Medical Rejected After I passed checkride

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TxAggieMike@reddit

"unable to establish your eligibility to hold an airman medical certificate at this time."

This is often the preamble to a special issuance medical.

The language is not saying your medical is revoked. It is saying that under "normal" standards, you're not medically eligible.

But you are eligible for a special issuance pertaining to your medical history and/or condition.

There should have been additional pages and details about what is needed to clear this up. Was that included.

And yes.... with the state that AMCD is in over the past few years, getting a letter like this after 18 months is not terribly surprising.

Sometimes the notices arrive quickly, other times slowly like you're experience.

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Agree here, looks like they’re considering a special issuance but want more info. It sucks, I had to get a special issuance initially for a 1st class because I had been on antidepressants and just got off of them. Took 6 months and now I have a regular medical. Just give them what they ask for. Consult someone at AOPA or an AME you trust if you have questions.

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OneReaction8184@reddit

+1 to AOPA. I had to wait 10 months to get a ruling on a Class III renewal (after two years of sending paperwork and being told they needed more paperwork), which came two weeks after I got AOPA involved. Got a special issuance which requires me to get a doc note every year to keep my certificate active. But it’s active, so I’ll do whatever it takes until I can establish myself on Basic Med.

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Mispelled-This@reddit

Or maybe you are eligible for a normal medical hit the AME didn’t include some information in your file that they were supposed to.

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itsreallyatruestory@reddit

This happened to me. After submitting paperwork, there was just a lot of bureaucratic waiting and I have a normal medical.

It’s also worth having an experienced aviation attorney look at the letter. In my case, my medical wasn’t revoked and I was able to keep flying. I wouldn’t have done that without that attorney’s help though.

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sunnyray49@reddit

After legally receiving an 1st class from an AME I do not see how they can deny you. Unless there is something in the AMEs report that is not shown up during review.

The FAA medical division is more of a problem than a solution.

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Airbus320Driver@reddit

Is there any reason given or redress?

Go on FAA AIRMEN REGISTRY, look yourself up, and see if it says you still have a valid medical.

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Adorable-Meeting-120@reddit

FAA can only reject a medical within 60 days of issuance. https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/media/general%20information.pdf

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FlyingPechorin3@reddit

The FAA also changes policy all the time - they might have updated / changed something pertaining to your medicinal history and need new info

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atc_throwaway_2024@reddit

As others have said, “unable to establish” could mean a lot of things. Most likely, it’s a special issuance medical (in which case the top of the page would say “AUTHORIZATION FOR SPECIAL ISSUANCE OF A FIRST CLASS MEDICAL”), or they want more info. If you’re denied, it would say explicitly that you were denied. It would use the work “rejected” or “denied”.

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Wrong_Original_7243@reddit

Look into and speak to people from boaf.org They know the process to get you through. Don't waste money on the legal route it will be a waste .

https://boaf.org/

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ltcterry@reddit

Depression and migraines are both diagnoses that can be overcome.

Had you disclosed these on MedXpress? Or did this come from letters or records?

You need to read the letter carefully. I have had an SI since 2013 and those words strike fear in my heart. So poorly selected. But I now know to look further for “but…” Then my heart restarts.

Do they just want more info? Is the medical still valid? May you still fly?

What are your flying plans/goals? If valid/not revoked, maybe BasicMed is enough? If eligible.

I wish those letters just had a half dozen short lines to clarify valid/revoked, path forward, etc. This could be so much better.

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yankeewhiskeysf@reddit

Hi mind if I send you a direct msg? You mentioned SI and I’m curious if both of our situations are the same

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ltcterry@reddit

You are welcome to. I'm about to go fly with a CFI candidate then he and another candidate have a ground session w/ me. But I can answer this evening or in the morning.

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Normal_Ad2474@reddit

Don’t do it, it’s an FAA plant

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yankeewhiskeysf@reddit

Thank you

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PhillyPilot@reddit

Pilots are not allowed to ever be sad

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DragoDragunov@reddit

You sounded kind of sad saying that just now. FAA wants a word

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hypeeyresell@reddit

I think I saw your post on FB. If this is the same one. If so lmk. I will pm you on FB.

