HOUSE, SENATE INCLUDE MEDICAL REFORM IN FAA EXTENSION

[aviatoreb]

2 hours ago, Yooper Rocketman said:

Erik....Maybe not your last one even with the change.  I am pretty sure there is a restriction for flying in the flight levels where you still need a 3rd class medical.  I know it won't work for me anyway, as I am up there a lot now and will be all the time with the new bird.

Tom

I know - I know.

I pretty much avoid >FL21 anyway as a rule as I know it gets dramatically more dangerous as you go higher, and I RARELY go above FL19.  I go often at FL17.  Heck, for sake of avoiding the very annoying 3rd class medical, I would be willing to keep my max altitude to 17500.  Eh - or maybe not - I am undecided.

Yooper - Tom, now with that new speedy turbine machine of yours, not only will you want to fly very high - but you will be flying faster than the 250TAS restriction.  Funny it is in terms of true airspeed.  I guess you could go along at 300GS and say "I was at 249TAS but there was a tail wind....in both directions..lucky day".

[Piloto]

Can someone in a simple form explain the changes on the medical requirements on the new ruling. Do I am now exempt of the rectal exam?

José

[Bennett]

37 minutes ago, Piloto said:

Can someone in a simple form explain the changes on the medical requirements on the new ruling. Do I am now exempt of the rectal exam?

José

The current AOPA website has an excellent Q & A section (FAQ) that provides a listing of the areas of discussion between physicians and pilots as proposed. This is a really informative piece and is much more thorough than most of what has been published. See below: (minor formatting for iPhones)

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What will the checklist for the medical exam involve?

The checklist will have two parts—questions to be answered by the pilot in advance of the exam and a list of items for the doctor to include in the examination. The questions will be similar to those asked on the application for medical certification and include identifying information like name and address, date of birth, a short medical history and listing of current medications, and information about whether you’ve ever had an FAA medical certificate denied, suspended, or revoked. Just as you do now, you’ll have to affirm that your answers are true and complete and that you understand you can’t fly if you develop a medical deficiency or disqualifying condition.

The second part contains a list of items for your physician to cover during the examination. The items are similar to those covered in an FAA medical certification exam and include:

Head, face, neck, scalp	Nose, sinuses, mouth, throat	Ears and eardrums
Eyes	Lungs and chest	Heart
Vascular system	Abdomen and viscera	Anus (for Piloto's question)
Skin	G-U system	Upper and lower extremities
Spine, other musculo-skeletal	Body marks, scars, tattoos	Lymphatics
Neurologic	Psychiatric	General systemic
Hearing	Vision	Blood pressure and pulse

 

Your physician will exercise his or her discretion to address any other medical conditions identified in the exam and determine if additional tests are needed. Your physician will need to certify that he or she has performed an examination and discussed all the items on the FAA checklist, including medications, with you. Your physician will also have to certify that he is unaware of any medical conditions that, as presently treated, could interfere with your ability to safely operate an aircraft.

 

Doesn’t the checklist mean that this is really just the same as a third class medical exam?

No. The current third class medical process requires the doctor to note whether a patient’s condition is “normal” or “abnormal” and explain any abnormal findings. Under the exemption, the doctor is directed to conduct a medical examination and “address, as medically appropriate, any medical conditions identified.” In addition, the results of the exam will no longer be sent to the FAA. Instead, the pilot will keep the completed checklist in his or her logbook and will only need to supply the information if the FAA specifically requests it, such as during an investigation or enforcement action.

 

Will doctors be willing to sign these forms?

Doctors are often asked to certify that a patient is medically fit for a specific job or activity. Many physicians are willing to administer such exams. To help make doctors more comfortable with the requirements, AOPA will work with medical organizations and physicians groups to provide educational materials and information about what the checklist requires and their role in providing their patients with these types of exams.

 

Can I go to any doctor for the general medical exam required every four years? How does the FAA know that I complied with that rule?

The legislation says that the comprehensive medical exam must be conducted by a state-licensed physician. To demonstrate compliance, just keep the completed checklist in your logbook. There’s nothing to report to the FAA unless specifically requested.

 

Will this reform change the rules regarding medications?

