Aggiemike88, OMG this is insane and a living nightmare. I read your comment last night and couldn't believe what I read. If I was younger I would probably go for the medical despite all these hoops and loops from the FAA. I'll be 49 this year and this would be too much for me to pursue at this age and time. I did set aside money for the training and living expenses but wasn't aware of all this that you stated. The AME's assistant did say that I would get my medical "eventually" but with hoops and loops as you mentioned. He did mention CADC but not all that you stated. I guess his office will make money off me and wouldn't disclose too much information in order to not freak me out. At the moment I am thinking of not continuing this medical certificate. Now, how should I approach this with the AME? Do I simply visit him again and let him know that I will not be pursuing this? Thank you for your comments.
No disclosing what the specific "hoops and loops" and associated difficulties and costs is likely
a lack of knowledge of what these are, how the process works, and the time/cost involved. I cannot blame this assistant for trying to maintain a positive attitude, but the lack of information did set a false expectation.
The AME should also have been more able and willing to counsel you on what you are to expect. Unfortunately, there are
too few AME's like Dr. Bruce Chien who review the case BEFORE submitting to the FAA. And if there is an issue such as yours, provide the appropriate counsel. If nothing goes to the FAA, then zero jeopardy of future privileges will be attached.
But in your case, the record is live because the AME sent in your packet with a bare minimum of counselling.
If you choose not to continue the certification process at all, no direct action between you and the AME (Dr. Fox?) is likely required, as he is unlikely to take any additional action. The FAA will have sent you their letter informing you of their determination of their application, and that is all that they will do. If nothing is submitted back to the FAA, then they will consider the matter done and done.
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If you decide that pursuing the medical certificate is something that you wish to do, then direct action between you and this individual AME (Dr. Fox?) is not required, with the exception of saying a polite thank you, then commence to "vote with your feet" to seek out an AME who
is extremely capable of handling your case.
Such an AME is Dr. Bruce Chien. While you have made
informal contact with him via this forum, for Dr. Bruce to become your AME of record for this, you must make
formal contact with him and
hire him (aka, be ready to pay his fee). Such contact is initiated via this web page,
http://www.aeromedicaldoc.com/how-to-start.html.
Once you have hired him, he will discuss with you what it takes to cross the finish line. He has done several cases similar to yours so he truly does know the route and steps. Proceed with positive "I need to learn from the master" attitude and not a "that is BS because this page I found on google says..." attitude. If you are humble and willing to learn from Dr. Bruce, you will succeed.
Dr. Bruce will be honest with you on your chances of succeeding. And if you proceed, keep in mind that your chance of succeeding is very much based on
you being honest with him.
Once all of the blanks on Dr. Bruce's to do list are completed,
only then will a final review take place. And only if Dr. Bruce has a high confidence of the FAA accepting the application, will the application be sent in.
A successful end is possible. But only if you are ready and willing to put in the hard work to get there.
