Flight FAQ

What is MedXPress ?

• The FAA MedXPress system allows anyone requiring an FAA Medical Certificate or Student Pilot Medical Certificate to electronically complete the FAA Form 8500-8. Information entered into MedXPress will be transmitted to the FAA and will be available for your AME to review at the time of your medical examination.

  NOTE: A medical examination by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) is required to complete the certification process. The FAA MedXPress system is not available for submission of FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist exams at this time.

  Visit  https://medxpress.faa.gov/ to create an account or login.
  Complete the form on-line and bring a printed copy with the confirmation number to your flight physical.

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How do I get a copy of my medical certificate ?

• You must contact the FAA for lost, stolen or a duplicate medical certificate at (405) 954-4821 or online at http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/request_copy/

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What class of medical certificate must I hold and how long is it valid ?

• A first-class airman medical certificate is required to exercise the privileges of an airline transport pilot certificate.

A first class medical certificate is valid for the remainder of the month of issue; plus

• 6 calendar months for operations requiring a first class medical certificate if the airman is age 40 or over on or before the date of the examination, or
• 12-calendar months for operations requiring a first-class medical certificate if the airman has not reached age 40 on or before the date of examination, or
• 12 calendar months for operations requiring a second class medical certificate, or
• 24 calendar months for operations requiring a third class medical certificate if the airman is age 40 or over on or before the date of the examination, or
• 60 calendar months for operations requiring a third class medical certificate if the airman has not reached age 40 on or before the date of examination.
  
• A second-class airman medical certificate is required for commercial, non-airline duties (e.g., for crop dusters, corporate pilots) and is valid for 1 year plus the remainder of the days in the month of examination. Those exercising the privileges of a flight engineer certificate, a flight navigator certificate, or acting as air traffic control tower operator must hold a second-class airman medical certificate.

A second class medical certificate is valid for the remainder of the month of issue; plus

• 12 calendar months for operations requiring a second class medical certificate, or
• 24 calendar months for operations requiring a third class medical certificate, if the airman is age 40 or over on or before the date of the examination, or
• 60 calendar months for operations requiring a third class medical certificate if the airman has not reached age 40 on or before the date of examination.
  
• A third-class airman medical certificate is required to exercise the privileges of a private pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, a flight instructor certificate, or a student pilot certificate.

A third-class medical certificate is valid for the remainder of the month of issue; plus

• 24 calendar months for operations requiring a third class medical certificate, if the airman is age 40 or over on or before the date of the examination, or
• 60 calendar months for operations requiring a third class medical certificate if the airman has not reached age 40 on or before the date of examination.

 

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What is required after a DUI/DWI ?

• Reporting Requirements

  Under 14 CFR 61.15, all pilots must send a Notification Letter (MS Word) to FAA’s Security and Investigations Division within 60 calendar days of the effective date of an alcohol-related conviction or administrative action. In 14 CFR 61.15(c), alcohol-related convictions or administrative actions refer to motor vehicle actions (MVA).

  Notification Letters

  Note: Each event, conviction, or administrative action, requires a separate Notification Letter. For example, an airman’s driver license may be suspended at the time of arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol for either:

  • Failing a blood/breath test
  • Refusing to test

  The airman must send a Notification Letter for the suspension, then send a second Notification Letter if the alcohol related offense results in a conviction. Even though the airman sent two notification letters, FAA views the suspension and conviction as one alcohol-related incident.

  Send Notification Letters to:

  Federal Aviation Administration
  Security and Investigations Division (AMC-700)
  P.O. Box 25810
  Oklahoma City, OK 73125
  or
  Fax to: (405) 954-4989

  To speed processing, the letter must contain the following information:

  • Name, Address, Date of Birth, Certificate Number, Telephone Number
  • Type of Violation (conviction and/or administrative action)
  • Date(s) of Action(s)
  • State Holding the Record
  • Driver License Number or State ID Number (if not licensed)
  • Statement whether this relates to a Previously Reported MVA

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Where do I send my DUI/DWI Notification Letter ?

