Originally Posted by
sulkair
Does anyone have any experience with suddenly learning they are Hypothyroid as an active airline pilot? A blood test just came back showing I am Hypothyroid. I self grounded myself and my family doc started me on Synthroid. My AMEs receptionist (they won't let me talk to the actual DOCTOR without booking an office visit for $55 - What the... ???), and a flight surgeon at Alpa aeromedical are both telling me I will be grounded for at least 6 weeks until my bloodwork shows my hormone levels normal and stable, but when I read the FAA AME guide it seems to indicate they can issue a special issuance authorization (a temporary medical) to keep me working until my lab results come in. Has anyone been down this road before?
The FAA is now requiring Special Issuances for all pilots on thyroid medication. I know a pilot that's been taking and reporting his thyroid medication for 15 years, never had a problem. Went in for his recent First Class and the AME said because of the new changes coming down from OKC, he would be getting a SI certificate good for one year. He has to submit lab work and a letter from his doctor stating that he is stable and that thyroid levels remain within normal limits.
I would imagine you'll have to wait until your thyroid levels are back to normal, then submit the required tests to your AME. He may be able to issue you a certificate at that time or he may have to get approval from OKC before he issues the certificate.
As long as your thyroid levels are normal, you'll get a certificate. However, it's going to be a SI for the rest of your career.