FAA Medical Special Issue Processing Times
#1
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Mar 2022
Posts: 34

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: N/A
Posts: 559

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: 34

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: N/A
Posts: 559

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.
#8
Line Holder
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Posts: 78

Just curious, are you talking mostly about delays in getting applications filed with the faa or that results are subpar vs what amas might be able to get? I found leftseat to be short staffed and thus taking longer than expected in getting everything in order. However so far my Impression was that dr H is very knowledgeable and I’m hoping the result will be a positive response from the Faa regarding a special issuance.
#9

Just curious, are you talking mostly about delays in getting applications filed with the faa or that results are subpar vs what amas might be able to get? I found leftseat to be short staffed and thus taking longer than expected in getting everything in order. However so far my Impression was that dr H is very knowledgeable and I’m hoping the result will be a positive response from the Faa regarding a special issuance.
#10
Line Holder
Joined APC: Sep 2015
Position: B-767 Captain
Posts: 82

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.
-- Dr. Chuck Tedder (ALPA AMAS Medical) (303) 341-4435 (leave a voicemail IF no answer)
-- FAA Special Issuance Medicals (405) 954-4821, dial 1
Good luck! Be very persistent and be somewhat patient. Talk nicely. It'll get you further as frustrating as this process can be! Been there done that!
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