Special issuance medical timeline?
#31
New Hire
Joined APC: Feb 2017
Position: F-18 A-F pilot
Posts: 1
First time poster and new to the site, so will try and be brief.
Currently flying in the Navy. Had malignant melanoma in situ (just on the surface) diagnosed in 05. Everything was removed and I received a waiver from the Navy with yearly Derm appointments for check ups. No other issues since then, but I do have a waiver and I'm sure it will be on my retirement VA paperwork. How much of an issue will this be for trying to get hired by one of the majors? And how much of a pain is it to deal with for the FAA?
Thanks in advance for the help.
Currently flying in the Navy. Had malignant melanoma in situ (just on the surface) diagnosed in 05. Everything was removed and I received a waiver from the Navy with yearly Derm appointments for check ups. No other issues since then, but I do have a waiver and I'm sure it will be on my retirement VA paperwork. How much of an issue will this be for trying to get hired by one of the majors? And how much of a pain is it to deal with for the FAA?
Thanks in advance for the help.
#33
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2013
Posts: 840
As the previous poster stated, the airlines simply require a Class I medical. The special issuance part does not and should not be an issue for you if one is issued.
Here is some information on the subject:
https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-...ancer/melanoma
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org...sses/melanoma/
Here is some information on the subject:
https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-...ancer/melanoma
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org...sses/melanoma/
#34
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Sitting down and facing front. Why would you want to know that?
Posts: 536
I sent all my stuff in on April 7th, and it has been under review since a few days after that. I have a scheduled start date at an airline on May 26th, I've been keeping them in the loop as to when things are happening, but now I'm in that period of a few days to many months where I have no idea what is happening. Would AMAS be able to quicken things along, or are they just able to help a little with status? They have it on my file that I need it for a start date, but I doubt that will do anything to get it moving faster. I just want to make sure I'm doing anything in my power to get it through as fast as possible. It's killing me to watch my seniority tick away waiting for this piece of paper.
#35
What did your AME say, he should have some idea of the timeframe.
This sort of thing might take north of six months, so you might need to talk to an aviation medical consultant. AMAS has a good reputation, not sure if they can expedite but they would certainly have an idea as to timeframe, and also know the right people to prod.
I'd get right on it, whatever they charge is a pittance compared to many months off the top end of your career (or losing the job altogether).
This sort of thing might take north of six months, so you might need to talk to an aviation medical consultant. AMAS has a good reputation, not sure if they can expedite but they would certainly have an idea as to timeframe, and also know the right people to prod.
I'd get right on it, whatever they charge is a pittance compared to many months off the top end of your career (or losing the job altogether).
#36
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2013
Posts: 840
I would suggest that you call OKC-CAMI (405-954-4821) and be sure to mention that you are a "revenue airman." They can give you a general idea but probably will not give you specifics other than telling you "under review."
If you are required to have your medical "in hand" when you start ground school as I suspect it's probably going to be a bit tight.
My Class I special issuance took approximately 90 days from submission of all reports that were required. If the case is not too complicated the hope is that it can get done sooner.
All the best. The wait is the worst part, for sure. The FAA does things at their own pace. Submitting what they want exactly as per their protocol is crucial.
If you are required to have your medical "in hand" when you start ground school as I suspect it's probably going to be a bit tight.
My Class I special issuance took approximately 90 days from submission of all reports that were required. If the case is not too complicated the hope is that it can get done sooner.
All the best. The wait is the worst part, for sure. The FAA does things at their own pace. Submitting what they want exactly as per their protocol is crucial.
#37
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Sitting down and facing front. Why would you want to know that?
Posts: 536
I sent all my stuff in on April 7th, and it has been under review since a few days after that. I have a scheduled start date at an airline on May 26th, I've been keeping them in the loop as to when things are happening, but now I'm in that period of a few days to many months where I have no idea what is happening. Would AMAS be able to quicken things along, or are they just able to help a little with status? They have it on my file that I need it for a start date, but I doubt that will do anything to get it moving faster. I just want to make sure I'm doing anything in my power to get it through as fast as possible. It's killing me to watch my seniority tick away waiting for this piece of paper.
I've been calling about once a week, and they recommend that I continue doing the same. They have been telling me "in process" and "any day now" for about two months. They said that it went to DC on May 1st (so it got through local review quickly). This also means it has been in DC for over 3 months now. This is for a fairly simple issue.
Anyone else have any recent timelines to report? How long is DC taking on average?
#38
Update on my SI.
I've been calling about once a week, and they recommend that I continue doing the same. They have been telling me "in process" and "any day now" for about two months. They said that it went to DC on May 1st (so it got through local review quickly). This also means it has been in DC for over 3 months now. This is for a fairly simple issue.
Anyone else have any recent timelines to report? How long is DC taking on average?
I've been calling about once a week, and they recommend that I continue doing the same. They have been telling me "in process" and "any day now" for about two months. They said that it went to DC on May 1st (so it got through local review quickly). This also means it has been in DC for over 3 months now. This is for a fairly simple issue.
Anyone else have any recent timelines to report? How long is DC taking on average?
You don't want to know how long it me and I still got denied! I did everything that I was directed to do and acted on all suggestions.
atp
#39
Update on my SI.
I've been calling about once a week, and they recommend that I continue doing the same. They have been telling me "in process" and "any day now" for about two months. They said that it went to DC on May 1st (so it got through local review quickly). This also means it has been in DC for over 3 months now. This is for a fairly simple issue.
Anyone else have any recent timelines to report? How long is DC taking on average?
I've been calling about once a week, and they recommend that I continue doing the same. They have been telling me "in process" and "any day now" for about two months. They said that it went to DC on May 1st (so it got through local review quickly). This also means it has been in DC for over 3 months now. This is for a fairly simple issue.
Anyone else have any recent timelines to report? How long is DC taking on average?
From the time of initial submission to approval for special issuance was just under a year. But, I was also proving I was misdiagnosed with a heart condition I don't have. A big part of the problem is I am healthy. Proving such appears to be a bigger challenge than having a problem which can be corrected via medication or surgery.
#40
Update on my SI.
I've been calling about once a week, and they recommend that I continue doing the same. They have been telling me "in process" and "any day now" for about two months. They said that it went to DC on May 1st (so it got through local review quickly). This also means it has been in DC for over 3 months now. This is for a fairly simple issue.
Anyone else have any recent timelines to report? How long is DC taking on average?
I've been calling about once a week, and they recommend that I continue doing the same. They have been telling me "in process" and "any day now" for about two months. They said that it went to DC on May 1st (so it got through local review quickly). This also means it has been in DC for over 3 months now. This is for a fairly simple issue.
Anyone else have any recent timelines to report? How long is DC taking on average?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post