI Arthritis Worksheet? "Autoimmune to include only the following: rheumatoid (limited to joint),psoriatic, or ankylosing spondylitis". There is a list of "Acceptable Medications" on the CACI which includes most of the standard AS biologics that I know of. Maybe flying to Canada can still be in your future.
 
Just came across this and haven't had a chance to read over everyone's comments. From others that have gotten "the letter" it seems like the best bet is:

1) Don't go to your AME yet, since they are your AME they have a vested interest since they passed you. (Silly, but possible pending the Doc.)

2) Find an AME that will CONSULT, do not go to them for an examination. I know of one in Jackson, WY, Dr. Brent Blue that I believe did this. But there are others around the country. Maybe someone here will have another name.

3) After the consultation, collect whatever documentation they tell you to get or do whatever tests they say to take for the current results. The either send the info in or go see your AME to have them send it in. Again, whatever the consulting MD tells you to do (and it may be in the letter).
 
lsaway said:
Did you know that the FAA has finally added AS to the "Acceptable Certification Criteria" of arthritis on the CACI Arthritis Worksheet? "Autoimmune to include only the following: rheumatoid (limited to joint),psoriatic, or ankylosing spondylitis". There is a list of "Acceptable Medications" on the CACI which includes most of the standard AS biologics that I know of. Maybe flying to Canada can still be in your future.
Click to expand...
I'm soooo done with the FAA, that I'd rather avoid Canada than take chance on them challenging my medical again - for any reason. Besides, Basic Med is a LOT cheaper, and that's the only aspect of my flying activities that has gone down in cost over time. Under Basic Med, I only see a doctor once every 4 years and that visit is covered by my annual physical under my health care plan. Every 2 years, I take a no-cost online course and a test to make sure I still understand the parameters. Easy-peasy. I liked Canada, but the advent of EAPIS makes flying there a PITA anyway. I flew up there in the old days when you just checked the "international" box on a standard flight plan. Filing an ICAO flight plan just requires so stinking much information.

What really ticks me off is how easy it is to take a sail, or power boat to Canada. No advance notice is required. You just show up and make a phone call. Coming back to the US on a boat does require clearing at a Port with Customs, but again, no advance notice is required. You just show up, answer a few questions and you're done. Why making the trip in an aircraft has to be so much more complicated is a mystery to me. If the government is worried about smuggling, a boat can carry a whole lot more people, drugs, and/or firearms that a small plane so I can't for the life of me come up with an explanation for the bureaucratic differences.
 
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bbchien said:
That is from the drug and alcohol division, and the QA people. I respond to those, as if it were a single DUI because that ultimately to whom you're responding.
Pancreatitis: About 5% are medication reactions or uncontrolled triglycerides, 5% are unknown and 90% are excess alcohol related. Yo have to show to reasonabily credulity, that it's not the 90%.
Click to expand...
Uh, no. 95% of pancreatitis caused by excess alcohol? Not even close. More like 25%. Far and away most common cause of acute pancreatits is from gallstones.
 
Kevin Holbrook said:
Uh, no. 95% of pancreatitis caused by excess alcohol? Not even close. More like 25%. Far and away most common cause of acute pancreatits is from gallstones.
Click to expand...
Why do you say this? Please note that the person you quoted is a practicing MD. He sometimes makes mistakes, like anyone else, but he'll own up to them with a valid citation.
 
The difference is chronic vs acute, here, and also in the population in question. And Capn't Jack's objection isn't really material here- ...but you have to think about the View from the Agency.

During my internship (partly spent at the Iowa City VAH) that was just about EVERYBODY in the population.

And the recent data that any alcohol at all isn't good for you.
 
Bruce, you'd probably know this, but all I've seen about alcohol is the crap in the news. What's the difference in lifespan between people who have, say, a couple of beers a week, versus tea-totalers? Is it measurable?
 
At the risk of beating a dead horse, the question is, does the horse drink? Obviously, in a population of nondrinkers, the incidence of pancreatitis due to alcohol approximately 0%. However, an episode of pancreatitis in a heavy/chronic drinker is much more likely to be alcohol induced. Since everyone lies to their doctor and the FAA, your doctor and the FAA have to assume you're lying...

I mean, I'm being a little tongue and cheek here, and I think the FAA is probably, in this case, over reacting, but would understand why they want information to confirm the cause of the pancreatitis...

If you really want to read a bunch of references, well, here you go...enjoy the bedtime reading. Of course, you may be blocked by a paywall...

1.
American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines: Management of Acute Pancreatitis.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2024. Tenner S, Vege SS, Sheth SG, et al.Guideline

2.
Acute Pancreatitis: A Review.
image
The Journal of the American Medical Association. 2021. Mederos MA, Reber HA, Girgis MD.

