FAA medical “transmitted” over 60 days ago, what do I do now?

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Apprehensive-Gift-36@reddit

Ask your AME to call the flight surgeons support desk. They can get a direct line to your status, what the actual holdup is and usually advocate for your case with an Flight Surgeon that can make a decision.

As others suggested calling the Regional Flight Surgeon also helps your case move when stuck.

Another thing is if you go to OshKosh by chance the majority of the FAA Medical department will be there and take direct questions on your medical. Hopefully you get an answer before then.

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No_Butterscotch6487@reddit

I just received my new medical this week from a deferral. My AME deferred my application on 7/28/2025 and then they sent me a denial letter 11/6/2025. Did a couple more tests with specialists and submitted all the records for those on 1/21/2026 and received my medical yesterday, 4/13/2026. My issue was cardiological and neurological so they may not have as much of a backlog of applicants as well.

Unfortunately there is no real communication on MedXpress about where you are in the process. I also work for a major airline who employs a doctor just to deal with the FAA so they can usually get stuff moved through a bit faster. If you have to wait on a panel to meet, I believe they only meet once a quarter so it can take even longer for that. You will hear something eventually, but it is very difficult just waiting for any word from them.

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liftloom@reddit (OP)

Thanks for your insight. I heard you have to pay out of pocket for anything after being deferred since it’s “elective” and not covered by insurance. (The nurse at the doctor office for the medical said this) - can you give any insight on that?

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No_Butterscotch6487@reddit

The only thing I had to pay out of pocket for was a neurocognative evaluation. Insurance covered everything else, even after the deferment. I think that will mostly depend on your insurance company and whether they deem any testing necessary.

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Oregon-Pilot@reddit

Completely different situation in terms of medical issues, but I had my AME submit stuff for a heart issue I had and she called up the correct person in the FAA and they were able to give her a verbal OK to issue me my medical, over the phone. No deferral, but it was a big enough deal that paperwork/documentation needed to be submitted.

That was early April of last year.

I didn’t get the written copy of the OK until the following Christmas Eve.

This shit can take a long, long time.

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usd2bfast@reddit

99.9% of the time, AMCD / RFS will not give a verbal on a new pilot (1st exam). For established pilots, yes, verbals happen everyday, especially where the FAA doc has a comfort level with the AME making the request and all the necessary reports are “in hand” and ready to be sent.

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Oregon-Pilot@reddit

Really good to know, thank you for sharing this information!!

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liftloom@reddit (OP)

Dang. Appreciate your input though

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usd2bfast@reddit

AMEs can’t “mail in” the 8500-8 application, doing it electronically is the only way. If your MedXpress says “Transmitted” then the AME got it to OKC. Were there supporting documents / reports that were uploaded to your exam ?

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liftloom@reddit (OP)

I was told to wait for a letter in the mail about next steps and what documents to gather. But I see what you mean. Nothing was uploaded to my knowledge and there isn’t any files online either. But I was told to be prepared to pull my VA records (but to wait on the letter lol) which hasn’t come and the person on the phone today said it will come once my status changes to “under review”

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usd2bfast@reddit

at the least your AME should have got a copy of your VA letter and uploaded it to your exam when he transmitted. usually that’s all they need to see, unless the applicant has bigger problems…drugs, alcohol, adhd, depression, etc. if it’s the typical ptsd rating I’ll have the applicant write up a personal letter explaining what was going on back then and how things are now, send that in with the rating letter, usually that’s all it takes. AMCD has cut the wait time for these cases by more than 50% in the last 18 months, I’d expect you’d hear something very shortly. Keep checking your MedXpress acct, ams if nothing in the next 7-10 days call AMCD again

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Fit_Midnight_3927@reddit

Idk. That sounds like the government for you. Slow.

Off beat question. I was looking at getting a Finance degree or a degree in cyber security of some sort. Do you think that is a good field to make money in? Like a good living? I heard you can, and I also heard there are too many people in it as well. Lot of different views.

Any insight would largely help. Sorry not try to take the post over. Just really curious.

