Deferred Class 3 Medical: Submitted all paperwork to AME, now what?

[Doug]

This is a follow up to my previous thread about my class 3 medical getting deferred for high BP, and a heart murmur. I won't get into the whole story again. But basically my BP is fine, it was just elevated during the medical exam. I have the tests to prove it and all that. I also got an echocardiography regarding the murmur which came back that the murmur is very slight, and not an issue, all heart functions are withing the "normal" operating zone.

That said I got all my paperwork together, and turned it into the AME (of course I made scans and photocopies of everything). Now what? Do I wait for the FAA to contact me? Do I contact them? How long does it usually take to get a response regarding my medical?

I know I should be asking the AME. But their office is barely ever open. When it is, people rarely answer the phone. They certainly never respond to voicemail that is left, and when you do get in contact with them, of course they "aren't sure" about any questions I ask.

Any advice, experiences, and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

-Doug

 

[five-alive]

You should get your certificate in the mail after the boys in OK City review your paperwork. With their backlog, it could be a few weeks though

 

[Lead Sled]

You should get your certificate in the mail after the boys in OK City review your paperwork. With their backlog, it could be a few weeks though

You'll either get your certificate in the mail or a letter letting you know what other information you need to provide them with. Now it's just a matter of waiting.

'Sled

 

[sopdan]

Call 'em up. 405-954-4821

They'll sit on it forever if you don't. I've been dealing with the process for two years now b/c of a bicuspid aortic valve. My last authorization let me get a medical that's good until October '05 (last went to AME in Sep. '04). At the end of January I still hadn't heard anything about the new application so I called the good people in OKC.

Surprise, surprise, they hadn't even touched it yet. However, after calling I got my letter less than a week later.

Once again:
405-954-4821 (you want the first option iirc)
Just tell them that you'd like to check on the status of your medical.

The first deferral will take the most time, I called at least once a week and it took about 3 months.

 

[Doug]

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely give them a call tomorrow. Thanks for the number.

 

[FlyLady]

Doug, if you are a member of AOPA, contact them. They helped me immensely dealing with the OKC med people last year. If you're not a member, I would recommend joining. First 6 months are free for student pilots.

 

[tinman]

I just had my 2nd class deferred last week. My AME said they Fed-Ex the info as opposed to reg. mail, because this usually saves 3-4 weeks in Ok. city. He also told me that a deferred medical can take 4-6 months to get back. After hearing this I called AOPA with my problem. They said 30 days after I've sent the paper work, to give them a call and they will start calling the FAA to start pushing it through. I was told they could possibly get it down to 60-90 days. I'll find out, as I send my stuff in tomorrow.

 

[FlyLady]

I just had my 2nd class deferred last week. My AME said they Fed-Ex the info as opposed to reg. mail, because this usually saves 3-4 weeks in Ok. city. He also told me that a deferred medical can take 4-6 months to get back. After hearing this I called AOPA with my problem. They said 30 days after I've sent the paper work, to give them a call and they will start calling the FAA to start pushing it through. I was told they could possibly get it down to 60-90 days. I'll find out, as I send my stuff in tomorrow.

AOPA helped my Special Issuance get through in a little over 60 days. It may have helped that after 30 days, I started calling the FAA myself, too. At least once or twice a week they heard from me. Got to know them on a first name basis....