No. The rules regarding medications will remain unchanged. So pilots who take a medication that the FAA disallows will still be unable to fly while taking the disallowed medication. Please contact AOPA’s Pilot Information Center if you have questions about a medication you are taking or that your doctor has recommended.

 

I understand I will need to get a one-time special issuance medical if I have certain medical conditions. What are those conditions?

The conditions are described in the legislation and are limited to an established medical history of the following:

• Cardiovascular: myocardial infarction (heart attack); coronary heart disease that has required treatment; cardiac valve replacement; and heart replacement.
• Neurological: epilepsy; a transient loss of control of nervous system functions without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause; and disturbances of consciousness without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause.
• Mental Health: personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts; psychosis defined as a case in which an individual has manifested or may reasonably be expected to manifest delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of psychosis; bipolar disorder; and substance dependence within the previous two years as defined in FAR 67.307(4).

Pilots who have a clinically diagnosed mental health or neurological condition will be required to certify every two years that they are under the care of a state-licensed medical specialist for that condition. Details of how that certification process will work have not yet been determined.

Pilots with a cardiovascular condition will still need to get a one-time special issuance, but successful completion of a clinical evaluation will satisfy the process for getting an Authorization for Special Issuance of a medical certificate with no mandatory waiting period.

 

When will these new rules go into effect?

Once the legislation has been signed into law, the FAA will begin a rulemaking process to make the regulatory changes required by the legislation. To ensure that pilots don’t have to wait indefinitely, there is a provision in the legislation that says if the FAA has not produced a final rule within one year of the legislation becoming law, then pilots can operate within the parameters of the legislation without fear of enforcement action. In other words, once the legislation has been enacted, pilots will be able to fly under its provisions within one year—less if the rulemaking is completed more quickly.

 

How does this help me if I’m on special issuance?

If you have had a special issuance medical within the 10-year lookback period and your medical status is unchanged, you should be able to fly under the exemption provided you meet all the other qualifications, including being under the treatment of a physician for your medical condition. If you develop a new condition that requires a special issuance medical certificate you will have to apply for a one-time special issuance for that condition

.

What if my regular or special issuance medical expires before the law takes effect?

If your regular or special issuance medical certificate expires before the new regulations take effect, you may choose to renew it in order to keep flying while the FAA completes its rulemaking process. Whether or not you choose to renew your medical certificate to cover the gap period, you will be allowed to fly as soon as the new rules take effect, provided your medical expired within the 10-year window following enactment of the legislation and you meet other requirements under the new legislation. To be clear, the 10-year lookback is based on the expiration date, not the issuance date, of your last medical certificate.

 

What if my medical becomes more than 10 years old before the law takes effect?

The clock on the 10-year lookback starts the day the legislation is enacted, not when its provisions take effect, which could be up to one year later. So, the date the legislation becomes law is the date that counts when it comes to determining whether or not your certificate was valid within the 10-year window. If your medical expired more than 10 years before the date of enactment, you will need to go through the medical certification process one more time in order to fly under the new legislation.

Edited July 12, 2016 by Bennett

[Piloto]

I am a little bit confused. With the new rules how often is the medical exam required. Mine is due in October when should I have mine, every two years or every four years. Do seniors get an exam discount?

José 

[Marauder]

I am a little bit confused. With the new rules how often is the medical exam required. Mine is due in October when should I have mine, every two years or every four years. Do seniors get an exam discount?

José 

Every 4 years after the law is enacted. I believe this means when you get your 3rd class medical in October you will not need another exam until October 2020.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Bennett]

As I understand it, In general, and within the parameters of under 6000#, 5 passengers, under 18,000', under 250 Knots, VFR or IFR, single or twin, non-commercial, you should not have to have a third class medical if you have had one in the last 10 years, and are not flying with a Special Issuance medical. The FAA will have a year to develop the rules for pilots to visit any physician every four years to mutually discuss the pilot's health, and to sign a form (yet to be developed) to the effect that the physician believes that the pilot is medically able to fly an aircraft. The form will not be sent to the FAA, and a copy is to be kept in the pilot's log book. There are still some "gotchas" for some medical conditions. As I reproduced information from AOPA's FAQs on their website, there are still a few things to be determined, but most of us should benefit from the new legislation.