3.
Acute Pancreatitis.
image
Lancet. 2020. Boxhoorn L, Voermans RP, Bouwense SA, et al.

4.
Acute Pancreatitis.
image
Lancet. 2008. Frossard JL, Steer ML, Pastor CM.

5.
Acute Pancreatitis.
image
The New England Journal of Medicine. 2016. Forsmark CE, Vege SS, Wilcox CM.

6.
New Progress in the Study of Pathogenesis of Alcoholic Pancreatitis.
Digestion. 2024. Li H, Tan X, Li J, Zhang Q.

7.
Global, Regional, and National Disparities in the Burden of Acute Pancreatitis and Alcohol-Related Pancreatitis From 2000 to 2021.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2025. Danpanichkul P, Pang Y, Diaz LA, et al.Recent
 
Half Fast said:
Bruce, you'd probably know this, but all I've seen about alcohol is the crap in the news. What's the difference in lifespan between people who have, say, a couple of beers a week, versus tea-totalers? Is it measurable?
Click to expand...
I think the data are.....terriblly poor.......how can one derive an incidence without any denominator? We don't have funding for "broad surveys" any longer.....disbelief of science has become a self fulfulling philosophy.... Remember when one glass of wine was good for your CV health.....but I digress.

As George has said, I thought this string was about trying to get the OP some assistance.....sigh.....not jumping on the FAA, not the epidemiology of alcohol...just about this ONE HORSE.
 
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OP again, for the conclusion. Received a letter in the mail today that reads, in relevant part:

"Dear anon pilot:

Our review of your medical records has established that you are eligible for a second-class medical certificate."

It was dated just a week after they received my submission, so they can work quickly when they want to.

The visit with the GI doctor went well. I showed him the request from the FAA and he was glad to address each of their specific points in his clinical notes. I submitted exactly what the FAA requested, no more and no less, and it was delivered to them right at the 60-day window.

I elected not to go "above and beyond" in terms of what I submitted, for a couple reasons. Submitting things that weren't asked for would seem to me to be attracting unnecessary attention and inviting more questions. Maybe it would be different if I were already using a known "super AME" like Dr. Chien where the FAA would expect more than they asked for, but that wasn't the case here. Maybe that's not how they look at it, but taking their request at face value worked in my particular case. Also, this was not a denial or deferral situation where time is of the essence. I had an existing medical that was still valid, and if the FAA had decided they wanted more info than what they already asked for, I could have submitted it at that time. I understand it might have been different if I were grounded until they ruled, particularly if I were dependent on flying income.

Can't say I'm a fan of the FAA being able to reopen old issues that were previously reported, and I do think they should have to have some reason to believe an airman has withheld information or something else material has changed for them to reopen a "previously reported, no change" condition. I also think the horror stories had primed me for the situation to be more difficult than it actually was, and maybe people would be less afraid of the medical division if most issues went the way this one did. But in my case, everything did work out. YMMV, n=1, past performance doesn't indicate future results, etc. Thanks to everyone who read and replied.
 
anon pilot said:
OP here. I appreciate the input. I also spoke to AOPA’s medical certification people this morning and got their advice, and since it’s 2026, I also ran the whole thing past an AI.

For the record, AI thinks based on the requested info that the FAA thinks I had gallstones and not pancreatitis from triglycerides, and that’s what needs clarification. AOPA thinks it was somewhat random and I might be able to get by with a note from a PCP since I’ve never seen a surgeon or a GI doctor previously, and I see Dr. Bruce’s method is to treat this as an alcohol evaluation and pre-submit additional information on that basis. I am considering all approaches while I gather documentation, being mindful of the 60-day hard limit but also “winding my watch in an emergency”.

All advice indicates that reminding the FAA that they already knew about and approved this condition is not a useful path, so I’ll have to have a doctor involved. I actually was able to schedule an appointment with a board-certified gastroenterologist without a referral, and within the FAA’s 60-day window. I should also be able to get a PCP appointment for an annual physical prior to that, so I can have current bloodwork to bring to the GI appointment.

I’ve also requested the following documentation:
-Full medical records from my insurer/HMO for the hospitalization and all followup care
-Full pharmacy records from then to the present day from both the HMO and the state
-Full FAA medical file (had to fax that request, lol)

My goal with the documentation is to give the GI enough info that he can state that alcohol wasn’t the cause, I’m not and haven’t been taking any pain medicine since shortly after discharge, I don’t and never did have gallstones so treatment for such was never indicated, and the issue has totally resolved with no further symptoms. Covering all possible bases for the inquiry, so to speak. And of course to get this all written as per the FAA’s provided guidelines. AOPA advises that I can send them the GI’s progress note and they will review it to ensure it complies with the FAA’s desired formatting before I submit it. I will also consider further steps while I await the paperwork.

I certainly have…thoughts, on the FAA randomly reopening files that were already fully disclosed and favorably evaluated many years ago. I am doing everything I can to stick strictly to the requested medical information and doing things “the FAA way” until either I can resolve the situation or they make me the world’s most mandatory glider pilot.
Click to expand...
Do not EVER use or refer to any generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) for anything relating to your health. GenAI is even more stupid than stackoverflow, unbelievably stupider than everyone with an MD that specializes in aviation medicine.

Personally, I'm convinced that GenAI is stupider than my dog. And he's been dead for almost 2 years.

Believe Dr Bruce. Follow his directions to the letter. Ignore the commentary, ignore those who are fed up and/or critical of the FAA Medical process. You don't have any choice in the matter.
 
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