Hypo: APD (Auditory Processing Disorder) and medical

[flyguy222]

My friend loves planes. However, they have have shared with me that they APD and thus had extra time accommodation for testings in school to account for a bit slower processing speed. Now, they are employed and are just looking to avation as a hobby.

I would assume this is neurological issue that would need documentation and an explanation on the med form? What that being said, is the best course of action for them to consult a HIMS AME / HIMS neuropsychologist? Could something like this this be grounds for an immediate deferral or rejection or Is it not even considered a a neurological or metnal disorder for purposes of the medical? Any ideas and how to help my best friend proceed would be greatly apreticated. Thanks

 

[bbchien]

He would have to have a >15th percentile outome on the FULL HIMS neurocognitive profile, for sure. And, all the prep for the Neurocognitive evaluator, e.g
school records,
Testimony as to successful life funtion.
All his medical records
All his counselor records
All his section 504 docucments
10 year pharmcy Rx report.

B

 

[DJTorrente]

Assume nothing. I would tell him not to disqualify himself -- there are more than enough people at the FAA that want to do that for him. What's he trying to do, put them out of work? [TIC]

First - Gliders -- even motorgliders -- do not require ANY medical. Sport pilot (e.g., Cub clones, import LSAs like CT Flight Design, legacy LSA aircraft like an Ercoupe) only require a valid driver's license. If those aircraft are enough to scratch his itch, he can avoid any entanglement with OKC. If he must have a class 3 medical, and can overcome any obstacles that are or are placed in his path, once he is issued a valid medical, whether through ordinary procedures or through Special Issuance, then he can immediately go BasicMed and avoid having to ever do it again.

I would have him read the Medexpress questions and the User's Guide. Answer what is asked. He has no obligation to volunteer anything not asked for.

"18. Have you ever in your life been diagnosed with, had, or do you presently have any of the following?

(l) Neurological Disorders: epilepsy, seizures, stroke, paralysis, etc."

The FAA MedExpress Users Guide (Ver 5.3, Dec 2024) elaborates on 18(l): "Also, muscle weakness, disturbance of sensation, disturbance of consciousness, loss of coordination, head injury, concussion."

Does any of those conditions mentioned fairly cover what this pilot is experiencing?

One person with apparent post-stroke APD was even elected to the US Senate.

 

[Kenny Phillips]

Sport pilot would be the quickest and easiest way forward, as it requires a valid driver's license (plus some other restrictions, of course), or suffer the hurdles that Dr. Chien posted.

 

[flyguy222]

He would have to have a >15th percentile outome on the FULL HIMS neurocognitive profile, for sure. And, all the prep for the Neurocognitive evaluator, e.g
school records,
Testimony as to successful life funtion.
All his medical records
All his counselor records
All his section 504 docucments
10 year pharmcy Rx report.

B

I appreciate the insightful response.


So, a successful med is theoretically possible in a scenario like this. It's my understanding that the path would involve a special issuance via a neuropsychological evaluation by a qualified Dr from the list.

Now, as an estimate of steps needed if one were to proceed:

1. gather all records pertinent to diagnosis from first visit to most current. Also, gather transcripts from college and 504 plan if there was one.​

2. Schedule a consolation with an AME? Should the initial consultation visit be with a regular AME, a HIMS AME or neuropsychological AME?​

3. Schedule and complete an interview and evaluation with a neuropsyhological AME. (review documents and proform Cogs test) then a report will be sent to a HIMS AME with an opinion. To be used, the evaluation must be no greater than 90 days old.​

4. If positive results, have medical exmination and submit for approval. If negative, it will be deferred and additional documents and or evals like battery could be required.​

Is this generally a correct understanding of the steps involved in this process or do have any additional points to add? Finally, are cases like this often flat out rejected?

​

 

[TCABM]

…
So, a successful med is theoretically possible in a scenario like this. …

Word to the wise; the art of the possible is in the eyes of the FAA, not the applicant. If your friend applies and is denied, there is no option to go down the sport pilot path.

Sport pilot provides 90% of the Private pilot privileges with zero percent risk of medical denial. Your friend must have a valid driver’s license.

 

[flyguy222]

Word to the wise; the art of the possible is in the eyes of the FAA, not the applicant. If your friend applies and is denied, there is no option to go down the sport pilot path.

Sport pilot provides 90% of the Private pilot privileges with zero percent risk of medical denial. Your friend must have a valid driver’s license.

Thank you for the alternative option.

Assume nothing. I would tell him not to disqualify himself -- there are more than enough people at the FAA that want to do that for him. What's he trying to do, put them out of work? [TIC]

First - Gliders -- even motorgliders -- do not require ANY medical. Sport pilot (e.g., Cub clones, import LSAs like CT Flight Design, legacy LSA aircraft like an Ercoupe) only require a valid driver's license. If those aircraft are enough to scratch his itch, he can avoid any entanglement with OKC. If he must have a class 3 medical, and can overcome any obstacles that are or are placed in his path, once he is issued a valid medical, whether through ordinary procedures or through Special Issuance, then he can immediately go BasicMed and avoid having to ever do it again.

I would have him read the Medexpress questions and the User's Guide. Answer what is asked. He has no obligation to volunteer anything not asked for.

"18. Have you ever in your life been diagnosed with, had, or do you presently have any of the following?

(l) Neurological Disorders: epilepsy, seizures, stroke, paralysis, etc."

The FAA MedExpress Users Guide (Ver 5.3, Dec 2024) elaborates on 18(l): "Also, muscle weakness, disturbance of sensation, disturbance of consciousness, loss of coordination, head injury, concussion."

Does any of those conditions mentioned fairly cover what this pilot is experiencing?

One person with apparent post-stroke APD was even elected to the US Senate.

Thank you.