Hypothyroidism?
 

Will this condition hinder my chances to get a first class medical? I am taking medication for it. Other than that I am good shape.

No. Infact i know a dozen female captains at united with the same condition. This is very common among women then men and you should not have any problem getting your 1st class.
Good luck:D

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in Oct 2007. The military had me med-down for 6 months while I started my medication and got back on track. Since that time, I've gotten a 3rd class medical from the FAA and been checked 3 times through the military including my annual flight physical (which I hear the short form is still most inclusive than a 1st Class). So far so good - but I have of course worried about a 1st Class medicial too. Thanks for the good information.

USMCFLYR

I found this topic interesting as I have hypothyroidism. I also got a nice letter in the mail from the FAA saying that I "did not qualify for a 1st class under part 67. (scared the crap out of me) Then the next line said that I did qualify under part 67 for a special issuance and the letter they sent had a new medical and a 6 year authorization for special issuance 1st class medical.....I'm still kinda bugged that I have to have a special issuance over taking synthroid.

I've had hypothyroidism for about 15 years now... Never once had a special issuance medical. I've been taking synthroid the entire time..

There's some useful info here: http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...ypothyroidism/

The current FAA Aviation Medical Examiner's Guide seems to suggest, however, that it's possible to avoid the special issuance process if the applicant presents evidence of normal thyroid levels via a report of lab results:

Update:

I got my 1st class medical in November. I presented the AME with all of the paperwork from the military, complete with lab results over a period of time. I had not trouble getting my medical. In future applications I was told to write "condition previously cleared by the FAA" and there shouldn't be a problem.

USMCFLYR

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?

sulkair -

As you read before - I dealt with this in the military - so MAYBE the FAA would be different, I'm sure someone will be able to lead you to the right answer there. But yes - I had to wait 6 weeks after every change to my medication to show that I was stable until I could get my waiver. I was told that it took 6 weeks of the meds to take effect fully - and you have to be free of all effects. I was down for 6 months - so if you are only donw for 6 weeks - then be very happy!
SI UNTIL your tests come back. I doubt it - but then again I'm not an AME - so good luck if you can get that.

USMCFLYR

Ask doctor Forred on jetcareers.com, He is a flight surgeon on the site to answer all your questions. Great guy and same day solution.
Good luck