Never too late....
But before getting too stuck in, you should make sure all is clear with your medical history. Many times future airmen such as yourself spend thousands on the initial training to get to the point that requires a FAA 3rd Class (or better) Medical Cerificate. Then find out they have a major show stopping landmine in their history that creates a major roadblock in their training.
Which is why we advocate learning and gaining knowledge about the medical certification system before spending gobs of money on training.
I have created a few posts that should help you.
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To gain confidence, and more importantly,
knowledge, of what is involved with obtaining your first medical certificate, start by reviewing the instruction manual for MedXpress, the FAA's online form for applying for a medical. You can find that here:
https://medxpress.faa.gov/medxpress/Content/Docs/MedXPressUsersGuide.pdf
Scroll down to page 24 of 36. This is where they ask about any medications you are currently taking (Question 17). If there are none, move to the next section. But if there are some, you will be asked to list the names, dosage, and frequency. Most medications are permitted. Some are not and will be a show stopper. Others may be an indicator of a medical item that the FAA will want to know more about. In many cases, the FAA will need a letter from your treating doctor that mention the medications, why they were prescribed, and how well they are helping you. During the examination, the Aviation Medical Examiner will ask questions about the medications and the doctors letter, fill in some blanks, and make notations on his side of the application form.
Now scroll down to page 26 or 36. This is the medical history section (Question 18). An important phrase here is "
Have you ever in your life..." Review these items and see if any should be answered yes. If one or more is answered yes, then definitely
do not go to an AME to obtain a medical certificate until you thoroughly know what the FAA is going to want to know about the item you checked as yes.
Some of these are minor and the documentation required is also minor. Others are big, BIG things, and while they might not be show stoppers, you will have to obtain more things that are the right things and in the right format and order in order to satisfy the FAA.
Again, do not go to an AME for a live exam until you know what it is the FAA wants.
How do you find out what the FAA wants? The best way is to have a consultation visit with an AME. This visit does not get reported to the FAA. All it is is a information gather visit with the medical examiner to find out what you need to obtain. If you are unable to find an AME in your area to do this, then reach out to Dr. Bruce Chien in Bolingbrook, IL,
www.aeromedicaldoc.com Dr. Bruce is a member here and can answer your questions online. But direct emails are often more efficient and allow him to discuss things in a way he cannot on a public form.
Another important area of Question 18 is Question 18v. Alcohol and drug related motor vehicle actions. Question 18v asks about a history of “arrests or convictions involving driving while intoxicated by, while impaired by, or while under the influence of alcohol or a drug.” This would include arrests or convictions for offenses that were reduced to a lower offense, such as careless driving. This also includes offenses that were expunged by the courts after a certain time period. Pilots who have been ticketed for operating under the influence while driving a golf cart or a boat have also been required to report these offenses. Remember, your signature on the Form authorizes the FAA to search the National Drivers Register.
Do not try to lie or fib or skirt the issue here.... if you are found out... it is major bad voodoo.
Moving on, look at page 28 of 36 and Question 19, which asks questions about medical professionals. If all of your past doctor visits have been routine things with no major medical issues. Then the FAA will say all is good, thanks for telling us about the visits. But if there were visits for particular medical things, then additional explanations about the reason for the visit, and the doctor's findings will be needed.
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However, as hinted throughout the Medical Certification forum,
do not go for a "live" FAA medical examination until you are beyond 100% sure you will pass and will be issued your medical certificate before you leave the doctor's office. If there is any questions about your medical past or current medical situation, seek out an AME who will do a consultative visit so that you can review and learn. For more information about a consultative visit, see this post:
http://tinyurl.com/ame-consult
I hope this helps you. Do continue to ask questions as you think of them.
. I'm 58 and just about to do my helicopter check ride! At the same time, let there be no doubt I'm the old fart at the school. But yes, I have an unrestricted medical. And BTW, I had to start with a gym to loose 25+ pounds to be within the weight limits of the R22.