You might want to call AOPA to obtain advice as to an October medical expiration date.

[carusoam]

I'm feeling luckier already! 

Best regards,

-a-

[GeorgePerry]

Update - It passed the House and the Senate.  Both by wide bipartisan margins. On to the President to be signed into law as early as next week.

After that the FAA has 12 months to write guidelines to implement the new law

[aviatoreb]

Just now, GeorgePerry said:

Update - It passed the House and the Senate.  Both by wide bipartisan margins. On to the President to be signed into law as early as next week.

After that the FAA has 12 months to write guidelines to implement the new law

Thumbs up to you guys at the AOPA team!  And to you George as our Mooney-specific front man!

[Raptor05121]

George, someone told me the FAA has 180 days, is it 365 days?

[GeorgePerry]

4 minutes ago, Raptor05121 said:

George, someone told me the FAA has 180 days, is it 365 days?

When will these new rules go into effect?

Once the legislation has been signed into law, the FAA will begin a rulemaking process to make the regulatory changes required by the legislation. To ensure that pilots don’t have to wait indefinitely, there is a provision in the legislation that says if the FAA has not produced a final rule within one year of the legislation becoming law, then pilots can operate within the parameters of the legislation without fear of enforcement action. In other words, once the legislation has been enacted, pilots will be able to fly under its provisions within one year—less if the rulemaking is completed more quickly.

[Bennett]

George, Perhaps you could explain the 10 year "look back" as to the expiration date of a current 3rd Class Medical. The FAQs on the AOPA website is a bit ambiguous in my opinion. Does the "look back" period start from the date the legislation is signed (effective date), or from the date the FAA publishes their rules and forms (up to a year from now). Thank you. Specifically what is the situation for those pilots whose licenses will expire during the interim period. I did my third class medical last year in October, so I believe that that will be my last AME Medical, but some folks will be in a different situation until the FAA publishes their new rules.

[GeorgePerry]

That's all under AOPA's FAQ's.  Its better to refer to them as right now that's the gospel.

[GeorgePerry]

House and Senate Pass Third Class Medical Reform\

https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2016/july/13/senate-passes-medical-reform

 

[Marauder]

1 hour ago, Bennett said:

George, Perhaps you could explain the 10 year "look back" as to the expiration date of a current 3rd Class Medical. The FAQs on the AOPA website is a bit ambiguous in my opinion. Does the "look back" period start from the date the legislation is signed (effective date), or from the date the FAA publishes their rules and forms (up to a year from now). Thank you. Specifically what is the situation for those pilots whose licenses will expire during the interim period. I did my third class medical last year in October, so I believe that that will be my last AME Medical, but some folks will be in a different situation until the FAA publishes their new rules.

I'm curious as well Bennett. The FAQ doesn't talk much about the look-back period. It also doesn't say anything about what effect if any the look-back period has for someone who was required to be under an SI but is no longer. Hopefully more details will be forthcoming.

[Bennett]

1 hour ago, Bennett said: George, Perhaps you could explain the 10 year "look back" as to the expiration date of a current 3rd Class Medical. The FAQs on the AOPA website is a bit ambiguous in my opinion. Does the "look back" period start from the date the legislation is signed (effective date), or from the date the FAA publishes their rules and forms (up to a year from now). Thank you. Specifically what is the situation for those pilots whose licenses will expire during the interim period. I did my third class medical last year in October, so I believe that that will be my last AME Medical, but some folks will be in a different situation until the FAA publishes their new rules.

I'm curious as well Bennett. The FAQ doesn't talk much about the look-back period. It also doesn't say anything about what effect if any the look-back period has for someone who was required to be under an SI but is no longer. Hopefully more details will be forthcoming.

---------------------------------

I called AOPA to ask a few questions about the look-back. The person I talked to seemed very knowledgeable, but by the end of the conversation I still am not convinced that his replies matched what other organizations (such as AvWeb) have posted in their newsletters. I do think that once a SI has been "cleared" (formal letter from the FAA) , and that a AME no longer asks any questions about it in a regular 3rd class medical exam, it should have no bearing going forward under the new legislation. If a pilot is still under a SI, that might complicate matters.

