Got my Medical at Sun N Fun
Posted by 04Warrior@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 42 comments
So I have been on a deferred medical since September 24 of last year. I saw another redditor post that he got his medical after reaching out to his congressional rep. Said once his submission was after mine, I thought I would do the same. It worked to get my file on review. On the opening day of Sun n Fun I went to the AOPA tent and their medical staff let me know that FAA Doctors are available to meet directly with pilots to address issues with the backlog. My AOPA rep walked me over to the FAA booth and after a short meeting I was issued my medical on the spot complete with SI authorization letter! As an FYI the FAA makes doctors available only at Sun n Fun and Airventure. I also learned from the FAA doc that when a congressional reps office contacts them they have 10 days to respond so it definitely works! So happy this saga is finally behind me and I can get back to flying!
Canikfan434@reddit
Sad that it takes them receiving a congressional on their desks to get something done.
Fenderfreak145@reddit
Laughs in NFA
L0LTHED0G@reddit
NFA is moving light speed.
Or have they slowed again? I know my suppressor was in a couple days.
Sanosuke97322@reddit
I was 90 days after a congressional letter just a few months ago.
I did have a clearance that is expired so I’ve heard that doesn’t help.
L0LTHED0G@reddit
Oof.
My form was submitted at 11 am 3/8/2024 and returned approved 3/12/2024. I picked up some day.
That's Friday to Tuesday, if you don't wanna look it up.
Sanosuke97322@reddit
Yeah, I know it’s generally been fast, I believe the stories about the clearance causing issues. Seems pretty consistent.
Ok_Airline_9182@reddit
The Congressional inquiry also worked for me. Application pending for over 6 months. Talked to the Congressional rep and had a response in 4 days. Major thank you to whoever posted about that. I know the broad sentiment about government, but folks, use your representatives to, you know, represent you.
Necessary-Bar-6406@reddit
Anything specific that you guys said you in your letters to your congressman that you think helped them advocate best for a response?
NotBlazeron@reddit
I got a letter from the FAA requesting more information and waiting 90 days off a prescription. The 90 days is over and I sent them a letter from my doctor confirming it.
When you met with the doctors at Sun n Fun did you have to bring any information or did they simply look up your account? I sent the additional letter the 20th of March 2024.
04Warrior@reddit (OP)
They looked me up by my PI number - helps if you have that or your MID number from your application
NotBlazeron@reddit
I have those, was it a long wait to see a doctor?
04Warrior@reddit (OP)
Nope at the time I went on the first day there was no line. Today I saw a line about 5 deep.
Ok-Selection4206@reddit
I sent everything after doing a cardio workup due to PVC's. Nothing for 3 mos. Every time I called ( the call center in india), they just said, waiting to be reviewed. A friend gave me the name of a Dr. our union has on retainer ( who knew) Turns out he was a former head of the FAA Aeromedical. I gave him my PI# and the information. He called back a couple hrs later and said I was going to be denied. It was my fault for not consulting with someone (him) and finding out exactly what the FAA would require for my condition. I repeated some tests and then overnighted them to the retainer Dr who submitted them for me. 2 wks later, I received my 1st class. If you ever due a running stress test for the FAA, be sure to complete 9 mn before stopping!
Immediate-Pilot5159@reddit
I was in the same situation! I got mine at Oshkosh when I visited the FAA tent :) if your ever waiting on the FAA visit one their booths at a major event 😂
maolguin21@reddit
My medical was sitting in limbo. After sending additional documents needed. It sat for about 4-5 months. I contacted my congressman. And had an answer and a 1st class in the mail within 2 weeks.
Taterdots@reddit
I think deferred medicals are sent to the sister mine of the federal employee retirement one. Sent down a mineshaft and not seen for 6 months before some 1950's looking lackey finally finds it. Congrats on getting it.
tomdarch@reddit
“Top Men!” Aaaaaand it’s in a warehouse full of crates.
ZestycloseGene6176@reddit
I found an FAA medical analyst to email, and I sent him direct scans to add to my file and he was able to send my medical directly for my printout at home. I could've bugged him earlier and got the medical before it came in the mail. But find your medical analysts; they can submit directly into their file on you for you, and the process can go significantly faster.
