Sleep Apnea Question

[michael Killacky]

In August of last year, I applied for my first-ever third class medical. The AME, upon learning that I had Sleep Apnea and a C-pap machine, Required me to get a MWT. I was very fortunate to have the sleep study, MWT, and results into the AME within 10 days. (Apparently The AME has to send the medical in within 14 days after you first apply). I was issued a 3rd class medical a day after giving him the results of the MWT(passed). The medical has no restrictions listed or any type of an SI. What can I expect on my medical in 8/06? Will I need another MWT? If I need these things, should I set them up well in advance? As a side question, generally, how often will my health insurance pay for sleep studies, etc., if they are ordered by an AME as opposed to my regular doctor?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[bbchien]

In August of last year, I applied for my first-ever third class medical. The AME, upon learning that I had Sleep Apnea and a C-pap machine, Required me to get a MWT. I was very fortunate to have the sleep study, MWT, and results into the AME within 10 days. (Apparently The AME has to send the medical in within 14 days after you first apply). I was issued a 3rd class medical a day after giving him the results of the MWT(passed). The medical has no restrictions listed or any type of an SI. What can I expect on my medical in 8/06? Will I need another MWT? If I need these things, should I set them up well in advance? As a side question, generally, how often will my health insurance pay for sleep studies, etc., if they are ordered by an AME as opposed to my regular doctor?

Thanks,
Mike

GOOD on your AME.
You'll need a letter from the Rx ing doc saying that you are compliant with CPAP, have no side effects, have no tendancy to fall asleep greater than normal, and have not developed pulmonary hypertension. Many pulmonary/neuro specialists read the log tape from your cpap machine to write this letter.

You should bug FAA to get you the SI letter which details this in an "authority and requirements to reissue" letter which should arrive by day #120. If not, starg bugging them REGULARLY to get it.

PS That the AME was able to issue means he has basic competency in dealing with FAA. He made the call and got the authority to office issue. only one in about fifteen AMEs knows how to do this, IMO. I think you should post his name and location so that others can get to him.

Senior AME