Instead of sniping at him here, why not just ask him? He'd be happy to tell you all about the whole situation. He's assisted many many pilots to succesfully work thru the FAA SI juggernaut. If you haven't had to navigate those treacherous waters, then consider yourself fortunate. If you stay in this game long enough, in time you most likely will. You'll want the Doc right there all the way.

All I know is his schedule is slammed full every month. Says something.

My experience with him was extremely negative and I conveyed that information to Delta including emails involved.

Him personally, or his office staff? Not asking for details on an open forum.

My experience with him personally, as well as Howell have been fantastic. Exactly the right kind of pilot-advocate AME you want to see. The office staff has, at various times, been less than good. My understanding is that he fired his whole staff a couple years ago.

Hear, hear!

From all I've heard he is a great Dr. And a nice man.

When/if you have an issue requiring action from FAA it really comes down to the paperwork. Since his staff left in early covid, his office hasn't been doing the paperwork. Being on disability longer than necessary sucks. Sucks even more if past the DPMA limit.

I know or have met roughly a dozen pilots who've been totally hosed by his office--missing and incomplete paperwork submissions. Costing them between 2-6 months of extra disability.

If you're young and healthy, he might be a good option. Most of us have issues eventually, and he is years into demonstrating a strong inability to competently deal with the FAA.

I don't expect anyone to take the word of a random dude on the Internet, but it is worth considering that Delta and DALPA cut ties.

No experience with Dr F, but have a few friends that have AME's and have had issues with the FAA and I've heard nothing but frustration from all three using different AME's so leads me to believe that sometimes the FAA med is slow, unreasonable, and inefficient. The AME's out in the field also have even more limited experience dealing with and anticipating the FEDs requests. Maybe ALPA keeps a list of AME's who really know how to get stuff done with the FAA?

For my SI, I use Aviation Medicine Advisory Service (AMAS). They handle all the paperwork and are experts at it. My local AME just does the exam after all the hard work is done. Their fees are paid for by your ALPA dues. https://www.aviationmedicine.com

Thanks for sharing that. What a great resource to know about if/when I need it.

this is the way. For a SI, they will literally email a checklist of everything needed- forms, reports, imaging, records. Just follow it all and THEN go to the AME that will submit. ALPA dues really cover your job, and keeping your job. Amas and representation. The rest is a bonus.

Dr. F when I dealt with him seemed to know the right strings to pull to get things done with the FAA. I would not hesitate to reach out to him if I had issues. His staff was hit or miss. Last time I looked his schedule was most definitely NOT booked up.

ALPA Aeromedical can also be hit or miss. They deal with so much crap I got the feeling some of those doctors don’t like what they do. They are just a consulting organization with a direct line to the FAA. They can’t work miracles but any SI issues they are the first place I’d call. Nothing beats a quality local AME that you can build a relationship with.

I started using him after he helped a friend of mine with a complex issue. He’s an advocate for you that knows the system and what information is needed. I have had only great experiences with him.