Does the FAA check your medical records?

Does the FAA check your medical records? If you ever need to submit medical records to the FAA, they will review everything you give them. Many pilots have waited months or years for their medical certificates because each new record they provide to justify their medical certificate eligibility reveals another ailment they did not disclose before.

How long does it take the FAA to review medical records?

In the best case, they may issue you a certificate. Frequently, the review and submission process can repeat itself for several iterations. The process generally takes up to six months, but we have heard from a number of pilots who have spent more than a year stuck in the review and submission loop.

Can I reapply for FAA medical after denial?

Yes. Section 67.409 under 14 CFR sets forth the appeal process within the FAA for applicants who are denied medical certification.

Can you fly with a history of depression?

The regulations are strict, yes, and make maintaining flight status a challenge. But they don't preclude someone with a mental health condition from flying. You can be a pilot if you have depression. Treatment options and growing awareness about mental health in the workplace provide hope.

What background check does the FAA use?

Due to airline and federal requirements, job applicants ordinarily go through a unique federal 10-year background investigation. During this investigation, they will look at a job applicant's criminal background including felonies, misdemeanours, and DUI convictions.

Can the FAA see your mental health records?

But the mental health assessment is limited to the observations of the AME and the pilot's self-report on their medical questionnaire. If the FAA is not aware of concerns about a U.S. pilot's safety to fly, then they cannot mandate access to information.

How do I fight the FAA medical denial?

An Examiner's denial of a medical certificate is not a final FAA denial. An applicant may ask for reconsideration of an Examiner's denial by submitting a request in writing to: Federal Aviation Administration. Aerospace Medical Certification Division.

Is sleep apnea disqualifying for FAA?

Sleep apnea has significant safety implications due to cognitive impairment secondary to the lack of restorative sleep and is disqualifying for airman medical certification. The condition is part of a group of sleep disorders with varied etiologies.

Does the FAA test for CBD?

Pilots should be aware that FAA required drug tests routinely test for the presence of THC. Therefore, pilots utilizing commercially available CBD oil are at risk of testing positive for THC (or other prohibited substances) and may be putting their medical and airmen certificates at risk.

What happens if you fail FAA medical?

If pilot's clearly do not meet FAA medical standards, particularly if they have conditions that are specifically grounding in Part 67 of the FARs or the Guide to Aviation Medical Examiners, the aviation medical examiner may issue a denial letter to the pilot revoking the pilot's current medical privileges.

How hard is it to get a FAA medical?

You must contact an AME of your choosing, schedule an appointment, complete an official FAA application form via MedXPress, and undergo a physical examination by an AME. If you meet the appropriate medical standards, the AME will issue you a medical certificate.

What medical conditions disqualify you from the FAA?

Can you fly with a denied medical?

If you have been denied a medical because of a disqualifying medical condition and are caught flying, the penalty will probably be revocation of all your airman certificates and ratings.