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liftloom@reddit (OP)

lol no worries.

Cybersecurity is very lucrative especially as a software engineer, cloud security, any sort of AI/ML. I personally work in auditing (ISO/SOC/etc) and I won’t ever make as much as the other guys at the same level / years of experience but I’m still VERY happy with my salary. Happy to disclose more over DM.

Certifications matter A LOT and will set you apart. Entry level - intermediate will ask for things like Security + or an AWS certification. Senior will ask for CISSP, CISM etc which require x years of experience in certain fields to even get the certification (besides just passing the test). Ultimately nothing beats experience so I always suggest getting an analyst role while finishing a degree or certs.

I got my first (civilian) job without a degree and only have Security + and a DoD RMF cert (and some army IT background but honestly it didnt translate much in the corporate world) one year in corporate America, job hopped and doubled my salary. And job hopping in IT for the pay bump is absolutely a thing and I highly recommend it. Last “hop” added 40k to my salary.

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Fit_Midnight_3927@reddit

That is amazing! Thank you so much. Yea. Im actaully finishing out my break from a study session for my FIA test friday. I'll try to reach out later through DMs and ask more. I came from the military as well. Unfortunately Expeditionary Warfare doesnt translate much to civilian sector unless it's PMC work or you become a cop/SWAT. I was burned out by it.

Im about to attempt to get my CFI in flying and finish my bachelor up through VR&E and use the reminder of my GI bill on another degree.

Jobs are kinda hard to get in aviation right now. Not impossible, but tough. Lot of folks.

Anyways. Thank you so much for the info! That was really nice and helpful of you.

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liftloom@reddit (OP)

In my experience - being on hiring boards / being the technical interviewer - being in the military is always a benefit. My company has specific recruiting for veterans, a lot of the major IT companies do. I wouldn’t recommend where I work now lol benefits have changed a lot but we can discuss over DMs - but another one with that avenue for sure.

Also look into Onward to Opportunity (or something like that) through Syracuse University. Completely free certification training for vets. You have “homework” but they give you the voucher too which depending on the test can be $100s. They also have an “alumni” group for job hiring.

Hiring is also horrible in IT right now. My advice is to take what you can and just keep applying until you get a job you actually like ha.

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Mad_Rooster_7164@reddit

it's normal (sign) to see that notification. Contact your RFS regularly- mine replies within an hour to email- they give a LOT more info than calling OKC.

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liftloom@reddit (OP)

Thanks for the tip - what’s RFS lol 😅

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Mad_Rooster_7164@reddit

it's totally okay you don't know! "regional flight surgeon".
https://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification/rfs

Literally drop an email to the one over your region, tell them your file has been at AMCD for over 60 days and you're wondering what they can tell you. Give your full name and the "MID" number from medxpress.

Curious what you hear back- you can DM if you want.

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liftloom@reddit (OP)

Thanks so much! Really appreciate your help

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320sim@reddit

And they haven’t sent you an initial review and request for documents yet? Usually that comes within a month or so. Your AME did you a disservice if they mailed the application instead of uploading it electronically

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liftloom@reddit (OP)

Nothing! Even online under “required documents” there isn’t anything listed. The person on the phone said that won’t come until it’s in the review stage.

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vivalicious16@reddit

the FAA is slow asf. You did your due diligence

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rFlyingTower@reddit

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

Went to get a CLASS III! (I have a full time career in cyber and just want to get my private for now - went to flight school in my early 20s before joining the military because I was broke and ran out of money right before my solo lol) now in my early 30s.

Long story short. I have a VA rating for PTSD. Never took medication. Was in therapy over 3 years ago. Never been hospitalized. Etc etc. I knew I would be deferred.

But I went in for my exam on January 13th. It’s now April 14th. No letter in the mail about paperwork. Still in “transmitted status.” Called Aerospace Medical Certification Division and they said they have no idea where I am on the list to be reviewed, can’t give me an estimate of how long & to check back in a few WEEKS.

Anyone else experience something like this?

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AutoModerator@reddit

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

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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.

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