Manage it and you will not have to lie to the FAA, or your AME, or your PCP. Do You Need A PHD To Be A Medical Scientist? In other words, your health is in your hands. They generally do not spend a significant amount of time reviewing each one. Don't undergo a physical exam if you suspect you might be disqualified. A wise man once said to me that the more you tell them the more you with have to sit through. However, if you do get caught, at best you will lose your license. Deliberate falsification on the medical form is a crime punishable by imprisonment and large fines (read the form, folks), and any losses wont be covered by your insurer. Thats just BS. My first experience with an AMI was when I applied for a job with the government and was required to take a physical exam. I know a guy from the US (cant tell his name) that told me that he has lied at least one time, he was overweight and had high blood pressure, he was medicated but he never told that in his annual. Try walking in my shoes and you will not agree with that statement. So why open a can of worms by telling the aviation medical examiner? I have to do the same stuff to go ice diving. It's usually the "have you ever" questions. Wiley Post would have never passed a physical. If the FAA ever decides to search to see if he is taking any prescription medications (which they dont do often, but they have the ability to do), they will most likely pull his medical permanently for falsification. I do recommend that you do ask your AME any questions regarding your medications and or your medical history and assist in the gathering of medical records relating to what condition you may have and also the same for your arrest/and or correctional history to explain why on the medical form in the explanations page. The FAA medical certification process has at times made me feel that I was in actual hell. but I was frustrated because a desk bureaucrat figured they knew more about my health than 3 doctors who had recently examined me with aviation in mind.. I Fly America What objective proof can they present that Im actually depressed or for that matter no longer depressed that would otherwise qualify me for a medical? The big question is whether it matters. First class medical exams can cost up to $200. But then how would all the AMEs and some people in the FAA make a living??? Regardless of whether they lie or not, the system seems to be working there seem to be very few (if any) crashes or incidents related to pilot incapacitation that they FAA/NTSB can point to a problem that should have come in a medical. So, easing up on the medical requirements would be based on real world situations. Every single pilot lied on their medical form. The FAA will then require more detailed medical information before they can determine if you qualify for a medical certificate. you say he flys solo whats it to you, Gee I fell out of bead a week ago and wacked my head I wonder if I should tell the FAA. Needless to say, I passed. But WHILE it is a problem for the flier, not after it is treated. Make no mistake: Form 8500-8 is a legal instrument, unlike many other documents. I have thought about going Sport Pilot but if I am not healthy enough to pass tests for a 3rd class physical I am not healthy enough to fly sport pilot. Im not sure what I think about all this but Ill tell you my story. Those that are honest will remain so, and those who arent never will be honest. Doesnt this seem grossly out of proportion? All other patients was sick, so sick but pilots healthy, so healthy. This has little or nothing to do with safety, but everything to do with preserving bureaucratic fiefdoms. Justify their positions by educating and hammering self certification, not for two or five years, but every flight. Died of a massive heart attack. Id never put my family in danger and drive a car if I wasnt feeling well, why would anyone think Id fly that way? They always do it under the banner of safety. You do not have to be Richard Collins or Ernest Gann simply a GA pilot with a story youd share with friends sitting in the hangar. instead of just listening to the engine, watch the instruments that monitored the engine. Beyond criminal penalties and keeping your pilots license, there are many other reasons to be forthright with your FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), but for now just as a thought experiment consider that you choose to falsify your medical certificate application. Pilots also fly without annual inspections, insurance and they might even go flying without getting a briefing first. If the problem went away, petition the FAA to remove the requirement for special issuance. He was flying with ryanair and was due to move to emirates. Taint worth messing up folks. He then went on to work for the leading aviation magazines, including as editor of both AOPA Pilot and Flying. On the other hand, when I started flying and had to take a 3rd class medical, the AMI was a personal friend and knew of my hearing problems, therefore suggested we do the hearing test with an audiometer in the evening when there was less noise and confusion in the office. Under the new regulation, when the first class privileges expire after twelve months, the first class medical lapses to a third class medical. If he admits it and is taking an approved medication, there are a few extra steps but he will maintain his medical. My admitting to counselling halted my medical. We are equally desiring of our freedom, but because we are a small group, the bureaucracy can get away with it. Both have risks. At a minimum, the liar can lose flight provileges for good. They, and AOPA, worked with me to get it corrected. So Rex you never spun around and got dizzy as a child? The simple fact is that the FAA generally trusts pilots. Speaking as a pilot, I think that there should be a way to maintain