What can cause you to fail a medical?

[JeremyAV8R]

What can cause you to lose, and or, fail a medical? I have a 1st class now. But, I hear a lot of guys talking about something happening, and failing the medical. Then what would you do? [Scenario] What do they mean? What can happen to cause you to fail one?

I'm a young aviator, who loves to fly, and I'm full off questions, so bear with me.

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[mckpickle]

2 ways to fail.

1. you are in dire medical straits and should not be flying.

2. you just went to the wrong doctor. I learned long ago never go to an AME who is NOT a pilot. Not only that but the non-pilots tend to give you the rubber glove treatment more

 

[RJlifer]

I'll second the opinion to NOT go to a non-pilot. As a energetic teen. I rode my mountain bike to my medical exam. This was my first visit to this particular AME. He was extremely thourough (sp?) and declared me to be in excellent health. Just waiting for the results of the "Wizz Quiz". He actually looked at a sample under a microscope and said he saw a few stray blood cells. (PERFECTLY NORMAL AFTER ANY TYPE OF STRENUOUS EXCERCISE) Anyways, he denied my medical and recommended immediate suspension of my previous medical "pending further examination"
Three months and MANY unpleasant procedures later, I finally proved I was healthy and unlikely to drop dead any time soon and had my medical returned to me. That was ten years ago and I've still gotta check that stupid box on the app every six months even though I've passed every one with flying colors.

 

[dispatchguy]

I third the never go to a non-pilot AME.

Mine is an ex Navy Flight Surgeon, in his office is a huge painting of a 2-ship of A-4 Skyhawks turning base to land on a flattop, and he has a wooden model of his Cherokee on his desk.

When I first went, we discovered together I'm Type II diabetic, but he worked with me and OKC to get me issued a 3rd Class (all I need for now).

I've been able to hold a 3rd class since May-01.

 

[ifly4food]

I'll go along with the previous statements too.

If you find one who's tough, even a perfectly healthy individual could have a hard time passing.
It's hard to find a good AME, and having a good one can make all the difference.
The best way it to ask around, especially among local airline pilots and see who they go to. They always know who's "easy". No professional pilot wants to jeapordize their livlihood with a picky AME. The ones with airline airplane models in the lobby are usually are a good choice.

Another tip is never change your application from year to year. A good AME will keep a copy from your last visit and give it to you when you fill in the new form. If you check a box previously unreported or mention a doctors visit, the computers automatically kick your application out for further review. I'm not saying to falsify your app, but let's just say don't report anything you don't have to. Also, the FAA has ruled you're not required to report previous FAA medical exams as a doctor visit (eliminating a potential "gotcha").

 

[Please Hire Me]

The requirements for an FAA medical are under Part 67. I don't have my FARs with me, so I can't be too much more specific.

Edited to add that I'm a moron and it's part 67, not part 61. You can view it online here: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfrhtml_00/Title_14/14cfr67_00.html

 

[alvin]

I would generally agree that an AME / Pilot works best. BUT, there is a gentleman at my airport who had an episode with a rapid heartbeat. He did not have a heart attack, he did not have any internal procedures done. Just a stress test and some medication and conditioning rehab. Well another pilot at the airport of course heard about it as we all talk, only he happend to be an AME, and he did something to pull the guys medical. Now 12 months later, airplane sold, he's being told how to get it back....

Might be more to the storey, but the pilot group where I live is small and we all know what is going on with everyone.

 

[Northern Lights]

medicals

I had an experience similar to RJlifer's. Something in the urine. I was told to take it easy the rest of the day and drink lots of water. The next day we finished the exam with no problems.

An experienced 757 captain also advised me to find a doctor that will do a "physical before the physical." Essentially get checked out before the official aviation exam.