Aviation Medical Certificate: Revoked!

Folks, from the Flight Blog, this is Cap’n Aux speaking.

Recently, for the first time ever, I had my Aviation Medical Certificate revoked!

I know what you’re thinking: “But, Cap’n Aux! You were BORN with a 777 Type rating and a lifetime Medical certificate!”

Oh, if that would be true!
So. What exactly is an Aviation Medical Certificate, anyway?

Any solo flight student knows that, to legally fly an airplane, you need two things:

A pilot’s license, and
An Aviation Medical certificate.

Without both of these, a pilot is grounded.

In the case of a solo student, the pilot’s solo license and medical certificate are combined. However, once the pilot receives his first actual pilot license—the Private Pilot license—s/he will also need a current medical certificate to fly as well.

While rules are always changing and evolving, currently, Aviation Medicals come in 3 Classes:

First Class
Second Class
Third Class

The 3rd class, which also serves as a solo license when endorsed by the student’s instructor, is the most leniant. It will also serve as the Private Pilot’s medical certificate as well, and is good for two years.

The 2nd class, which can be used by commercial pilot, or an airline First Officer, is good for 1 year.

The final, most stringent medical, is the First Class certificate. This is good for 6 months, and is required by the Pilot in Command (i.e. Captain) of an airliner.*

*Note: After 6 months, a 1st Class reverts to a 2nd; after 1 year, it reverts to a 3rd. Similarly, after 1 year, a 2nd Class reverts to a 3rd Class.

Pro Tip: If you're just starting out as a flight student and want to be an airline pilot, be sure to initially get a First Class Medical certificate, rather than a Third. This way, you know that you will be able to pass it in the future when you need to.

Cap'n Aux

Aviation Medical Certificate: Revoked!

The Dreaded Form 8500

Before receiving your Medical Certificate, you’ll need to fill out the FAA’s very extensive online questionnaire, Form 8500, which will cover your medical, aviation, and legal history.

Also, you will have to list out every single medication you are currently taking, and the dosage. There may be some medications that are conflicting, restrictive, or simply not allowed. You will be informed if any are.

You’ll also be required to fill out your total flight time, flight time in the past 6 months, and list all flight certificates.

Finally, Form 8500 will also ask you about any arrests or convictions for misdemeanors or felonies, including DUIs. Arrests or Convictions in themselves may not be disqualifying; however, being caught lying on the form most likely will ground you.

Aviation Medical Certificate: Revoked!

At the Doc's

Once you visit the office for your actual exam, the first thing the doc will have you do is…

Pee in a cup!

While I don’t know exactly what all they test for, I know it’s mainly for illicit drugs—so obviously, …

DON’T DO DRUGS!!!

What else is tested?

In many ways, it’s pretty straight forward: the Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) will test your eyesight, hearing, blood pressure, etc.

You’ll be tested for vision, corrected and uncorrected. While you can fly with glasses (I do), you will still have to be able to pass a minimum vision test, both near- and far-sighted.

Again, as the Class of medical you’re testing for goes up, so do the requirements. (As I recall, 20/30 vision is the minimum required for the First Class medical, but don’t hold me to that.)

If you’re over 40, you’ll be tested for EKG; over 45, you’ll be tested once each year.

Aviation Adventures: Just What the Doctor Ordered!

—The Last Bush Pilots

—There I Wuz! Volumes 1-IV

—Code Name: Dodger Fly/Spy Series Missions 1-4

All at: https://www.amazon.com/Eric-Auxier/e/B00971H8VW

Aviation Medical Certificate: Revoked!

Relax: Have a SODA!

One of the most common questions I get on Quora (see below) is something to the effect of:

“I have _(this or that medical condition)_. What if I can’t or don’t pass my Aviation Medical Exam?”

My answer: Relax. Have a SODA!

SODA stands for: “Statement of Demonstrated Ability.”

It is an alternative to a myriad of FAA Medical requirements. Basically, if you can demonstrate that you can safely operate an airplane with your condition, the FAA can issue an alternate approval for your license.

Here’s a couple links for more information:

Aviation Medical Certificate: Revoked!

My Story

OK, so maybe I was being a tad dramatic. I didn’t exactly have my certificate revoked, per se. But, its issuance was delayed to the point where I became illegal to fly (grounded.) Fortunately, it came near the beginning of a stretch of vacation, and I only had to miss one trip to London.

In short, there were some numbers that were high on a recent blood test, and the FAA had questions. Further, there was some confusion as to what medications I was on. (Believe me, the older you get, the more meds you’ll need!)

So, it took me several long weeks to sort out all the information, get re-tested, have several of my docs communicate back and forth with the FAA about the details, etc.

It was a pain, but also a learning experience.

Word to the Wise

So, again, advice from the wise (who learned the hard way):

Be CERTAIN to fill out ALL medications, dosages, etc. exactly correct on the Form 8500.

Be prepared to answer any questions that may arise on any and all tests. The more data you have to back up your case, the better.

For more information on all things regarding FAA and pilots, check out:

https://www.faa.gov/pilots

Aviation Medical Certificate: Revoked!

Hemisphere Dancing Report

While I may have been grounded for a tad, by no means did the grass grow under my wings. As I learned during Covid, there’s plenty to keep one busy right there at home!

We got lots of down time with the kids and grandkids, for starters! And, as you may know, winter time in PHX is often…heavenly!

I was also able to sneak off to Kauai on Bunny’s overnight. Tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it!

The holidays are a season for visiting ol’ buddies, and I got to meet up with longtime buddy Ron B. and our mutual buddy, Cap’n Kevin. Believe me, those are NOT halos over their heads!!!

Congratulations Airman First Class Gino!

Last month, Bunny and I traveled to Biloxi, MS, home of Keesler AFB. There, I had the honor of pinning our oldest son, Gino, with his RF Specialist pin!