FAA Medical Special Issue Processing Times
#1
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Mar 2022
Posts: 25

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.

#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2010
Position: C172 CFI
Posts: 423

I was told a month or two ago by AMAS that the FAA processing time was running about 10 weeks on a special issuance. I still have over a year of observation before I can submit my paperwork so I don’t know anything beyond that.
#4
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Mar 2022
Posts: 25

I will contact AMAS. Wish I had known about their services earlier. Might be a good resource going forward though.
#5

I initially went with PMS:
https://www.leftseat.com/pilot-medic...tions-reviews/
Damn, they were awful. I got more excuses from them, regarding the backlog in OKC, if and when they would actually answer the phone.
They advertise their "connections" and how they can expedite things, yada-yada, etc....
It took over a year until I fired them.
Once I switched to PPS over at AOPA, I had a fresh SI in my hands within two weeks.
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2010
Position: C172 CFI
Posts: 423

I’m happy with AMAS so far. They call back within a few hours and return emails within a day or two. Of course at this stage we’re just gathering records and they have told me about a few tests I need. They have even pointed out a few mistakes in my records that I got fixed. But so far it seems like we’re on track to get my medical back next year.
#7

I wish I had known about them earlier in my process as well.
I initially went with PMS:
https://www.leftseat.com/pilot-medic...tions-reviews/
Damn, they were awful. I got more excuses from them, regarding the backlog in OKC, if and when they would actually answer the phone.
They advertise their "connections" and how they can expedite things, yada-yada, etc....
It took over a year until I fired them.
Once I switched to PPS over at AOPA, I had a fresh SI in my hands within two weeks.
I initially went with PMS:
https://www.leftseat.com/pilot-medic...tions-reviews/
Damn, they were awful. I got more excuses from them, regarding the backlog in OKC, if and when they would actually answer the phone.
They advertise their "connections" and how they can expedite things, yada-yada, etc....
It took over a year until I fired them.
Once I switched to PPS over at AOPA, I had a fresh SI in my hands within two weeks.
AMAS on the other hand is the service that ALPA uses.
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