Medical Reform

[1964-M20E]

Possibly my final comment on this one the real sad truth is we had to get congress to pass a law to make the FAA do anything regarding this.

 

 

[mooniac15u]

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/New-Federal-Officials-Delay-Medical-Reform-ATC-Privatization-Back-In-Play-228427-1.html

 

[Deb]

BasicMed Not Impacted By Regulatory Hold Order

The suspension of all new federal regulations by the incoming administration will not impact BasicMed reforms, as had been feared by some in the aviation community. The directive issued on Jan. 20 by White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus halts publication of new regulations until approved by an agency director appointed by the incoming administration and suspends the effectiveness of previously published regulations for 60 days. The published effective date of the BasicMed rule, May 1, 2017, is more than 60 from the Jan. 20 directive, which exempts BasicMed from this directive. Additionally, the directive excludes those regulations subject to statutory deadlines.

The FAA reauthorization bill signed by President Obama in July 2016 required the FAA to publish rules for third class medical reform no later than January 2017, providing an additional level of assurance that BasicMed will not be impacted by the regulatory hold.

The above is from AVWeb: http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/BasicMed-Not-Impacted-by-Regulatory-Hold-Order-228442-1.html

 

[1964-M20E]

Yes I saw this

So much for the hope of only following the law without FAA rules, procedures and paperwork piled on top of it.

[1964-M20E]

Well now that all the paper is out from the FAA it appears that for the most part if you can get a Class III physical just do it it is easier and less complicated.  The FAA has let the bureaucrats out, added a mountain of paperwork and another user name, and password which all make Basic med anything but basic.

It should be renamed Complicated Med.

I like the AOPA but they have FAILED along with the FAA and Congress on this one.

Like any government program, policy or procedure it is overweight, more complicated than it needs to be and totally useless except for someone who may be able to get around a special issuance.

It was supposed to be go to your doctor regularly and get treated for what ales you and if you are fit go fly.  It has been convoluted by the politicians and the bureaucrats.  All that time, effort and money is wasted.  I know George has left the AOPA but hopefully AOPA is monitoring MS because on this I am disappointed in AOPA as for the FAA it is par for the course.

 

https://basicmedicalcourse.aopa.org/client/app.html#/auth/logon?utm_content=tts&utm_campaign=170426special

FAA_Form_8700-2_.pdf

AOPABasicMed_Pilot_and_Physicians_Guide.pdf

[Marauder]

Well now that all the paper is out from the FAA it appears that for the most part if you can get a Class III physical just do it it is easier and less complicated.  The FAA has let the bureaucrats out, added a mountain of paperwork and another user name, and password which all make Basic med anything but basic.
It should be renamed Complicated Med.
I like the AOPA but they have FAILED along with the FAA and Congress on this one.
Like any government program, policy or procedure it is overweight, more complicated than it needs to be and totally useless except for someone who may be able to get around a special issuance.
It was supposed to be go to your doctor regularly and get treated for what ales you and if you are fit go fly.  It has been convoluted by the politicians and the bureaucrats.  All that time, effort and money is wasted.  I know George has left the AOPA but hopefully AOPA is monitoring MS because on this I am disappointed in AOPA as for the FAA it is par for the course.
 
https://basicmedicalcourse.aopa.org/client/app.html#/auth/logon?utm_content=tts&utm_campaign=170426special
FAA_Form_8700-2_.pdf
AOPABasicMed_Pilot_and_Physicians_Guide.pdf

Very disappointing.

Do you think the part about the "anus" exam was thrown in there by the FAA? Sort of like them saying "up your's"?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Bennett]

So much for true reform. I'll just stick with my regular third class medical. The Basic med form is full of "gotchas". LSA sellers should be overjoyed.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[peevee]

2 hours ago, 1964-M20E said:

Well now that all the paper is out from the FAA it appears that for the most part if you can get a Class III physical just do it it is easier and less complicated.  The FAA has let the bureaucrats out, added a mountain of paperwork and another user name, and password which all make Basic med anything but basic.

It should be renamed Complicated Med.

I like the AOPA but they have FAILED along with the FAA and Congress on this one.

Like any government program, policy or procedure it is overweight, more complicated than it needs to be and totally useless except for someone who may be able to get around a special issuance.

It was supposed to be go to your doctor regularly and get treated for what ales you and if you are fit go fly.  It has been convoluted by the politicians and the bureaucrats.  All that time, effort and money is wasted.  I know George has left the AOPA but hopefully AOPA is monitoring MS because on this I am disappointed in AOPA as for the FAA it is par for the course.

 

https://basicmedicalcourse.aopa.org/client/app.html#/auth/logon?utm_content=tts&utm_campaign=170426special

FAA_Form_8700-2_.pdf

AOPABasicMed_Pilot_and_Physicians_Guide.pdf

Since you hate everything so much why not quit flying? Then you never have to interact with the FAA again!

[midlifeflyer]

2 hours ago, 1964-M20E said:

Well now that all the paper is out from the FAA it appears that for the most part if you can get a Class III physical just do it it is easier and less complicated. 

Well, of course.

It's not the way it started, but the way it ended up (at least for now) is that BasicMed is a benefit for those with Special Issuances who were required to spend thousands annually for tests their specialist would never bother with. I won't use it (yet), but it's a good enough benefit to enough pilots in tough situations for me to be pleased about the compromise* reached to get it done considering some of the political opposition it received.

 

 

(*oooh! Sorry! Co#p^om$ise! I said a dirty word!)

[EricJ]

35 minutes ago, midlifeflyer said:

Well, of course.

It's not the way it started, but the way it ended up (at least for now) is that BasicMed is a benefit for those with Special Issuances who were required to spend thousands annually for tests their specialist would never bother with. I won't use it (yet), but it's a good enough benefit to enough pilots in tough situations for me to be pleased about the compromise* reached to get it done considering some of the political opposition it received.