Notification Letter

• Send the letter to:
  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  Security and Investigations Division (AMC-700)
  P.O. Box 25810
  Oklahoma City, OK 73125
  or
  Fax to (405) 954-4989

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Do I have to report anything other than alcohol-related convictions ?

• Yes, under 14 CFR Part 61, you must report alcohol-related administrative actions, whether a conviction took place or not. Administrative actions and convictions are also reportable under Part 67, the airman application for a medical certificate.

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If the charge of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is reduced to Reckless, Careless, or Negligent driving by the court, do I have to report it ?

• No, we do not consider a conviction for Reckless, Careless, or Negligent Driving a reportable motor vehicle action (MVA). However, you must report the first suspension, if any.

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How long do I have to report my alcohol-related motor vehicle action (MVA)?

• You have 60 days from the effective date of the administrative action (driver license suspension, revocation, or cancellation) or conviction. (The 60-day period does not begin with the arrest date.)

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What happens when I report an alcohol-related MVA within the 60 days ?

• When you report an alcohol-related MVA we:

  • Compile a case file
  • Verify your airman status
  • Get your driver history from the state that holds the record
  • Compare information from the Notification Letter to the information on your driver history

  Your file will be closed if:

  • You are not in violation of 61.15(d) (two MVAs within three years)
  • You disclosed the action on your Application for Airman Medical (if applicable)
  • You comply with 14 CFR 61.15(e) (Notification Letter)

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I received an alcohol-related MVA, but failed to report it within the 60 days.  What should I do ?

• Report the MVA as soon as you become aware of the reporting requirement. A written report received after 60 days, but before we discover the MVA, is normally considered a mitigating factor when determining sanction.

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What happens if I fail to report an alcohol-related MVA and FAA finds out about it ?

• FAA begins a formal investigation. We will send you a Letter of Investigation giving you the opportunity to respond, in writing, to the alleged violation(s).

 

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Will FAA discover that I have an alcohol-related MVA if I don't report it ?

• Yes, FAA Form 8500-8 "Application for Airmen Medical" contains an express consent provision which authorizes the National Driver Register (NDR) to release information about your driving record to FAA. Information on the NDR record will contain pointers to states that keep a driving history on you. FAA will get these records to determine if you have a reportable alcohol-related MVA.

 

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Who has access to the records kept by the DUI/DWI Compliance Program ?

• Only investigators assigned to the DUI/DWI program have access to the information files.

  For additional information you may contact a DUI/DWI investigator Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT at (405) 954-4848. Please Note: You must send a written notification of your alcohol-related motor vehicle action. You may not give this information by telephone.

 

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What is HIMS

• HIMS is specific to commercial pilots and coordinates the identification, treatment and
  return to the cockpit of impaired aviators due to alcohol and drug abuse. It is an industry-wide effort in which companies, pilot unions, and FAA work together to preserve careers and further air safety. As a FAA authorized HIMS designee, Dr. Bryman medically sponsors pilots seeking FAA-recertification to return to flight status. Dr. Bryman conducts HIMS consultations and evaluations at the Ahwatukee location only by appointment only.

  Additional information regarding HIMS can be found at http://www.himsprogram.com/

 

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What about high blood pressure (hypertension) ?*

• Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is a condition where the pressure of the blood flowing through the arteries of the body is higher than it should be. Much like the pressure of the air in a tire, if the pressure of the blood is too high it can damage the arteries and organs of the body. Just like the tire, if the pressure suddenly becomes very high, catastrophic events can happen. Similarly, if the pressure remains somewhat elevated for a long enough period of time, premature wear and failure can occur.
  
  Hypertension has its worst effects on the heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, hemorrhages of the retina of the eye, and generalized atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries all over the body).
  