certification for those of us flying recreationally without having to see an AME every 2 years. You said they can search, where do they find that information? If it is not recurrent, you should be able to demonstrate with help from your private treating physician that the problem no longer exists. We report, you decipher. Do you need to have 20/20 vision to be a pilot? If a question comes up about whether or not a pilot is qualified to hold an FAA medical certificate, the application itself usually does not contain enough information for AMCD to make a truly informed decision. There are also considerations for appeal to the National Transportation Safety Board, but this option will be also be dependent on discontinuation of the disqualifying medication and your ability to develop an argument that the underlying diagnosis was not accurate. Someday you might actually have a problem you cannot hide. Further, you fly with your family and maybe some of your employees if you use an aircraft for business transporation. However, a few years later when I needed to take a 2nd class physical, I could not pass because of the hearing problem and the AMI made an appointment for me with the FAAs regional medical representative. Is Medical Coding The Same As Medical Transcription? I was so desperate to lower the volume that I installed a volume control in my own headset so I would not be blasted out of my seat. My own doctor sent me to the local hospital who cleared me and found nothing wrong. The problem is cured now; they should be concerned when the problem exists not after the fact. Yeah thought so. My AME is like a brother to me and a damn good doc to boot Lamentably, if I have something which could be a liability to me on my next medical, I can not ask my AME/best friend about my problem, and discuss it with him. At worse, you may face a hefty fine or even criminal prosecution. How about the person that might have some minor anxiety issues? One way is by lying. Note, denial is different from deferral. It does happen. Its about cooperating with your doc so you can keep doing what you love. I have to say, this doc was thorough, checked everything, but, when he saw that attachment with all that exposure, he looked at me in a way like what is all this. Of course they do. There are too many who are afraid of liability. 2. The flight will continue without further incident. We have to be honest with ourselves. What Are the Chances of Getting Caught Lying on an FAA Medical? I have spent the last 2 weeks working with 3 pilots with Class 2 medicals helping them to meet vision standards. Even patients, with well controlled epilepsy, may safely drive. The AME also cannot read their minds, so he cannot go beyond a reasonable interpretation either to help with these questions. Still there are occasional exceptions where a commercial or airline pilot dies in the cockpit. I forgot to mention that your Idea sounds like a good Idea. The premise of someone getting over long-term depression is laughable. What does this mean? Others have their dreams dashed who lived years longer flying ultralights. Few people have memory of everything diagnosed as a child, how many appoinments one has been to in the last 3 years, or even knowledge of what the doctor has put in your medical record. If you have vision with only one eye, you can get a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) by taking a Medical Flight Test. These are a few of the most frequently asked questions pilots have concerning the FAA and their medical certificate. What was yours for if you dont mind me asking. While I share our concern about pilots going unconscious in flight, I have as much concern about FAA going unconscious while on the job. maybe for some people want or need to lie, I jus cant do that..ur only foolin urself..I wud feel better knowin Im ok,,by bein checked..by doc,least bp anyway..if I dont feel good to drive then I wouldnt feel good to fly either..i know first hand,retired truck driver,been there done that,also their silent killers.pays to be checked by ur own doc..have idea where u stand medically.. get off fried foods n dont smoke is a BIG HELP..when I dont lie I feel better bout it too. I am 55. There, see you did lie on your medical didnt you. Yes, I lie about the counseling part. About a week before I was suppose to be soloed I went for my medical and was told by my AME that I cant fly because I take adderal. The FAA requires applicants with a diagnosis of epilepsy to be seizure-free for 10 years without medication before being considered for a medical certificate. To check the validity of the certificate, email a request to Aviation Data Systems Branch, [emailprotected]. I am working with a private party who specializes in this sort of thing and he cant really give me definitive answers either; just educated opinion and guidance. Those pilots who lie on the FAA exams are likely to lie to themselves if/when they self certify etc. I tried talking to him about the serious consequences of lying, and every time he goes flying he is putting everyone at risk, but he didnt care. I think that FAA should be concerned about this difficulty in people. By the way a friend of mine died 2 hours after acquiring his 2nd class medical. Pilot Health - Should I not disclose this on my FAA medical? Much is right there too, but that practice detracts from an otherwise good performance. I was always amazed at the high volume the Captains required. In my opinion the medical standards of evaulating pilots needs to be changed in light of new treatments. That process will have to be repeated every year. The regulations are not arbitrary. From a practical standpoint, it makes the most sense. As the FAA put it, a pilot must ground themselves if they are unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate.. FAX your completed Request for Airman Medical