First Class Medical Question
 

Hey Guys,
I have a issue that I am dealing with and hope you can help. Currently I'm out of flying due to a OJI. I have not flown for a couple months plus I'm not getting any better. I have been suggested by my doctor to have a steroid injection to get through some of the pain...but he is not sure that it will last. My case manager thinks maybe that I should get the steroid...but they don't seem to understand the aviation field. I'm thinking if I get the steroid and go fly...start hurting again and bend metal...there goes my liscense and my company will do nothing to fight for me. They also suggested that I go talk to an AME and see what they think about me passing a medical exam. I'm scared if I go...that exam will go on my record and I will have a denial of medical and have to work that much harder every year. I know I can't pass...I have to use a cane to walk around. Should I stick my guns and know from my training that I must be 100% to operate an aircraft safely? If feel I'm right...but I would like to hear it from other pilots like myself...

Also...is a steroid a legal drug that we can take and operate under 121? The steroid is an injection, not oral...I don't know if that matters. Thanks in advance everyone...

Aviation Medicine Advisory Service -- FAA Medical Expertise -- Our Physicians...Your Solution!


Formerly Virtual Flight Surgeons.

What is your company policy regarding work injuries?

Have you talked to ALPA medical, or whatever union your pilot group subscribes to?

They may have some good background on the recommended treatments as well as what you (could/should/may) do based on your injury and the company's role in you getting injured.

Two good resources...ALPA and AMAS.

ALPA resources can be found online or simply call your local Alpa office and ask for some vectors. I was out 2x in my first 7 years at FedEx for back operations and the resources were very helpful for me personally.

Doc "KY" Parker at AMAS is a great guy--former F15 flight surgeon and a good resource for the pilot. Call him--get help--and tell him I said "hi".

You can't fail an exam if you never fill out the medical paperwork with an AME. Don't forget..they're just Dr's. They can give you advice, and even a "physical" and not record it..and let you know if you'd pass or not. They deal with this stuff a lot and know the deal. My advice is to call your AME and make an appointment to speak with them, NOT for a medical.

This is not true. As an AME, they are required to report any medical problems to the FAA, whether you want them to or not. For example, if your personal physician is also the same person from whom you get your FAA medical, if you go for a routine exam and something is found, your physician must report it to the FAA, whether or not you were there for an FAA medical.

I have contacted ALPA...so they are starting to get to work on somethings for me. I have typical work injuries policies...if your are hurt...you don't fly...pretty simple.

So now I have 2 conflicting answers as far as the AME reporting information to the FAA...I'm trying to find a regulation or something but no luck...if any can point me in the right direction...that would be great...

I will contact AMAS tomorrow first thing...thank you to all that recommended them to me. I had never heard of them.

Maybe AMAS will have the answer to my question...if they do...I will post it on here as soon as I get it.

Again thank APF's...I like it when we actually don't argue about things and actually help each other out ;-)

On a short term basis, the FAA allows use of corticosteroids at a total dose of 20 mg or less of prednisone per day provided there are no side effects. Initial treatment with steroid dose packs, at a total daily dose of greater than 20 mg is not allowed for flight duty use. Chronic steroid use is authorized on a case-by-case basis. As mentioned above, the underlying condition being treated by steroids is the key issue with the FAA. A wide variety of medical problems are treated with steroids. Conditions such as poison ivy are not aeromedically significant, whereas conditions treated with steroids such as multiple sclerosis or asthma would restrict the pilot from flying until waived by the FAA.

Injections of steroids for non-disqualifying conditions, such as joint or back discomfort which does not limit function, is disqualifying for 24 hours following the injection. The pilot may then return to flight duties and report the physician visit on the next medical application.

Anabolic steroids (muscle building compounds) have significant side effects and are only used legally for very specific medical conditions. Use for these conditions may be waivered by the FAA after an observation period and reporting to the FAA. Use without a prescription is illegal and will not be approved by the FAA for pilots.

I was wondering more about your company's OJI policy. Are you getting your full workers comp/disability? If this is a documented work injury the company should be in your corner to get you mended and back to work. If your company refuses to play ball, maybe you need to talk to ALPA medical, ALPA legal, and then get an attorney.

It is simple. Do not apply for a new medical until the issue is cleared up and a AME that knows what they are doing thinks you are ready to fly. That way when you fill out the medical application, you do not get a denial from the application, will put the incident down on you visits to the doctor and go on from there.

Unless there is a major issue, I would just not fly until the problem get better. If you need a steroid injection get the approval, but do not fly on it. Once the back issue is fixed reapply for a medical and return to work.