Go Back  Airline Pilot Central Forums > Pilot Lounge > Pilot Health
Medical Denial and Waiver & Jobs at Major >

Medical Denial and Waiver & Jobs at Major

Notices
Pilot Health FAA medical; health topics

Medical Denial and Waiver & Jobs at Major

Old 09-17-2015, 02:38 PM
  #1  
New Hire
Thread Starter
 
Joined APC: Sep 2015
Posts: 2
Default Medical Denial and Waiver & Jobs at Major

Hi. Regional FO here with around 4k right seat time in an E145. I had my medical denied 2 years ago and I've been on a medical leave for the past 2.5 years.

I am hoping to have a special issuance in the next 6 months or so and want to move on to a major ASAP once I return if possible. I don't expect this to be a problem in the future in terms of keeping a 1st class medical, but I've heard rumblings that a denied medical and/or special issuance can cause trouble getting on at a major.

My record is totally clean otherwise. No check ride busts, no disciplinary action, master's degree in an unrelated field, extracurriculars and volunteer work, no traffic tickets, no DUIs etc. I think I would check all the boxes otherwise.

Does anyone have actual experience with medicals and the majors? I know they have to publicly say this isn't disqualifying, but I'm looking for a reality check. Is this going to be a problem? FWIW UAL would be my top choice but of course I'm open to possibilities.

Thanks
sinclair21 is offline  
Old 09-18-2015, 04:34 AM
  #2  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Position: JAFO- First Observer
Posts: 997
Default

Your situation is not that unique. Many have been in your shoes. Check out the Pilot Health section on this forum. If you are able to successfully go through the process and get a Special Issuance First Class and/or SODA, you will be eligible for any major airline. I know several pilots that have been through this and are flying for a major. One guy I know only has one eye! If not already doing so, ALPA ( if applicable) can be a great resource for you.

It will all work out...
PerfInit is offline  
Old 09-18-2015, 06:18 AM
  #3  
Prime Minister/Moderator
 
rickair7777's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,097
Default

Originally Posted by PerfInit View Post
Your situation is not that unique. Many have been in your shoes. Check out the Pilot Health section on this forum. If you are able to successfully go through the process and get a Special Issuance First Class and/or SODA, you will be eligible for any major airline. I know several pilots that have been through this and are flying for a major. One guy I know only has one eye! If not already doing so, ALPA ( if applicable) can be a great resource for you.

It will all work out...
Today, you might be correct.

In the past many airlines had a policy of not hiring folks with an SI (SODA's were more acceptable), and their medical standards were much higher than the FAA's (body-fat, cholesterol, no history of serious illness/injury, etc). But due to lawsuits and changes in public opinion about privacy, the trend has been for airlines to get less invasive about your medical status, most just require a 1C although several will give an exam to verify that you meet 1C standards.
rickair7777 is offline  
Old 09-18-2015, 06:28 AM
  #4  
Gets Weekends Off
 
lbfowlerjrmd's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Sep 2011
Position: faa sr. medical examiner (HIMS)
Posts: 216
Default

i do not see the reason you lost your medical? Most 'issues' can be resolved thru your ame and if necessary a HIMS-ame
lbfowlerjrmd is offline  
Old 09-18-2015, 07:11 AM
  #5  
New Hire
Thread Starter
 
Joined APC: Sep 2015
Posts: 2
Default Out for depression

Originally Posted by lbfowlerjrmd View Post
i do not see the reason you lost your medical? Most 'issues' can be resolved thru your ame and if necessary a HIMS-ame
I am out due to self reported depression. Never been treated before for it and it was triggered due to a difficult life situation. I was forced to apply for a medical (and get denied) because ALPA LTD insurance won't pay out certain parts of the benefit without a medical denial. If I had my way I wouldn't have even applied until I knew I was good to go.

UAL asks why you lost your medical on the app. Not sure about others. I have read on a lot of boards this kind of thing isn't a big deal anymore, but I would love to hear a few first person accounts of people who were denied, got their medical back, and were subsequently hired at a major.

I appreciate the help.
sinclair21 is offline  
Old 11-05-2015, 08:33 AM
  #6  
Gets Weekends Off
 
atpwannabe's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Math Teacher
Posts: 2,273
Default

Although self diagnosis is really not the way to go, I applaud you for your honesty. However, the FAA may believe that there is something else that may have precipitated the depression. A hidden factor if you will. IMO, self diagnosis as oppose to clinical diagnosis can be two-edged sword.

At any rate, hope things go in your favor. All the best.



atp
atpwannabe is offline  
Old 11-05-2015, 02:31 PM
  #7  
Gets Weekends Off
 
lbfowlerjrmd's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Sep 2011
Position: faa sr. medical examiner (HIMS)
Posts: 216
Default

apply, ck depression, and your ame will defer to faa. they will want a psychiatric eval ... hopefully that will be it.
lbfowlerjrmd is offline  
Old 11-09-2015, 07:38 AM
  #8  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,316
Default

Does a SODA need to be disclosed on an application and/or interview or is that pretty much just to show to your AME for the exam?
Xtreme87 is offline  
Old 11-09-2015, 11:42 AM
  #9  
Gets Weekends Off
 
lbfowlerjrmd's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Sep 2011
Position: faa sr. medical examiner (HIMS)
Posts: 216
Default

stmt of demonstrated ability ... rare birds now (being replaced by Spec Issuances). yes need to be disclosed.
lbfowlerjrmd is offline  
Old 11-10-2015, 09:23 AM
  #10  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Jun 2010
Posts: 131
Default

No traffic tickets. How did you do that?
Spin is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Your Privacy Choices