Marcitys@reddit
I’m in the same boat as you, care if I message you to ask you a few questions?
04Warrior@reddit (OP)
Not at all….happy to help if I can….
city_slicker__@reddit
I'm going this Saturday and I too want to get my Class 1 Medical! I'm a future pilot but it bothers the hell out of me knowing that I had health issues in the past (I'm A-Okay now) and not knowing if I'll be able to get one or not.
Gosh I love this page.
Also, do you think they will do discovery flights there as well?
04Warrior@reddit (OP)
Good luck, if nothing else they can give you advice and information on the process and requirements. I would also recommend you join AOPA and get their Pilot Protection Service. They can do a case review so the documents you submit meet the FAS requirements.
UNDR08@reddit
Congrats!!
Glad the Friends Against Aviators were able to finally give you the go ahead.
DisregardLogan@reddit
That’s a new one to add to my list
TraxenT-TR@reddit
Why it pays to be a member of AOPA!
Altec5499@reddit
Congrats!
Navydevildoc@reddit
Just so everyone understands, they have 10 days to respond to a Congressional, it doesn't mean a turbo track to a 10 day decision on your medical.
"The Aeromedical branch places the highest priority on processing medical applications as fast as possible while also safeguarding the security of the National Airspace System. While we wish we could respond to every applicant faster, with our current resources some cases take longer than we would like. We would be happy to speak to our resource shortfalls with the Subcommittee on Aviation at their earliest convenience. In the meantime, we are striving to clear our backlog of complicated medical evaluations as soon as we can."
Xerox that 100 times, and something like it is the response to your congressional.
delhibuoy@reddit
May I ask why the medical was deferred in the first place?
04Warrior@reddit (OP)
I was deferred due to a need for a Special Issuance due to a heart attack / LAD Stent and SVT with Cardiac Ablation.
Neuralmute@reddit
What class of medical?
04Warrior@reddit (OP)
3rd
PerceptionOrnery1269@reddit
They gave you an SI on the spot?
BlacklightsNBass@reddit
He probably had everything submitted and it was just waiting in the queue. It takes them weeks to scan in mail. It’s freaking absurd and needs complete overhaul.
04Warrior@reddit (OP)
I submitted everything required on the initial sumittal. It was all tabbed and organized. I also had everything reviewed by the AOPA medical team and my AME before submitting to the FAA. In total with hospital records about 400 pages including all images and DVDs of all procedures. In the end they did not request a single additional piece of paper or exam…..
PerceptionOrnery1269@reddit
Pretty sure it took 2 or 3 weeks per item I sent. I don't understand why we can't just apply with an app or web form like the VA does, instead of having to mail or fax in every piece. Then you have to wait 2 weeks for them to mail back what they want next. Why can't I just send you an email?
delhibuoy@reddit
Sorry to hear that
capn_davey@reddit
Every time I think it can’t be more of a joke of a “system,” it is. The 3rd class needs to go away and everyone with the ability to deny or defer a medical needs to hold a 1st class.
Seacabbage@reddit
I’m happy you got your shit sorted but the fact that this sort of backdoor bullshit is remotely needed is infuriating
NPBoss18@reddit
Wow congrats! What an absolute shame the FAA only responds when congressional members get involved….
PerceptionOrnery1269@reddit
Was that Congressional rep my post? Also very nice that they're trying to speed this up and do "walk up" physicals. Congrats!
OriginalJayVee@reddit
Congratulations! That’s excellent!
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
So I have been on a deferred medical since September 24 of last year. I saw another redditor post that he got his medical after reaching out to his congressional rep. Said once his submission was after mine, I thought I would do the same. It worked to get my file on review. On the opening day of Sun n Fun I went to the AOPA tent and their medical staff let me know that FAA Doctors are available to meet directly with pilots to address issues with the backlog. My AOPA rep walked me over to the FAA booth and after a short meeting I was issued my medical on the spot complete with SI authorization letter! As an FYI the FAA makes doctors available only at Sun n Fun and Airventure. I also learned from the FAA doc that when a congressional reps office contacts them they have 10 days to respond so it definitely works! So happy this saga is finally behind me and I can get back to flying!
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