Grounded myself, now to unground?

[Unregistered]

I have about 13 months left on a Class 2 medical. In September I had a vision incident where my left eye, left peripheral vision became blocked by something that seemed like small flashing lights. Long story short, the first diagnosis was ocular migraine, but the MRI says I had a small stroke. I grounded myself at the time. For a month or so afterwards I had some minor residual effects but the bottom line is that three months later I have no further issues. Vision is normal, etc. It's like it never happened and I have no safety qualms about flying.

So, as far as the FAA is concerned, nothing has happened. I won't have to disclose anything until I go for another medical in a year. By then maybe the Class 3 medical waiver will be law and I won't even have to go back at all. I don't really need a Class 2 anyway. But if I do go back, I'm sure there will be hoops to jump through.

So ... I self un-certified. Can I self re-certify? Do I have to confess now and jump through all their hoops? Thanks in advance to all the usual posters who will want to speculate, but I am looking for facts and not speculation.

 

[flyingron]

Had this been a vision issue alone, I'd say sure self-recertify and bring an opthomologist's report to the next exam (if there is one), but a stroke (even a little TIA) is a big thing as far as the FAA is concerned. I'd certainly not even go near an FAA exam without some consult with a good AME.

 

[bflynn]

The short answer is that you have to show yourself to be qualified again in this area. You've had a significant incident and you need to do the testing that the FAA wants.

My advice is to contact an AME and get a confidential consult. You're going to have to go through testing for this and reprove that you're good. Learn where you stand. Do not submit anything to the FAA right now.

There are a few "tough case" specialists, you need one. I'll leave it to others to make recommendations.

If all the testing turns out good, then you can make a decision - will you submit a new medical now or redo the testing in a year. If it doesn't turn out good, it's probably time to call it a career.

The standard that this is judged against -
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_or...me/guide/app_process/exam_tech/item46/amd/cd/

 

[lbfjrmd]

migraines are reportable. a stroke on a MRI is reportable. No you cannot recertify yourself as if you had a runny nose with sinus congestion. Upon your next medical confess to the priest errr ... AME. In the meantime no flying but you can practice hoop jumping. Sry for the humor ... but you will likely need another MRI not just for the FAA but for your health (that's your and your doctor's call). Do not send anything to the FAA till after you see your AME and he defers your case ... then follow the FAA's instructions. Technically your 2nd class will not time out - it was rendered null and void when you had the medical events you described. Sorry but you have no current medical certificate from the FAA.

 

[SCCutler]

Call Dr. Bruce.

www.aeromedicaldoc.com

 

[Henning]

I have about 13 months left on a Class 2 medical. In September I had a vision incident where my left eye, left peripheral vision became blocked by something that seemed like small flashing lights. Long story short, the first diagnosis was ocular migraine, but the MRI says I had a small stroke. I grounded myself at the time. For a month or so afterwards I had some minor residual effects but the bottom line is that three months later I have no further issues. Vision is normal, etc. It's like it never happened and I have no safety qualms about flying.

So, as far as the FAA is concerned, nothing has happened. I won't have to disclose anything until I go for another medical in a year. By then maybe the Class 3 medical waiver will be law and I won't even have to go back at all. I don't really need a Class 2 anyway. But if I do go back, I'm sure there will be hoops to jump through.

So ... I self un-certified. Can I self re-certify? Do I have to confess now and jump through all their hoops? Thanks in advance to all the usual posters who will want to speculate, but I am looking for facts and not speculation.

Everything between medicals is an issue of self certification, it's all on the honor system.

 

[James331]

I have about 13 months left on a Class 2 medical. In September I had a vision incident where my left eye, left peripheral vision became blocked by something that seemed like small flashing lights. Long story short, the first diagnosis was ocular migraine, but the MRI says I had a small stroke. I grounded myself at the time. For a month or so afterwards I had some minor residual effects but the bottom line is that three months later I have no further issues. Vision is normal, etc. It's like it never happened and I have no safety qualms about flying.

So, as far as the FAA is concerned, nothing has happened. I won't have to disclose anything until I go for another medical in a year. By then maybe the Class 3 medical waiver will be law and I won't even have to go back at all. I don't really need a Class 2 anyway. But if I do go back, I'm sure there will be hoops to jump through.

So ... I self un-certified. Can I self re-certify? Do I have to confess now and jump through all their hoops? Thanks in advance to all the usual posters who will want to speculate, but I am looking for facts and not speculation.

Are there any records of this even?

If there were you better call someone like Bruce.

If not, still talk to a doc and make sure you're OK.

 

[flyingron]

Everything between medicals is an issue of self certification, it's all on the honor system.

Except he's deluding himself that he doesn't have a disqualifying condition. This isn't like he broke his arm and got better.

Our resident doc here has already pointed that out.

 

[Mason]

Everything between medicals is an issue of self certification, it's all on the honor system.

Not Exactly...

 

[Lindberg]

Do not send anything to the FAA till after you see your AME and he defers your case ... then follow the FAA's instructions.

Sorry to agree with the Dr., but this is not necessarily good advice. A deferral takes light sport off the table, so do not just wait and see. Take the advice to go in for a consult with your local hard-case AME and see what he says after looking at your particulars. Based on what he tells you, then decide whether to deal with the FAA or stick to light sport.