[mooniac15u]

1 hour ago, Bennett said:

George, Perhaps you could explain the 10 year "look back" as to the expiration date of a current 3rd Class Medical. The FAQs on the AOPA website is a bit ambiguous in my opinion. Does the "look back" period start from the date the legislation is signed (effective date), or from the date the FAA publishes their rules and forms (up to a year from now). Thank you. Specifically what is the situation for those pilots whose licenses will expire during the interim period. I did my third class medical last year in October, so I believe that that will be my last AME Medical, but some folks will be in a different situation until the FAA publishes their new rules.

From the AOPA FAQ:

"The clock on the 10-year lookback starts the day the legislation is enacted, not when its provisions take effect,"

[mooniac15u]

Just now, Bennett said:

 

 

I'm curious as well Bennett. The FAQ doesn't talk much about the look-back period. It also doesn't say anything about what effect if any the look-back period has for someone who was required to be under an SI but is no longer. Hopefully more details will be forthcoming.

 

 

---------------------------------

I called AOPA to ask a few questions about the look-back. The person I talked to seemed very knowledgeable, but by the end of the conversation I still am not convinced that his replies matched what other organizations (such as AvWeb) has posted in their newsletters. I do think that once a SI has been "cleared" (formal letter from the FAA) , and that a AME no longer asks any questions about it in a regular 3rd class medical exam, it should have no bearing going forward under the new legislation. If a pilot is still under a SI, that might complicate matters.

From the AOPA FAQ:

"

How does this help me if I’m on special issuance?

If you have had a special issuance medical within the 10-year lookback period and your medical status is unchanged, you should be able to fly under the exemption provided you meet all the other qualifications, including being under the treatment of a physician for your medical condition. If you develop a new condition that requires a special issuance medical certificate you will have to apply for a one-time special issuance for that condition."

[Marauder]

1 hour ago, Bennett said: George, Perhaps you could explain the 10 year "look back" as to the expiration date of a current 3rd Class Medical. The FAQs on the AOPA website is a bit ambiguous in my opinion. Does the "look back" period start from the date the legislation is signed (effective date), or from the date the FAA publishes their rules and forms (up to a year from now). Thank you. Specifically what is the situation for those pilots whose licenses will expire during the interim period. I did my third class medical last year in October, so I believe that that will be my last AME Medical, but some folks will be in a different situation until the FAA publishes their new rules.

I'm curious as well Bennett. The FAQ doesn't talk much about the look-back period. It also doesn't say anything about what effect if any the look-back period has for someone who was required to be under an SI but is no longer. Hopefully more details will be forthcoming.

---------------------------------

I called AOPA to ask a few questions about the look-back. The person I talked to seemed very knowledgeable, but by the end of the conversation I still am not convinced that his replies matched what other organizations (such as AvWeb) have posted in their newsletters. I do think that once a SI has been "cleared" (formal letter from the FAA) , and that a AME no longer asks any questions about it in a regular 3rd class medical exam, it should have no bearing going forward under the new legislation. If a pilot is still under a SI, that might complicate matters.

I hope that is the way it works. I was under an SI but my last medical has been an unrestricted 3rd class.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Bennett]

1 hour ago, Bennett said: George, Perhaps you could explain the 10 year "look back" as to the expiration date of a current 3rd Class Medical. The FAQs on the AOPA website is a bit ambiguous in my opinion. Does the "look back" period start from the date the legislation is signed (effective date), or from the date the FAA publishes their rules and forms (up to a year from now). Thank you. Specifically what is the situation for those pilots whose licenses will expire during the interim period. I did my third class medical last year in October, so I believe that that will be my last AME Medical, but some folks will be in a different situation until the FAA publishes their new rules.

I'm curious as well Bennett. The FAQ doesn't talk much about the look-back period. It also doesn't say anything about what effect if any the look-back period has for someone who was required to be under an SI but is no longer. Hopefully more details will be forthcoming.

---------------------------------

I called AOPA to ask a few questions about the look-back. The person I talked to seemed very knowledgeable, but by the end of the conversation I still am not convinced that his replies matched what other organizations (such as AvWeb) have posted in their newsletters. I do think that once a SI has been "cleared" (formal letter from the FAA) , and that a AME no longer asks any questions about it in a regular 3rd class medical exam, it should have no bearing going forward under the new legislation. If a pilot is still under a SI, that might complicate matters.

