New AME exam while waiting for first Deferral

Hey all,

I'm currently waiting out the Deferral process for a 1st class medial due to a TIA (Transit Ischemic Attack, aka a Mini Stroke) I had just over 9 years ago. I've gotten all the exams and imaging that has been requested and have sent them in. My question is this. It's been 5 months now from my original AME (Nov 2022) visit and at my age (44) I know I have to get an AME exam every six (6) months, but as I am waiting on the decision from the FAA do I still go in for that visit next month (May 2023) or am I supposed to wait for the FAA's decision then it's six months from then? Thanks in advance.

 

Just a question: do you intend to fly for a living when you get your medical?

 

Yes, my hope is to change careers to the airlines.

 

You don’t lose your 1st class medical at 6 months; it just reverts to a 2nd class. Why not wait?

 

Yep. Can't use it anyway.

 

Thank you everyone for the replies. As this is my first time trying for a medical, let alone a 1st class, I just didn't know. So my understanding is that if I don't do another AME exam next month (may 2023) when the FAA does issue my medical, I don't expect they won't just might need to supply more info before they do, and it is after then it will be issued as a 2nd class and not a first. Then when I get accepted into a program, the one I am looking at does require a 1st class before starting, I simply would go visit the AME for the 1st class medical. Again, please correct me if I am wrong as this is my first time doing the process.

 

I think that’s how it would work but I’m not certain. Ask your AME.

 

Technically no. You are not the only person who misunderstand this part. A first class medical doesn't morph into a second class medical after 6 months. You don't wake up one day and find that the words "First Class" changed into "Second Class" overnight. It's still a First Class certificate but is only usable for 2nd class flight privileges for a year, and longer for 3rd class privates after that.

If CAMI accepts your submission as satisfying the requirements for a First Class medical certificate, you will be issued a First Class medical certificate, although the 1st Class privileges may have timed out. It think issuing a second class Issuing a 2nd Class would be very bad - it would be effectively saying, "this pilot has shown us eligibility for a 2nd class medical. They have not demonstrated eligibility for a 1st Class." Back to square 1 on the 1st Class.

 

Okay, so it's still a 1st class that is issued BUT only useable for 2nd class privileges and I will need to see the AME again to renew 1st class privileges again.

 

Check with your school on that. The FAA doesn't require first class privileges for any certificate or rating. It's a school requirement, not the FAA's. The career-oriented schools I have come across insist on you getting a First Class certificate for only one reason – to show that you qualify for one and are not wasting their time or yours. Once you have show that, they typically do not expect you to unnecessarily pay an AME every six months to renew it. Yours might be different but the only way you know is to ask.

 

If you are successful, the letter will say, ".....you will need a new flight physical....." in the approval letter.

Now if it goes a Year, you'll have to re do a deferred exam....

 

No need to do any more exams until the faa fully adjudicates your case.

 

A new exam cannot be processed fully while a case is still in the adjudication phase. So there is no point in doing another exam at this time.

 

Thank you everyone! Just got to sit tight until a final decision is made.