Get into flying sailplanes- no medical required- you just self certify that you're good to go every time you fly.
-
Please take a moment and update your account profile. If you have an updated account profile with basic information on why you are on Air Warriors it will help other people respond to your posts. How do you update your profile you ask?
Go here:
Edit Account Details and Profile
The Doctor is in! Ask a Flight Surgeon!
- Thread starter FlightMD
- Start date
Get into flying sailplanes- no medical required- you just self certify that you're good to go every time you fly.
Not sure that would get me and my golf clubs to my intended destination with the requisite level of accuracy. But thanks...
3 in the green
3intheGreen
Question for a Doc:
I am a SNA Pro Rec, waiting to screen Medical at MEPS inorder to receive a final select. I was prior service, did a tour in Iraq, and upon return was awarded 20% disability from the VA. 10% for Tinnitus, (The Social Worker asked me if after any of the IED Explosions did my ears ever ring, even for short while, of coarse they did it was an explosion) however I have not had any recurring problems at all. Ears haven't had any ringing since those IED's in 2008. I currently hold an FAA 1st class medical certificate, no restrictions, and American Eagle Airlines gave me a hearing test in OCT when I was hired so I know my hearing is fine. The other 10% was for a varicoele that was removed via out patient same day surgery. My ears are fine, my varicocele is gone, however the VA is still sending me the cash. What will it take to get past a flight physical? Will either of these items be a show stopper? I am happy to call the VA and get the disability to stop ASAP if that makes or brakes passing a flight physical. I appreciate the help!
I am a SNA Pro Rec, waiting to screen Medical at MEPS inorder to receive a final select. I was prior service, did a tour in Iraq, and upon return was awarded 20% disability from the VA. 10% for Tinnitus, (The Social Worker asked me if after any of the IED Explosions did my ears ever ring, even for short while, of coarse they did it was an explosion) however I have not had any recurring problems at all. Ears haven't had any ringing since those IED's in 2008. I currently hold an FAA 1st class medical certificate, no restrictions, and American Eagle Airlines gave me a hearing test in OCT when I was hired so I know my hearing is fine. The other 10% was for a varicoele that was removed via out patient same day surgery. My ears are fine, my varicocele is gone, however the VA is still sending me the cash. What will it take to get past a flight physical? Will either of these items be a show stopper? I am happy to call the VA and get the disability to stop ASAP if that makes or brakes passing a flight physical. I appreciate the help!
jcj
Registered User
I'm not FEDDOC or an AME, but I'm a physician (general surgeon) and a civilian pilot & I've had lots of FAA medicals. FAA medicals are less rigorous than military equivalents - Where the military is concerned with longevity over a potential military career, military duties, deployability, etc the FAA physical really is only concerned with making sure you don't have something that has a "greater than the general public" risk of sudden incapacitation while flying. The running joke is that if you can get into the AME's office under your own power you can leave with a Class 3 medical - that's not really true but many things that are problems in the military aren't problems for the FAA for civilian flying. Examples - controlled hypertension, diabetes (most cases), vision (if correctable to 20/40 for 3rd class) even lots of serious stuff (heart attacks) after a suitable waiting period and reevaluation with good results. The absolute deal-killers for the FAA include things like seizures, unexplained loss of consciousness, certain very serious abnormal heart rhythms, angina pectoris and serious psychiatric disorders. Although there is a demonstration project in process, use of antidepressants is generally disqualifying regardless of the reason prescribed (so disqualifying even if prescribed for smoking cessation, weight loss)
Membership in AOPA is well worth the membership just for access to their aeromedical information & consult services. It's probably the best information you can get without engaging a serious high $ consult service on your behalf. Another option is go to a doc who you know is an AME for an office visit/annual physical (not a flight physical) and just ask "I'm thinking about some civilian flying, if this was an FAA physical would I have been OK?" Most docs won't mind at all answering that question, if he/she does you should get another doctor.
Many of us like to keep our AME for FAA medical exams and our personal physician as separate docs so we can talk frankly with our doc about potential problems before we go the AME.
exNavyOffRec
Well-Known Member
In general if you are getting 20% or less getting a waiver isn't a problem, this is strictly from what NRC has said and done in the past.
Just wanted to follow up on this in case someone finds it in a search later regarding post surgery haze. I'm at OCS (commissioning Friday) and I am happy to say that my NAMI letter arrived last week. Now I realize this isnt the end of the road for me, but at least I wasn't NPQd from Newport.
It's also worth mentioning that while here I was called back in for an extra blood pull, 2 blood pressure screenings (even though every time my BP was spot on), as well as a 2 hour eye exam which included tests you've never even heard of. Despite that, my letter came in before many of the other SNAs with perfect histories and never called back in. Theirs are still coming obviously but its funny how it works - so if you're a wannabe or FS waiting for OCS, don't get too worried.
