What’s going on in OKC??

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Just Askin

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Hello,

Just wanted to reach out as I probably know the answer to my question, but figured I’d ask anyhow. We are now going on 60 days without any updates to the AME guide. It seems really unusual in the sense if there officially are no updates, they publish that there are no updates such as last July 2024.

Since it is supposed to be updated on the last Wednesday of each month, 2 months have gone by and not even the website is updated to even say there are no updates. Did everyone quit? Are we getting close to some big announcements that they want to keep secret for now? Not trying to start rumors just curious and figured I’d ask as I enjoy seeing what changes each month.

Thanks
 
In a word, DJT. They're not publishing a thing until review by "the new process". I'm not going to say any more. There have been some policy changes that we are appraised of by Zoom meetings....but nothign in writing and it will NOT BE for some time.

Yes. BUCKLE UP and Bend Over. The view from this Lt, from 1,000 yards is, "this looks like it's gonna hurt, boys". I already know of two medical officers who are unable to comply with the "return to phyiscal duty station" order. OMB has reassigned their space to someone else or de-rented the building.

One of the AAM 240 docs bailed end of Jan....saw it coming.
 
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There's an embargo from issuing any agency guidance. Also, I'm aware of some DC based Docs forked out.

So good luck y'all.
 
And....buckle up....RIFs are coming and the CR is running out in a few weeks. We can expect a gummint shut down and no services for a few weeks....or months. Service will be spotty....if any. ;)
 
That’s what I figured. Hopefully things can clear up in the next few months. I know quite a few people who were on the Mental Health ARC last year who are eager to see if anything gets implemented so that’s what I’m excited for. I guess before this all, it was just being held up with the FAA’s legal team last I heard as new guidance was written out just needed to be cleared by them.
 
I’m waiting until someone notices all the contractors….Boeing, Lockmart, Northrop and Raytheon, the big 4 all have huge presence in Colorado, not to mention Tx and Cal. When does someone start killing those contracts in the name of cost cutting?

Some interesting news about Verizon, FAA and Starlink in Wed news.
 
Just Askin said:
That’s what I figured. Hopefully things can clear up in the next few months. I know quite a few people who were on the Mental Health ARC last year who are eager to see if anything gets implemented so that’s what I’m excited for. I guess before this all, it was just being held up with the FAA’s legal team last I heard as new guidance was written out just needed to be cleared by them.
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Good luck. Several new to the FAA lawyers were fired, and AGC was short staffed to begin with.
 
A friend in a govt agency (not faa) in the dc area told me that everything was on hold pending new policy…consequently everyone in govt she dealt with also had everything on pause awaiting new guidance. No where to work? oh that’ll be solved after the next round of cuts. When? Response: who knows?

Domino effect in all directions

I wouldn’t expect anything policy related if it’s even half as bad as she thinks
 
bbchien said:
In a word, DJT. They're not publishing a thing until review by "the new process". I'm not going to say any more. There have been some policy changes that we are appraised of by Zoom meetings....but nothign in writing and it will NOT BE for some time.

Yes. BUCKLE UP and Bend Over. The view from this Lt, from 1,000 yards is, "this looks like it's gonna hurt, boys". I already know of two medical officers who are unable to comply with the "return to phyiscal duty station" order. OMB has reassigned their space to someone else or de-rented the building.

One of the AAM 240 docs bailed end of Jan....saw it coming.
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The FAA must acknowledge its own shortcomings rather than deflecting responsibility onto others. The issues plaguing the FAA are inherently its own.

Furthermore, the OKC medical program should be discontinued and staff let go. A more scientifically grounded and modern approach, such as the BasicMed program should be adopted. We could easily streamline the process by updating the checklist for medical different clsss medicals, software and a few office workers could simple ensure the appropriate medical professional is verified and that all necessary documentation is in order. It’s just that simple
 
I doubt that would ever happen. The risks are way too high for them to do that. Better yet what I’d wish they would do and I have written to numerous congressmen about this is move the medical review officers out of OKC and into the local FSDO’s. Maybe 5 or so per each. That way the local AME’s can work with them inside a FSDO coverage area and streamline the process. If it becomes super complex (suicidal ideation, bipolar misdiagnosis, etc) move it to Regional or then to OKC / DC if it’s something they need to handle. I feel under this model the SSRI protocol and really most things could be more streamlined and it even could give an applicant the chance to meet with an FAA doctor for an evaluation or just questions.
 
Roller, IMO the real deficiency is CONGRESS. Congress fails to even take the time to understand the problem. EVERYTHING the medical branch does is DIRECTLY driven by Congress. And when there is a medical accident, somebody's head rolls.

The way that this all started was in 2002 when about 2 dozen AB-Family Practice AMEs, knowing that some of their patients were just "Better" on an SSRI, started issuing them, ON SSRI. One by one, the Then FAS, Dr Jordan, relieved each one of their designations. Thus the FAA "Put down the rebellion". It's fundamentally MILITARY.