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Payton1394@reddit

Sounds like they requested more info and you failed to submit the info in the allotted time. Perhaps you missed a price of mail. Call them as and ask what you missed.

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TurntButNotBurnt@reddit

It says "based on what YOU submitted". So there's more to the story that right rudder.

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more_right_rudder_@reddit

Did someone utter: more right rudder??

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Jae30001@reddit

Hmm, More right rudder you say?

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hondaridr58@reddit

I heard someone say more right rudder? Good call.

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CommandAppropriate70@reddit

https://aeromedlegal.org/

Give this organization a call, they have lawyers that work pro bono for these problems and they can help you get your medical back

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Traditional_Art_5508@reddit

Wait so did you disclose the depression and migraine to your AME or was it a non disclosure and they found out about it?

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baileyx96@reddit

If there is a paragraph that says something like this “In view of your disqualification, you are cautioned that exercising the privileges of your certificate may constitute a violation under 14 C.F.R. $61.53, which prohibits exercising medical certificate privileges when you do not meet Part 67 qualifications standards.” Stop flying immediately, contact your AME, and honestly looking at your other comments, you might want to start doing research on HIMS AMEs in your area now. Just over to r/FAAHIMS

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Mental_Director_2852@reddit

How did you get a PPL without an approved medical certificate?

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-Badger3-@reddit

Read the actual post instead of just the title.

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Mental_Director_2852@reddit

I did. I just don't get how they are flying with a cert that the FAA supposedly approved only to come back with what they said this year

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BravoCharlieZulu@reddit

The medical was issued in the office of the AME in March 2023. AMCD later reviews the app in 2024 and decides that they need more information. The AME likely didn’t get what was needed in order to issue. The certificate has been issued but is in jeopardy of being revoked if the OP doesn’t respond in a timely matter..

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Mental_Director_2852@reddit

thank you for clarifying

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1959Skylane@reddit

It’s 2024. People don’t read articles anymore. The headline’s good enough.

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Mental_Director_2852@reddit

Cut the crap. I did. I just don't get how they are flying with a cert that the FAA supposedly approved only to come back with what they said this year

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1959Skylane@reddit

Isn’t the pilot certification separate and apart from medical certification? They’re not connected. The FAA deems you illegal if you don’t have both, but they’re still separate processes.

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meekohi@reddit

Why are you getting a first class medical for a PPL?

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Least-Scar8294@reddit

I think some training operations want you to hold one when you apply and maintain it during training.

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Fkthefaa@reddit

I think the ame was supposed to defer your case to the faa based on what you said about the depression you disclosed. Unfortunately faa aeromedical are scum and will do whatever they can to make people’s lives as difficult as possible.

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phatRV@reddit

I understand that you don't want to say too much about your personal medical on Reddit but I suspect there is a few more details that led to the FAA to send out this letter. The FAA rarely take a personal touch of looking deeply into someone medical but something you know that led to the FAA to take this deeper inspection. Good luck.

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Mispelled-This@reddit

The FAA eventually reviews every medical issued by an AME. They’re supposed to do it within 60 days, but they’re underfunded and swamped with other work that is more urgent.

Maybe you passing a checkride moved yours to the front of the line to review, or maybe it’s a coincidence. Nobody who knows is likely to tell us.

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Nice_Key4887@reddit

I think technically they only have 60 days to review and ask questions on issued medicals. It even says that on the FAA website.

https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/app_process/general/authority#:~:text=A%20medical%20certificate%20issued%20by,%2C%20or%20the%20Manager%2C%20AMCD%20.

But they break the own rules all the time.

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Mispelled-This@reddit

AAM-300 doesn’t let policies, regulations or laws get in their way when they see an opportunity to fuck over pilots.

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Adventurous-Ad8219@reddit

I have no firsthand knowledge of this, but I remember my AME saying that it wasn't every one but a small portion of them at random

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Katoom119@reddit

Aviation attorney here: I had a client with this exact same scenario, except it was a Third Class. Spent about 6 months working with the FAA and they have their medical back and are headed to fly at a service academy.