................................

I hope that is the way it works. I was under an SI but my last medical has been an unrestricted 3rd class.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

---------------------------

Marauder, I'm in the same place. My SI (prostrate cancer) was signed off years ago, and my last two (or three) 3rd class medicals were unrestricted, so I very much doubt if the old SI would have any bearing under the new regulations that ultimately the FAA will publish. At least we will get rid of the minor skin cancers that technically could require a SI.

[Marauder]

Just now, Bennett said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm curious as well Bennett. The FAQ doesn't talk much about the look-back period. It also doesn't say anything about what effect if any the look-back period has for someone who was required to be under an SI but is no longer. Hopefully more details will be forthcoming.

 

 

---------------------------------

 

 

 

 

I called AOPA to ask a few questions about the look-back. The person I talked to seemed very knowledgeable, but by the end of the conversation I still am not convinced that his replies matched what other organizations (such as AvWeb) have posted in their newsletters. I do think that once a SI has been "cleared" (formal letter from the FAA) , and that a AME no longer asks any questions about it in a regular 3rd class medical exam, it should have no bearing going forward under the new legislation. If a pilot is still under a SI, that might complicate matters.

 

 

 

 

................................

 

 

I hope that is the way it works. I was under an SI but my last medical has been an unrestricted 3rd class.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

 

 

 

 

 

---------------------------

 

 

 

 

Marauder, I'm in the same place. My SI (prostrate cancer) was signed off years ago, and my last two (or three) 3rd class medicals were unrestricted, so I very much doubt if the old SI would have any bearing under the new regulations that ultimately the FAA will publish. At least we will get rid of the minor skin cancers that technically could require a SI.

I'm curious how many pilots are dealing with minor maladies over fear of what it will mean to their medical. Probably a lot.

[GeorgePerry]

We estimate somewhere between 50,000 and 80,000 pilots have expired medicals that will fall under the 10 year look back.  If we assume 50% of that number to be accurate and 50% of that number start flying again, that's an increase of about 30,000 pilots back flying again.  Pretty significant if you consider the entire pilot universe for the US includes only 580,000 pilots.  

[Bennett]

George, I've called several old pilot friends who have had their Medicals lapse within the last 10 years for fear of being declined, or jumping through the sometimes daunting SI process. If my tiny sample is worth anything, the active pilot population should increase.

You know I have been critical of some AOPA activities (Wine Club, scheduling AOPA events on Jewish holidays - at least twice), but I am impressed with the lobbying efforts made by AOPA to push through this legislation. I'll renew my membership through the rest of my flying days.

[cnoe]

47 minutes ago, GeorgePerry said:

We estimate somewhere between 50,000 and 80,000 pilots have expired medicals that will fall under the 10 year look back.  If we assume 50% of that number to be accurate and 50% of that number start flying again, that's an increase of about 30,000 pilots back flying again.  Pretty significant if you consider the entire pilot universe for the US includes only 580,000 pilots.  

Even the estimates of 50% and 50% seem overly optimistic to me, and I'm an optimist. But, I hope you're right; that should give an immediate boost to plane values.

I just hope that this new (old) pilot population gets a proper introduction back into flying. From what I can tell a lot has changed in the past 10-20 years. I recently helped re-introduced a friend back into flying and he's taken the steps to get current. And though he's only 40ish he marvels at how much things have changed. A couple months ago he bought into a C182 partnership and is progressing quickly now but it was an eye-opener from his pre-9/11 days.

[GeorgePerry]

2 hours ago, Bennett said:

 

George, I've called several old pilot friends who have had their Medicals lapse within the last 10 years for fear of being declined, or jumping through the sometimes daunting SI process. If my tiny sample is worth anything, the active pilot population should increase.

 

You know I have been critical of some AOPA activities (Wine Club, scheduling AOPA events on Jewish holidays - at least twice), but I am impressed with the lobbying efforts made by AOPA to push through this legislation. I'll renew my membership through the rest of my flying days.

Bennett - Great to hear.  Yep AOPA has stubbed it's toe several times in the past, esp under prior leadership.  But there's a new team at AOPA from the CEO down.  We are making progress and we're glad to have you back on board!