Until 2010, the presence of ANY SSRI was denial without reconsideration. When the petition (I was one of 4 co-authors) was implemented (it took 4 years of lobbying, 2006-2010) the then FAS and deputy Admin for safety's commentary was, "what you are proposing to allow crazy people at the controls of an airplane?" FAS Jordan retired.

I think the first step is to give 3rd class authority to the offices. FAA can maintiain Standards review, but the initial issuance authority, if compliant with the AME guide, should occur in the field (no eight month wait). It would certainly remove about 5,000 congressional inquiries on behalf of applicants (time consuiming for the agency). However if Mosaic ever gets published, it will do a lot to change the dynamics. Gadzooks we need Mosaic.

Sadly, the dynamics above of "Diego sees the doctor" will always be 100% true.
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=914817075725206
 
bbchien said:
Roller, IMO the real deficiency is CONGRESS. Congress fails to even take the time to understand the problem. EVERYTHING the medical branch does is DIRECTLY driven by Congress. And when there is a medical accident, somebody's head rolls.

The way that this all started was in 2002 when about 2 dozen AB-Family Practice AMEs, knowing that some of their patients were just "Better" on an SSRI, started issuing them, ON SSRI. One by one, the Then FAS, Dr Jordan, relieved each one of their designations. Thus the FAA "Put down the rebellion". It's fundamentally MILITARY.

Until 2010, the presence of ANY SSRI was denial without reconsideration. When the petition (I was one of 4 co-authors) was implemented (it took 4 years of lobbying, 2006-2010) the then FAS and deputy Admin for safety's commentary was, "what you are proposing to allow crazy people at the controls of an airplane?" FAS Jordan retired.

I think the first step is to give 3rd class authority to the offices. FAA can maintiain Standards review, but the initial issuance authority, if compliant with the AME guide, should occur in the field (no eight month wait). It would certainly remove about 5,000 congressional inquiries on behalf of applicants (time consuiming for the agency). However if Mosaic ever gets published, it will do a lot to change the dynamics. Gadzooks we need Mosaic.

Sadly, the dynamics above of "Diego sees the doctor" will always be 100% true.
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=914817075725206
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Who in Congress is best route for change? With the ARC report from this time last year, I’d have thought things would start moving.

Would best move just be executive order getting rid of one time class 3 issuance for BM be best solution?
 
Welp....just back from my AME. Passed another 2nd class....but he sez, why are you here? Unless you are doing commercial work please don't come back. He sez he is dealing with way too much chicken chit from OKC and it ain't worth it. So....now I need to find out where the basic med docs are in my area. I just had this conversation with a guy out at the airport yesterday....who does basic med. Gotta call him.
 
Checkout_my_Six said:
Welp....just back from my AME. Passed another 2nd class....but he sez, why are you here? Unless you are doing commercial work please don't come back. He sez he is dealing with way too much chicken chit from OKC and it ain't worth it. So....now I need to find out where the basic med docs are in my area. I just had this conversation with a guy out at the airport yesterday....who does basic med. Gotta call him.
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Your AME is absolutely right
If I didn't make a living flying, I'd be on Basic Med, even though I'm healthy. There's really no reason to risk dealing with OKC's shenanigans when Basic Med is an option.
 
Roller said:
Your AME is absolutely right
If I didn't make a living flying, I'd be on Basic Med, even though I'm healthy. There's really no reason to risk dealing with OKC's shenanigans when Basic Med is an option.
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yup....he cautioned me, I had a stress test last year....cause I wanted one. He sez it's things like that ....that could create a problem and need attention with OKC...Even though it was just a checkup and no issues were found. I don't need this crap. I'm trying to stay healthly and be proactive....and it could ruin things and create a mess. I'm not going underground for my health care....it's ridiculous.
 
Checkout_my_Six said:
Welp....just back from my AME. Passed another 2nd class....but he sez, why are you here? Unless you are doing commercial work please don't come back. He sez he is dealing with way too much chicken chit from OKC and it ain't worth it. So....now I need to find out where the basic med docs are in my area. I just had this conversation with a guy out at the airport yesterday....who does basic med. Gotta call him.
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A colleague, who is an AME, also does BM. I would start with the local AME’s. If that doesn’t prove fruitful, look for physicians providing pre employment physicals/DOT physicals.
 
Checkout_my_Six said:
Welp....just back from my AME. Passed another 2nd class....but he sez, why are you here? Unless you are doing commercial work please don't come back. He sez he is dealing with way too much chicken chit from OKC and it ain't worth it. So....now I need to find out where the basic med docs are in my area. I just had this conversation with a guy out at the airport yesterday....who does basic med. Gotta call him.
Click to expand...

The only one I could find remotely close was Beth Cunningham down in Annapolis. Also a pilot and AME so knows the ropes. Got the appointment in just a few days. Highly recommend. Guy Cappucino here in town used to, but his medical insurance company nixed it.

Nobody near DMW. If you find somebody in FDK, send up a flare. I'm good for 2 more years, but nice to have a backup. Welcome to the club!
 
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