Thanks again Doc for answering my questions!
futureflyr
Member
Is varicocele disqualifying for flight school?
As long as you wear an oxygen mask and don't sneeze. You should be fine.
futureflyr
Member
This one isn't supposed to be a stupid question...
Joseph Kirksey
jkirk9009
Question for a doc:
I am ProRec SNA, went to MEPs everything checked out fine but my blood pressure was a little high there. Never having high blood pressure before and due to the fact of nerves or what not they sent me to go to my doctor to have my blood pressure checked two days in a row. After doing this all my bp readings were normal and within standards also including my resting heart rate. I got word from my processor now that they want an EKG done to help process waiver consideration. I am confused as to why they want an EKG with my normal blood pressure at my doctor, is this normal just do double check things? Please let me know.
Thank you
I am ProRec SNA, went to MEPs everything checked out fine but my blood pressure was a little high there. Never having high blood pressure before and due to the fact of nerves or what not they sent me to go to my doctor to have my blood pressure checked two days in a row. After doing this all my bp readings were normal and within standards also including my resting heart rate. I got word from my processor now that they want an EKG done to help process waiver consideration. I am confused as to why they want an EKG with my normal blood pressure at my doctor, is this normal just do double check things? Please let me know.
Thank you
Zachary Roecker
Member
Another question for a doc:
Hi, I am a pro-rec SNA/NFO from the April board and also failed the MEPS depth perception. I recently visited my civilian optometrist and was given the stereofly test, of which I passed with 9/9 on the dot test, which they told me met the 40 seconds of arc minimum required by NAMI waiver guide. However, my OR sent the results to NRC and called me today claiming they said I was still NPQ'd for SNA based solely on depth perception, and would not consider any alternative tests as I was permanently disqualified. From what I've been reading on these forums, several applicants have had this same issue, received further testing from specialized eye doctors, and been given the green light for OCS under a SNA billet. I was curious as to why I would be disqualified after re-testing with a perfect score, and if anyone had any insight towards this issue. My technical exam stats are as follows: Right eye: SPH -0.50 CYL -0.25 Left eye: SPH pl CYL -0.25. Dva in both eyes is 20/20 uncorrected. Thanks in advance, it is much appreciated.
Hi, I am a pro-rec SNA/NFO from the April board and also failed the MEPS depth perception. I recently visited my civilian optometrist and was given the stereofly test, of which I passed with 9/9 on the dot test, which they told me met the 40 seconds of arc minimum required by NAMI waiver guide. However, my OR sent the results to NRC and called me today claiming they said I was still NPQ'd for SNA based solely on depth perception, and would not consider any alternative tests as I was permanently disqualified. From what I've been reading on these forums, several applicants have had this same issue, received further testing from specialized eye doctors, and been given the green light for OCS under a SNA billet. I was curious as to why I would be disqualified after re-testing with a perfect score, and if anyone had any insight towards this issue. My technical exam stats are as follows: Right eye: SPH -0.50 CYL -0.25 Left eye: SPH pl CYL -0.25. Dva in both eyes is 20/20 uncorrected. Thanks in advance, it is much appreciated.
Kirk G
Benson115
Hey guys, I'm new but I have a crap ton of questions. I'm trying to enlist right now, but a long time ago I was diagnosed with ADHD -_-. Got off my meds in 2009 to do NROTC, and have been since then pursuing a degree in Mech Engineering. I want to fly for the navy, and so I'm trying to enlist and hopefully pick up Sta-21. I want AW, and for some reason they said that AIRR was DQ'd for me because I was diagnosed with ADHD. So two things, one would AW be DQ'd as well, my recruiter doesnt seem to know. And two, would being diagnosed with ADHD prevent me from picking up a pilot contract? Thanks
ProjectAsics578
New Member
Question for a doctor:
Can having external prolapsed hemorrhoids cause you to fail the medical exam for becoming a pilot? Should I get them taken care before I start the application process or is it ok to go to MEPS and not have to worry? They really don't bother me unless I am passing some hard stools. And then sometimes there is a little blood. Not a lot. Just a smattering on the toilet paper. They don't bother me when sitting for long times. I would just like a doctors personal opinion on what should be done. Thank you.
Can having external prolapsed hemorrhoids cause you to fail the medical exam for becoming a pilot? Should I get them taken care before I start the application process or is it ok to go to MEPS and not have to worry? They really don't bother me unless I am passing some hard stools. And then sometimes there is a little blood. Not a lot. Just a smattering on the toilet paper. They don't bother me when sitting for long times. I would just like a doctors personal opinion on what should be done. Thank you.
