Originally Posted by
Anzel
I’ve been taking lessons at my local flight school. I went in for my AME medical certification and was deferred to the FAA.
I was taking Xanax PRN for sleep - no insomnia diagnosis - just stress falling asleep sometimes.
Im new to this and didn’t realize that Xanax was on the automatic deferral list (which, side note, is ridiculous given that the FAA allows Ambien. I’d know since I’m a pharmacist..).
Anyways, does anyone know how long the deferral process can take? I’m reading horror stories of people having to wait 1-2 years for resolution. Any advice to speed things up?
Aeromedical writes their own rules on medical science. You're at the mercy of a government authority that, in my experience, doesn't believe in transparency, fairness or even the law, and the proprietary and irrelevant medical testing they may now put you through will cost thousands or tens of thousands.
I would reach out to others who have had similar situations but you can expect years of waiting or may get lucky and it will be less. In the meantime, I would look up any FAA publications / worksheets that your doctors can fill out now so you're prepared. Also, don't think that if you hire any expensive company or consultants to do the work for you that you'll get it expidited sooner or have a higher chance of being granted a favorable outcome. Again, save your money for the testing.
Good luck.