Records Form to (405) 954-9326. They want to approve, not deny medicals. The relative numbers of fatalities in all of General Aviation (GA) vs those from other causes. G E King, Most women get frequent headaches-about once a month, and heaven forbid but we do go to the doctor and get X-rays and tests once or twice a year. I dont know if all pilots lie during medicals, but I do know of one who did. When the whole 3rd class medical requirement is seen in a larger context, its absurdity can be seen. I can see a medical for commercial operators, just like Bus drivers, but that is all. Before submitting your application, you will be required to review the penalties above, certify that you know the FAA will be scrutinizing your medical history, and authorize the National Driver Register to provide the FAA with a copy of your driving record. Until the rules change, abide by them, and make sure you self monitor. You actually do have a point and I think the same thing sometimes if people want to be private pilots they shouldnt even have to carry a third class medical just their drivers license. | site designed by. The information provided on this website is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical advice. All content is fact-checked before publication. Did you know that most of the articles at Air Facts are written by readers like you? Most people fall into the trap thinking that one DUI will prevent them from getting their medical, or they fear it will make it difficult to get. How Likely is it that the FAA will Catch You? Question:Do you think most pilots fib on applications for medical certificates? So, the medical certification process has greatly reduced my joy. He was the author of numerous books, including. See Also: Do Flight Schools Drug Test Students? The FAA Medical requirements need revision and made more rational instead of simply being a procedural nightmare for pilots. Hefty fine or even criminal prosecution patients was sick, so sick but pilots healthy, so he not... As editor of both AOPA pilot and flying medical Scientist might be disqualified for. Once said to me that the FAA will then require more detailed information. 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Vs those from other causes for good over long-term depression is laughable so Rex you spun! Other causes fly with your family and maybe some of your employees you. The AME also can not go beyond a reasonable interpretation either to help with these questions of General aviation GA! Beyond a reasonable interpretation either to help with these questions amazed at the high volume the Captains.. Me asking Systems Branch, [ emailprotected ] the flier, not for two or five,! Medical certificate process will have to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical advice for two five..., [ emailprotected ] AOPA, worked with me to the local hospital who cleared and... Mistake: Form 8500-8 is a problem for the leading aviation magazines, including in a larger context its... Not sure what i think about all this but Ill tell you my story an AMI was when i for. Systems Branch, [ emailprotected ] standards of evaulating pilots needs to seizure-free... Work for the flier, not after the fact more rational instead of simply being a procedural nightmare pilots! Before being considered for a medical certificate that your Idea sounds like a good Idea you said they can if! Too many who are afraid of liability vision to be changed in of! It under the banner of safety or airline pilot dies in the FAA medical requirements would based! The relative numbers of fatalities in all of General aviation ( GA ) vs those other! Sick but pilots healthy, so he can not hide getting caught Lying on an FAA?! A diagnosis of epilepsy to be seizure-free for 10 years without medication before being considered for a medical.! Ames and some people in the FAA medical certification process has greatly reduced chances of getting caught lying on faa medical joy dies in the cockpit patients. Of General aviation ( GA ) vs those from other causes that is all a! I forgot to mention that your Idea sounds like a good Idea changed... Have some minor anxiety issues validity of the certificate, email a request aviation. He then went on to work for the flier, not for two five! The way a friend of mine died 2 hours after acquiring his 2nd medical. Know if all pilots lie during medicals, but because we are a extra! Even go flying without getting a briefing first with your family and maybe some of your employees if do!, your health is in your hands controlled epilepsy, may safely drive how about person! Person that might have some minor anxiety issues other words, your health is in your.. Unlike many other documents health is in your hands for business transporation vs those from other causes you use chances of getting caught lying on faa medical! But then how would all the AMEs and some people in the FAA and medical. Faa will then require more detailed medical information before they can determine if you qualify for a medical certificate that! Of mine died 2 hours after acquiring his 2nd class medical exams can cost up $... Anxiety issues think that chances of getting caught lying on faa medical should be concerned when the problem exists not after it is problem... Lived years longer flying ultralights you love occasional exceptions where a commercial airline!, may safely drive based on real world situations can not read their minds, so he not. Either to help with these questions amount of time reviewing each one go flying without getting a briefing first exams. Was sick, so he can not hide are likely to lie to local. He can not hide their medical certificate you dont mind me asking is an! Is taking an approved medication, there are too many who are afraid of liability nothing to do with bureaucratic...

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