Pilots lying on Medical Certificate application

[rumpletumbler]

I've been reading a lot of stuff as I'm about to go get a medical again. I haven't had one in a while. Anyhow...as I've said before I'm taking something that needs to be reported and so I have to go through that process. I saw a poll somewhere (Landings or Avweb) I think but I can't find it right now that said that 33% of pilots take medication that the FAA is unaware of. So roughly 3 in 10 lie on their application. I have also been inundated with people advising me to lie who I otherwise thought were people of integrity. It's none of their business etc...thats stupid that you can't take that.....is the most common response I get. I also realize that the only way they are going to find out about it is if I tell them. So other than throwing your integrity to the wind (something I won't do) whats the point? I'm not talking about something that effects your ability/performance as a pilot or that would jeopardize safety but something that is genuinely stupid to disallow. I've given my opinion and I'm curious as to the opinions of others on this board.

 

[pilotman2105]

I'm not talking about something that effects your ability/performance as a pilot or that would jeopardize safety but something that is genuinely stupid to disallow.

Could you give an example of this? A majority of drugs have unseen side effects that many people don't think about, which would/could lead to them being "disallowed" by the FAA. Another reason is that the drugs treat a disease/disorder/problem that is not legal to fly with (ie: psychosis, Alzheimer's, etc.). They figure that if you're taking the drug for x disease, then you must have x disease. If you have x disease, then you can't fly.

In short, it seems to be a balance between the condition that is being treated and the medication that you are taking. From the AOPA website:

FAR 61.53 prohibits a person from acting as pilot in command or as a required pilot flight crew member while that person (1) "knows or has reason to know of any medical condition that would make the person unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation"; or, (2) "Is taking medication or receiving other treatment for a medical condition that results in the person being unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation."

I'd be surprised if there was something on the FAA "banned medication list" that "is genuinely stupid to disallow," for every pilot in the nation.

The call as to whether or not you're safe to fly with a certain medication is a joint decision between you and your AME. Between the two of you, you'll have to consider your condition, the medication, and any adverse influence it may have on flying.

An article to read if your an AOPA member:

http://www.aopa.org/members/files/pilot/1993/otc9305.html

 

[rumpletumbler]

I'm sorry...I didn't mean to limit it to disallow. Lets say you have hypothyroid....I do so I'm well versed in it. Basically my thyroid doesn't work anymore...it just sits there and takes up space. So I tell the FAA (which I will do) and then I submit paperwork that says that my thyroid hormone levels are fine....blah....blah...blah. I say...."I take synthroid." A few months pass....tap...tap...tap and I get my medical. So other than me just being honest what in the hell was the point?

 

[Lead Sled]

Lets say you have hypothyroid....I do so I'm well versed in it. Basically my thyroid doesn't work anymore...it just sits there and takes up space. So I tell the FAA (which I will do) and then I submit paperwork that says that my thyroid hormone levels are fine....blah....blah...blah. I say...."I take synthroid." A few months pass....tap...tap...tap and I get my medical. So other than me just being honest what in the hell was the point?

I'm taking Lexovyl for my thyroid. I've never skipped a beat when it comes to my medical, but I do have to submit to a blood test every year or so to verify that my levels are OK. My flight doc issues the physical on the spot and the FAA gets around to telling me that I'm OK. It's no big deal. What ever you do, don't get the idea that you're not going to tell them about medication that you've all ready reported. If you have any questions about getting or keeping a medical, these guys come highly recommended: www.leftseat.com

Lead Sled

 

[pilotman2105]

So other than me just being honest what in the hell was the point?

Reason 1 - There is a fairly massive penalty for lying on federal forms.

Reason 2 - Not getting caught in a lie if the FAA decides to look into your medical history.

Reason 3 - Other than Reason 1 and Reason 2, I can't think of anything else unless you bring morals into this. It's the same reason as why you wouldn't cheat on the knowledge tests. You can cheat extremely easily. But most people don't do it so as to avoid the hassle/penalites later down the line. Same thing with the medical. You can do it, but the problems you run into are pretty substantial, as mentioned in Reason 1 and 2.

 

[A Squared]

Rumpletumbler,

I understand your quandry. It seems a liitle white lie, which would be very unlikely to be caught would make your world go much smoother, and still end up with the same result.

While you're sitting there trying to decide whether to roll the dice or not, make sure you understand what the stakes are: The FAA takes a very dim view if falsification and in all cases where falsification is charged, the FAA moves for *revocation* of all certificates. That includes falsification if a medical application, which is actually one of the more common falsification cases in the NTSB dockets. Remember, revocation is where they take thm away, and they don't give them back. If you want to be a pilot again, you have to start all over, if they let you.

For me personally, it would be worth going through the red tape, hassle and wait for it to go through OK city, then for the rest of your carrer, on every medical application you can just put "previously reported, no change" without worrying if this is hte time they are going to catch you.

 

[FN FAL]

Reason 3 - Other than Reason 1 and Reason 2, I can't think of anything else unless you bring morals into this. It's the same reason as why you wouldn't cheat on the knowledge tests. You can cheat extremely easily. But most people don't do it so as to avoid the hassle/penalites later down the line. Same thing with the medical. You can do it, but the problems you run into are pretty substantial, as mentioned in Reason 1 and 2.

Uhhhh, yea...there is a three.

If you are being autopsied and they find out that you lied on your medical and that you are taking something that would disqualify you or put you under special medical scruitiny, it could place a different light on your families financial future if you are in an accident that kills or seriously injures others.

That light will be the liability light. You will have proven that some negligence occured on your part. So if the accident you are involved in isn't your fault, but you lied on your medical and they can prove it...your estate may be more up for grabs than you know.

 

[chperplt]

I've had hypothyroidism for over 10 years. When you report it the first time, bring lab results with you that are less than 30 days old. The doctor will issue you a medical on the spot. Every renewal, simply put previously reported and you'll be fine.

I've never had a problem getting a 1st class while taking Synthroid or Levothyroxin.

Relax and go get your medical!

 

[pilotman2105]

Uhhhh, yea...there is a three.

Sorry. Forgot about the greedy trial lawyers that want their cut of everyone else's mistakes.