Medical exam question.

[Louiedog]

Hi everyone,I'm new to flying still in training. My question is I was diagnosed with PTSD due to combat situations,I have been given a clean bill of health for the PTSD and have documents from the VA and and a state certified phycologists proving that I'm good to go.Will this be good enough for my AME and the FAA to issue me a class III certificate so I can solo?

 

[bflynn]

Nobody here knows.

Locate the AME and pay them for a consult to figure it out. If you get get a no from them, contact a specialist, such as Dr Bruce Chien at http://www.aeromedicaldoc.com/. Be open and honest with him and I promise you if it's possible to get you in the air, he will.

 

[EminiTrader]

I'm agree with Brian - except I'd call Bruce first. Good luck

 

[AggieMike88]

I agree with Brian about a non-exam consult with an SENIOR AME familiar with PTSD.

Emphasis on "non-exam" so that nothing goes official and live, jeopardizing your ability to get a medical. This needs to be an education session where the AME learns about you and your situation, and advises you on what is required for him to issue your certificate.

Emphasis on Senior AME who is familiar with PTSD because the AME system has way too many "Dr. Dee Furral" 's who would gladly take your money, do the exam, and then hang you out to dry and hope you met the standard set by FAA Medical. And if you don't, oh well. The Senior AME's are the ones are willing to make the extra effort and get this done the first round, and then if extra stuff is needed, be your advocate and provide the help needed.

This should help you in selecting a GOOD Senior AME

Definition of a Good AME:

1. Is a pilot himself
2. Isn't an AME just because it sounds cool to have the additional accreditation on his shingle.
3. Is a Senior AME (with a closet full of BTDT T-shirts) who will be a true advocate for his airmen.
4. Has the OKC Offices on speed dial
5. Knows the all of the Senior examiners (the 5 or 6 big swinging Docs) by first name.
6. Prefers to take charge and issue the more challenging certificates "in office" rather than defer and let someone else "deal with it".
7. Is not afraid to use said speed dial to reach out to said senior examiner and obtain permission to complete the said "in office" issuance.

#7 can no longer be done for a third class medical. But the fact that the AME was willing and did do it for thirds when it was permitted goes a long way to telling you you have the right doc in your corner.

 

[Louiedog]

Cool deal,thanks for the advise.If I do get a flat out no still not going to keep me on the ground I'll just keep flying with an instructor,it would just stink having to be babysat for good!!

 

[AggieMike88]

Cool deal,thanks for the advise.If I do get a flat out no still not going to keep me on the ground I'll just keep flying with an instructor,it would just stink having to be babysat for good!!

The benefit of the consult is that if it is a "flat out no", then you have not lost your privileges of operating as a sport pilot (FAQs about Sport Pilot) because the visit was "unofficial" and the FAA doesn't have a record of the visit.

If you had gone to an AME totally unprepared and got an out and out denial, then you're totally denied of ever operating Pilot in Command on all aircraft including Light Sport.

But I do hope you are successful in getting a normal third class. Keep us informed as you progress.

 

[Louiedog]

Thanks Mike, I have checked on the sport pilot approach because I'm not interested in a career or long cross-country flights. And have rechered the regulations,I might have misinterpreted how its written but the regulation says for my situation not having any previous certificates I would have to get a medical in order to obtain a student certificate so is the medical exam different for a student I was under the impression that you had to have a class three medical to even hold a student certificate?

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

I would have to get a medical in order to obtain a student certificate so is the medical exam different for a student I was under the impression that you had to have a class three medical to even hold a student certificate?

Nope.

You can get your student certificate which allows you to solo an LSA aircraft (and get your Sport Pilot Certificate) without getting a medical of any kind.

"61.85 an application for a student pilot certificate is made on a form and in a manner provided by the Administrator and is submitted to:
(a)...;
(b) An examiner; or
(c) A Flight Standards District Office."

 

[AggieMike88]

Nope.

You can get your student certificate which allows you to solo an LSA aircraft (and get your Sport Pilot Certificate) without getting a medical of any kind.

I want to point out what I emphasized in bold. Geoffrey is correct in what he said. But there are not many schools in the land that do sport pilot (including solo flight) with an LSA. Often it's done in C150/152/172 trainer.

If the school you use for Sport Pilot does this, then a standard 3rd class is required to do your solo flight in that aircraft.

But if you're fortunate enough to find a school close to you that teaches in LSA's, then as long as your docs say your not a danger to yourself medically, you are good to go (under sport pilot rules).


However, do continue to investigate the possibility of obtaining your third class. This opens up many more doors and flying privileges. Because once you have the addiction, you definitely will want to go on long cross countries, fly at night, earn your instrument rating, and more.

 

[SPAJC]

Hi everyone,I'm new to flying still in training. My question is I was diagnosed with PTSD due to combat situations,I have been given a clean bill of health for the PTSD and have documents from the VA and and a state certified phycologists proving that I'm good to go.Will this be good enough for my AME and the FAA to issue me a class III certificate so I can solo?

Just sent you a PM. Good luck!


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