Special Issuance
 

I'm attempting to get a 1st class medical and the AME deferred my application to the FAA. I was diagnosed bipolar last year, but a neuropsychologist ran a battery of tests and refuted the diagnosis. I provided the neuropsych's evaluation to the AME.

Anyone have any guesses what the FAA will do? Anyone have any experience with this kindof thing?

If the FAA gives a special issuance, will I have any trouble getting hired with Delta or another major? I've got my ATP, CFI/CFII, some types and 2,850 turbine hours. Will the airline even know I have a special issuance?

Thanks for the help.

If the neuropsychologist has refuted the findings then you shouldn't have a problem. The FAA may want you to go to one of their doctors to confirm the findings. Also, you may want to touch base with AOPA's AME's as a backup.

Hang tough! I believe you'll be ok.


atp

i an fairly certain the FAA will rec you find a HIMS-AME to begin the process. It could take the better part of a year or more. If successful there should be no future discrimination ... a SI like this could last for 5 years and require close monitoring by the AME other doctors - FAA approved - and your future employers

Your condition is most likely being reviewed by the FAA Chief Psychiatrist in Washington, DC. If you are on medication for bipolar disease, that would be the most concerning factor in the FAA's consideration for Special Issuance. Special Issuance medicals are typically identified by a time limitation on the certificate, but they are only restricted by time, and they are very common.

minor correction but your application will not get to DC until the HIMS process is followed. You did not mention and i am not asking but if you are on meds for MDI (bipolar depression) you will not prevail in this endeavor. If you were on meds or never took any then it will depend on FAA psychiatry, psychology and neurocog testing. That will all go to DC.

Why would the HIMS process be used for this case? From what I learned online about the HIMS process, it is used for substance addictions. I don't drink or do drugs, so why would I be subject to it? Thanks for your insight, I really appreciate it.

HIMS is specific to commercial pilots and coordinates the identification, treatment and return to the cockpit of 'impaired' aviators. Now includes the treatment of depression with 4 approved meds. They may ask for you to simply see a FAA designated shrink ... but i still think it will be HIMS. Please let us know

Gotcha. I haven't heard from the FAA, but I'll keep you posted on what they do. In the meantime, if anyone out there has been through something similar, please let me know.

Yes, I have. However, my HIMS evaluations was conducted for alcohol & substance abuse. Although I was not medically certified, I discovered a lot about who "atpwannabe" really is. IMHO, the journey was worth its weight in gold and resonates more with me than the destination.

But...that's a horse of a different color. Back to addressing the topic of the thread. ;)

Yep! Just as Ibfowlerjrmd said that you may be required to go through the HIMS process. Be advised that the cost could range from as little as $1500-$3200. I'm going to assume that the assessments that will be administered in the HIMS evaluation for your particular issue vary due to the very nature of your "illness"; thus the range in cost. In addition, location may play a part as well. Ibfowlerjrmd can give you more information on that than I can.

Also as stated, your file is being reviewed in OKC. If a HIMS eval is required, then Dr C. C., Chief Psychiatrist for the FAA in Washington D.C. will review and make final decision.

All the best to you my friend! Blue skies.



atp