AOPA is in the process of recommending certain changes in what are
called "special issuances". When an airman contracts certain specified
diseases such as angina, diabetes, heart surgery, etc., the AME must
either decline the medical or defer to Oklahoma City for evaluation and
possible special issuance. Once the FAA is satisfied, after reviewing
all medical documentation, an airman may be issued a special issuance
medical, good for one year. It is estimated that nearly all of us will
eventually be confronted with special issuances, as we age.
One of the problems is that a pilot stricken with a medical condition
requiring special issuance, and once issued a special issuance may have
to immediately start the process all over again. It may take four
months for the initial issuance process to come to fruition. A few more
months pass, and it is time to start the process all over again. You
see, the issuance is based on the date of application, not the date of
issuance.
The AOPA is proposing that AME's be given the power to review medical
records provided to them by the pilot, and determine whether re-issuance
is safe. For example, a pilot who has had angioplasty, and has received
a special issuance from the FAA, and who provides his AME with medical
documentation from his cardiologist, would then be eligible for
re-issuance by the AME at the time of his examination, instead of again
having to wait additional months. "When you add it all up, it's not
uncommon for a pilot to spend six months out of every 12 engaged in the
FAA renewal process, and grounded up to three months a year awaiting
action from Oklahoma City",said AOPA president Phil Boyer at a recent
CAMA meeting. Some pilots have to spend $1000-$3000 per year to obtain
special issuance medicals.
The AOPA has proposed:
- Automatic Renewals- assuming the pilot has provided documentation to
the AME that there has been no change in his pathology.
- Certificate Duration- The medical would start at the actual date of
issuance, not the date of application.
- AME Priviledges- The AME should be granted more authority to renew
special issuance authorizations or to certify pilots who provide
complete medical reports showing no adverse changes in their medical
condition.
- Limited Medical Certification- FAA would expand the use of the "valid
only when accompanied by another qualified pilot" medical certification
to allow Part 91 pilots to fly with another pilot aboard. This option is
currently available to Commercial Pilots flying for hire.
"AME's, not the FAA, should be responsible for medical certification
casework", said Boyer. "The FAA's function should be standard
setting,oversight and training of AME's, advice and counsel when asked,
and eforcement action when required."
About the author...
Dr. Stephen W. Roberts, M.D., in addition to being a mult-engine, instrument
rated private pilot, is also a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner for the
Federal Aviation Administration. Dr. Roberts specializes in Aviation
Medicine, and is considered by many to be an expert in his field, with
over twelve years experience! He is also a member of the Civil Aviation
Medical Association and the AOPA. He is truly an advocate of aviation
medicine as well as general aviation. Dr. Roberts has also authored
numerous articles in Air Progress magazine, and frequently lectures for
the Department of Aviation at Mount San Antonio College.
