Bad situation

[Medicryan]

Well here is the scoop guys. I made a potentially career ending mistake. I failed to disclose a medical condition I had when I was about 12 on my medicals the last couple years out of fear that I would be denied my medical. It was very stupid and if I had done my research andI would have found out that I could have gotten a medical without any problems if I said something in the beginning. I have decided that I have to face the music and disclose everything when I go for my next medical. Now, I expect this to be a very long process to get my medical back if I even can. Here is the question, if I am able to get my medical back, what are my chances of getting hired at a regional with this history? On an airline application, is there a question that asks if you have ever falsified a government document? I am scared to death that this is a career ending mistake before I even start the career. Any advice or insight will be greatly appreciated.

Ryan

 

[ACL65PILOT]

Alcoholics to it all of the time. I would not necessarily worry about it. The FAA is used to it. I would talk to your AME before you do the paperwork if you are concerned about it. I am sure that he will have some good advice for you.
There are only a few things that are career enders.

 

[Jmoney]

12?

Do you think it will really show up? Is it anything that serious? I would probably forget about it unless it is something like genital warts (just ask General Lee about that one.)

-No Worries!

 

[LowlyPropCapt]

Hold on...

Did the FAA contact you regarding your previous condition?

If not, you aren't in trouble yet. Don't go filling out forms all willy nilly as a salve for your conscience. I am no advocating lying further, but before you do anything talk to an attorney experience in aviation medical matters.

 

[Microclimates]

Better sooner than later. A friend of mine got in trouble for something somewhat similar, paperwork related. But the kicker was that it was considered a big deal because he was an ATP. To qualify for an ATP, the FAA says, you have to be of 'good moral charcter'. Unbelievably, the fSDO held him to it and revoked his stuff. Had he been a commercial cert, they said, they wouldn't have gone after him.
go figure.

 

[9rj9]

Stop... the FAA medical is a rubber stamp... if it ever comes up just say I was 12 and forgot. Or you could be a typical airline dork and pretend the 1st class medical means something.

Admit nothing, deny everything, and make counter accusations...

 

[Medicryan]

Well here's what I am worried about, if I have an accident 10 years from now and this comes up when they supeana (sp) my medical records, I do not want to go to jail. I could keep hiding it and everything will be fine, but I would rather fess up rather than get caught.

 

[N1VIBS]

12 years old? I wouldn't worry about it. If it ever comes up, just tell them you forgot. How many of us really remember what happened when we were 12 (unless it was something REALLY serious).

 

[vectorvictor]

Well here's what I am worried about, if I have an accident 10 years from now and this comes up when they supeana (sp) my medical records, I do not want to go to jail. I could keep hiding it and everything will be fine, but I would rather fess up rather than get caught.

I'm not a big advocate of lying so I know where you are coming from. I would talk to a good AME using a bunch of words like "what if" or "for instance" and see what he or she says. (I'm not a doctor so I don't know how serious it is.) If you are a member of the AOPA, their medical service would be a good anonymous way to start. Based on that reaction get yourself a good attorney and clear it up if you think you need to.

FYI....If your records are examined when you are 12 as part of an accident investigation by the NTSB you probably aren't going to be around to face your certificate action.

VV

 

[N1VIBS]

12 years old? I wouldn't worry about it. If it ever comes up, just tell them you forgot. How many of us really remember what happened when we were 12 (unless it was something REALLY serious).[/quote

Another thought. Tell the truth, but "add" a little to it. Something like "Doc, I was talking to my mother and she reminded me of a problem I had when I was 12. I had completely forgotten about it, but since Mom reminded me I thought I better tell you".