FAA Medical Special Issue Processing Times
08-23-2022, 12:21 PM
#11
On Reserve
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Position: LJ60 part 135
Posts: 12
Dont use Left seat
Originally Posted by Bluesky123
Hi,
Does anyone have any recent experience with processing times for a medical decision assuming they have the information necessary to make the decision.
Been flying off shore for years so this is my first medical with an eye condition. Should be a pretty straight forward decision. I have a class date for a new job soon and I am worried my medical wont come through in time. I have been gone so long I have forgotten how inefficient US government departments are.
The online system says allow up to 60 business days. If that's the case I am screwed.
Also, what happens when I go to renew it. Do I need to apply 3 months before it expires?
Any insight would be much appreciated.
Does anyone have any recent experience with processing times for a medical decision assuming they have the information necessary to make the decision.
Been flying off shore for years so this is my first medical with an eye condition. Should be a pretty straight forward decision. I have a class date for a new job soon and I am worried my medical wont come through in time. I have been gone so long I have forgotten how inefficient US government departments are.
The online system says allow up to 60 business days. If that's the case I am screwed.
Also, what happens when I go to renew it. Do I need to apply 3 months before it expires?
Any insight would be much appreciated.
01-23-2023, 04:22 PM
#13
New Hire
Joined APC: Jun 2022
Posts: 2
Full Process Wait Time
My Special Issuance
From start to finish: Approx 6 months. Details below
Medical exam (deferral): August 2022
Request for Supporting Documentation sent by FAA: October 2022
Hospital Records, current xray, current medical report
Request Received: November 2022
Supporting Documents Sent: December 2022
Medical Approved: January 2023
Still awaiting letter in mail.
Called about once a week, most of the time got the call back later message. I found 3pm CST to be the most successful time for calling. Hope this helps!
From start to finish: Approx 6 months. Details below
Medical exam (deferral): August 2022
Request for Supporting Documentation sent by FAA: October 2022
Hospital Records, current xray, current medical report
Request Received: November 2022
Supporting Documents Sent: December 2022
Medical Approved: January 2023
Still awaiting letter in mail.
Called about once a week, most of the time got the call back later message. I found 3pm CST to be the most successful time for calling. Hope this helps!
01-24-2023, 06:16 PM
#14
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2013
Position: Window Seat
Posts: 174
56 days…
Conducted the medical exam on November 17th 2022 with a deferral due to colon cancer. Had a phenomenal AME who called ahead to the FAA and retrieved information on what paperwork was needed. I personally mailed out all relevant medical records highlighted by dates and procedures with everything they asked for. That was mailed out on November 18th certified fedex. I hired AOPA medical to stay on top for me and also made a couple calls myself to check on progress. Last Thursday it was approved and mailed out, 56 days days from start to finish. Hope this helps as well!
03-17-2023, 06:08 AM
#15
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: 320 fo
Posts: 160
That gives me some hope. Melanoma but not metastatic. Special issuance paperwork sent via pilot union(ie they know exactly which form and documents so hopefully FAA won’t need any follow up just a review to issue). Jan 27 sent, scanned Jan 31. Still no answer. Then March 1 went in for new medical, AME defers, transmitted March 3. OKC says they are 3-4 weeks currently on working thru deferrals.
03-17-2023, 08:04 PM
#16
Perennial Reserve
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 11,490
Originally Posted by Maverick
That gives me some hope. Melanoma but not metastatic. Special issuance paperwork sent via pilot union(ie they know exactly which form and documents so hopefully FAA won’t need any follow up just a review to issue). Jan 27 sent, scanned Jan 31. Still no answer. Then March 1 went in for new medical, AME defers, transmitted March 3. OKC says they are 3-4 weeks currently on working thru deferrals.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melano...er-stages.html
03-19-2023, 08:39 AM
#17
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2017
Position: Retired NJA & AA
Posts: 1,916
Originally Posted by Maverick
That gives me some hope. Melanoma but not metastatic. Special issuance paperwork sent via pilot union(ie they know exactly which form and documents so hopefully FAA won’t need any follow up just a review to issue). Jan 27 sent, scanned Jan 31. Still no answer. Then March 1 went in for new medical, AME defers, transmitted March 3. OKC says they are 3-4 weeks currently on working thru deferrals.
03-20-2023, 04:24 AM
#18
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: 320 fo
Posts: 160
Melanoma
I’m at AA and our union has a great lady that helps all pilots with medical issues. They were very familiar with paperwork and wording FAA likes so I sent them all the documentation and they put it together and submitted it on my behalf . Just a backlog I guess. Union has called and FAA is telling them it’s with the flight surgeon but no timeframe given. My local AME hasn’t been pushing hard enough but I can only ask so much about new medical
03-26-2023, 05:42 AM
#19
Line Holder
Joined APC: Mar 2018
Posts: 96
Originally Posted by Maverick
That gives me some hope. Melanoma but not metastatic. Special issuance paperwork sent via pilot union(ie they know exactly which form and documents so hopefully FAA won’t need any follow up just a review to issue). Jan 27 sent, scanned Jan 31. Still no answer. Then March 1 went in for new medical, AME defers, transmitted March 3. OKC says they are 3-4 weeks currently on working thru deferrals.
I've had good luck getting through to the Regional FAA offices. Are you using AMAS? I believe ALPA provides access to AMAS for free.
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