  It is easy to understand, then, why we are concerned about pilots who have high blood pressure. We don’t like to see aviators flying when they are at increased risk for these conditions. Fortunately, hypertension is easy to treat. For many people, simply achieving an appropriate weight, exercising regularly, and watching dietary salt will control their mild hypertension. Other individuals may be required to take medications to reduce their blood pressure. Either way, hypertension and its treatment should have little effect on one’s ability to be medically certified to fly.

  For further information on FAA Hypertension protocol visit: http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/specialissuance/hypertension/

  *Please bring the following letter(s) to your next flight exam appointment:

  Initial report to the FAA

  1. Please provide a current status letter from the treating physician to include: an assessment of risk factors for coronary heart disease, a clinical examination that includes 3 recent BP readings, a summary of BP medications used with dosages, a statement regarding any side effects, or end organ damage (such as renal, ophthalmological, or cerebrovascular).
  2. An EKG- within the preceding 3 months
  3. Lab report with blood sugar, lipid profile, potassium and creatinine levels.

         ( Recent)

      If hypertension was previously reported to the FAA

  1. Please provide a current status letter from the treating physician to include 3 BP readings, any side effects from medication, list of medication with dosages, any evidence of end organ damage.
  2. potassium level with BUN/Creat only if on a diuretic medication

 

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What medical conditions are considered disqualifying ?

• The following conditions are listed in the regulations as disqualifying medical conditions; however, in many cases when the condition is adequately controlled, the FAA will issue medical certification contingent on periodic reports.

  • Angina pectoris
  • Bipolar disease
  • Cardiac valve replacement
  • Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant
  • Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications
  • Disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory explanation of cause
  • Epilepsy
  • Heart replacement
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Permanent cardiac pacemaker
  • Personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts
  • Psychosis
  • Substance abuse
  • Substance dependence
  • Transient loss of control of nervous system function(s) without satisfactory explanation of cause.
  Other conditions not specifically listed in the regulations are also disqualifying.  For further information: http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/faq/This is the answer to the question.

 

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What is AASI ?

• AME Assisted Special  Issuance.  AASI is a type of renewal waiver that Dr. Bryman can grant after an initial waiver from the FAA. The following forms provide specific protocols on Special Issuances.

  (link to forms)

 

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What is the FAA policy on Antidepressants ?

• On a case-by-case basis beginning April 5, 2010, pilots will be eligible to apply for an FAA waiver consideration if they take one of four of these antidepressant medications:

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Citalopram (Celexa), or
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)

  A pilot will be grounded until all symptoms of the psychiatric condition being treated are improved by the single medication and the pilot is stable for 12 months. The FAA requires:

  1. A consultation status report (and follow-up reports as required) from a treating psychiatrist attesting to and describing the pilot's diagnosis, length and course of treatment, dosage of the antidepressant medication taken, and any side effects from the antidepressant the applicant takes or has taken in the past.
  2. A written statement prepared by the pilot describing his or her history of antidepressant use and mental health status.
  3. A report of the results of neurocognitive psychological tests.
  4. An evaluation and written report from a Human Intervention and Motivation Study (HIMS)-trained Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) who has reviewed the above items and recommends a special-issuance medical certificate.

  For additional information regarding the FAA policy on antidepressants: http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/specialissuance/antidepressants/

 

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Do I have to report LASIK or other eye surgeries ?

• Yes,  please have your eye specialist complete FAA form 8500-7 and bring to your next flight physical.

  LASIK and other forms of vision corrective surgery have potentially adverse effects that could be incompatible with flying duties. These include:
  Corneal scarring or opacities;

  • Worsening or variability of vision;
  • Night-glare; and
  • Haziness of vision.

  The FAA expects that a pilot will not resume piloting aircraft until his or her own treating health care professional determines:

  • The post operative condition has stabilized;
  • There have been no significant adverse effects or complications; and
  • The person meets the appropriate FAA vision standards.

 

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How can I contact the FAA about my medical certificate ?

• Aerospace Medical Certification Division, AAM-300
  Federal Aviation Administration
  Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
  P.O. Box 25082
  Oklahoma City, OK 73125
  (405) 954-4821

 

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