Contact a true aviation attorney. Lawyer Pilot Bar Association will have a list of those local to you.

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Maximus_2698@reddit

I've gotten this letter twice. It's the form letter they use for all requests for more information. Depending on the issue it could be a complicated request or not. Both times I just took the letter to my treating physician and they were able to get me all the information/testing that was required, which eventually led to another letter saying I was good to go with a normal medical.

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Ok_Pair7351@reddit

This a thousand times over. Your medical is still valid. Read the letter carefully and see that additional info they want you to submit, then comply.

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Creative-Grocery2581@reddit

That’s insane. Hope it gets resolved

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HoldingWithNoEFC@reddit

The FAA has missed its 60-day window to revoke your medical. They can still try enforcement action, but that's a different process that is more favorable to you. See this article from AOPA. Consult an aviation lawyer.

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Anthem00@reddit

Without more information as to what you disclosed or didn’t - it’s impossible to say. Were you on an SI or were there things you had to comply with but didn’t ?

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Necessary_Bill8581@reddit (OP)

As far as I remember it was not an SI - however I'll check the medical in a bit and see if it says anything. As for complying with something, I was not told to do anything else when I received the medical.

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Anthem00@reddit

what does it say after it is requesting more information ? what information is it requesting. You're leaving out pertinent details if you want people to give you information. The FAA isnt going to come back and revoke a normal non-SI medical unless it has reason to do so - you left out VA disability, you left off taking controlled substances that it cross matched. Whatever. But a normal medical isnt going to get flagged unless something pops up for them to do so.

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AutoModerator@reddit

Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: depression.

Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice.

We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your local AME may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: AOPA, EAA, the Mayo Clinic, and Aviation Medicine Advisory Service.

For reference, here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards and for more in-depth information here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners.

Also, feel free to browse our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ.

Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime and that people have been successfully prosecuted for it. But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to.

If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority.

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burnheartmusic@reddit

Well, what issue could they have had with your medical?

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AshMain_Beach@reddit

Did they give a cause?

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TobyADev@reddit

I imagine given what you told your ame the FAA would like more info. You haven’t lost your medical but I imagine if you don’t be friendly with the FAA you probably will

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Zachmillwood@reddit

Happened to me, I provided the required info (took some work with PCP and AOPA to list only the required data without opening additional doors), and boom I'm back to full status.

Follow the steps on the letter by the required submission date.

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nascent_aviator@reddit

Read the letter carefully. If the AME issued it on the spot, the FAA only has 60 days to reverse their decision. They can't revoke it now without going through the formal process of certificate action.

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No_Mathematician9389@reddit

I’m really curious what the rest of the letter said? Are you just wondering why it took so long or are you confused as to why/what it’s for?

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AngryEchoSix@reddit

Second paragraph should read something like - due to your history of ___; please provide us with X Y Z but this date.

Source: I got one of these letter too.

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flyingron@reddit

Your medical is NOT rejected. Reread the letter.

The "unable to determine" clause means that they are asking for additional information/testing to be submitted.

I've got my guesses as to what happened here, but if you want our help, you'd best explain just what the letter said.

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CommuterType@reddit

NTMI

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Snowboarding_Pilot@reddit

Did you list any prior health conditions on your MedExpress? ADHD, anxiety, etc.. It sounds like they're going to want more details about something.

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rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

Hey everyone, in March of 2023 I went to an AME and got my first class medical, and over the summer of 2024, I passed my PPL checkride. Yesterday, I received a piece of mail from the FAA and excitedly opened it as I thought it may be my license. However, I was met with the words "thank you for submitting an application for FAA medical certification dated March 30, 2023. Based on a review of this information, we are unable to establish your eligibility to hold an airman medical certificate at this time."

After flying for over a year and a half with this medical, why did they only review it so thoroughly when I passed my checkride? Or does it usually take this long to properly review a medical application?

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