 

 

(*oooh! Sorry! Co#p^om$ise! I said a dirty word!)

I'm a borderline case that will likely benefit from BasicMed.   It doesn't look that complicated to me, and I get a reasonably extensive annual physical, anyway.

Even when I was a teenager and started flying eons ago I had to get a waiver for the vision requirements for a Class III due to one eye not meeting the minimum requirements.   Last year when I started flying again I figured I'd be good with my existing waiver, but I got caught out by some specific wording on it and had to jump through a bunch of hoops to finally get my Class III renewed.   I was saved only by the fact that it appears the overall requirements have been relaxed since I was a teenager, and some extensive quality time with my optometrist got me documentation that I do, barely, meet the existing requirements without the waiver.

If I have to do it again in a couple of years it is likely that I won't pass, as it was very close.  At a minimum, the risk is high that I won't pass in a couple years.

So my best bet will likely be to go with BasicMed rather than actually attempting a Class III again and potentially getting it denied.

From my perspective this is a great option which I will avail myself of when my current Class III gets toward expiration.  I don't like that I'll be limited to <6klbs and <18kft and US-only, but given the circumstances I'm happy to trade that for being able to keep flying.  Those restrictions aren't that onerous, especially for somebody who will primarily be driving something like a Mooney around the 48-contiguous states.

[tony]

Whats Mark Baker's email address?

[flyboy0681]

I guess I'm the only one here (thus far) who thinks the form is straightforward and should take the applicant minutes to fill out. I also don't think it will be much of a burden on the physician. But I am surprised that a prostate exam isn't one of the requirements, that can be a real lifesaver.

[Marauder]

I guess I'm the only one here (thus far) who thinks the form is straightforward and should take the applicant minutes to fill out. I also don't think it will be much of a burden on the physician. But I am surprised that a prostate exam isn't one of the requirements, that can be a real lifesaver.

I'm still trying to figure out what the "butt hole" exam has to do with all this. Other than possibly taking one up the poop chute when paying for an annual or an avionics upgrade.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[BKlott]

The form is certainly no worse than the on-line application that we had to / would still need to complete for a Third Class medical Certificate. My family Doctor already has told me that he is willing to do this for me so I am not expecting any problems there.

I see a lot of positives with this. First, I no longer need to see a government designated physician every couple of years and take repetitive, meaningless tests (I was on Special Issuance) in order to enjoy my hobby. Second, my family Doctor, one who actually examines me and knows my health and gives me a far more comprehensive exam than any AME ever did, will have input on my decision as to when I stop flying. It won't be decided for me by some Doctor in Oklahoma City or some beaurocrat in D.C. Third, I can have an honest discourse with my Doctors (family and Cardiologist) about my health and then I get to make an informed decision as to when I need to "hang it up". Finally, I'll get to go out on my terms rather than have something that is precious to me taken away by some stranger in a far away place. I saw this happen to my Dad and it should never happen to any of us.

If you embrace the good intentions behind the program and understand that an effort has been made to better protect our freedoms for those who fly for fun, then I believe you will find a lot to be pleased with. It isn't all that we had originally hoped for but it is certainly a step in that direction. As someone else once said "for all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die."

 

 

[midlifeflyer]

7 hours ago, flyboy0681 said:

I guess I'm the only one here (thus far) who thinks the form is straightforward and should take the applicant minutes to fill out. I also don't think it will be much of a burden on the physician. But I am surprised that a prostate exam isn't one of the requirements, that can be a real lifesaver.

I don't even play one on TV, but the routine prostate exam has apparently become somewhat controversial in the sense that there is disagreement within the medical community whether there is any real benefit to it. For example, my primary care is with a major teaching hospital and they don't believe it necessary.

[flyboy0681]

6 hours ago, midlifeflyer said:

I don't even play one on TV, but the routine prostate exam has apparently become somewhat controversial in the sense that there is disagreement within the medical community whether there is any real benefit to it. For example, my primary care is with a major teaching hospital and they don't believe it necessary.

Don't confuse the PSA test with the, ahem, DRE, which is the gold standard.

[Marauder]

The form is certainly no worse than the on-line application that we had to / would still need to complete for a Third Class medical Certificate. My family Doctor already has told me that he is willing to do this for me so I am not expecting any problems there.
I see a lot of positives with this. First, I no longer need to see a government designated physician every couple of years and take repetitive, meaningless tests (I was on Special Issuance) in order to enjoy my hobby. Second, my family Doctor, one who actually examines me and knows my health and gives me a far more comprehensive exam than any AME ever did, will have input on my decision as to when I stop flying. It won't be decided for me by some Doctor in Oklahoma City or some beaurocrat in D.C. Third, I can have an honest discourse with my Doctors (family and Cardiologist) about my health and then I get to make an informed decision as to when I need to "hang it up". Finally, I'll get to go out on my terms rather than have something that is precious to me taken away by some stranger in a far away place. I saw this happen to my Dad and it should never happen to any of us.
If you embrace the good intentions behind the program and understand that an effort has been made to better protect our freedoms for those who fly for fun, then I believe you will find a lot to be pleased with. It isn't all that we had originally hoped for but it is certainly a step in that direction. As someone else once said "for all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die."
 
 

I see this a bit differently. If your physician is willing to sign you off, that is great. If they have any reservations, it will be easier to obtain a 3rd class medical.

Like you I was on an SI. When I first went through the SI process, I was asked by the AME to have my primary physician provide a letter indicating my condition was stable. It was an absolute nightmare to get him to provide that in writing. I needed to send him documentation that the final determination of my medical status for my 3rd class medical would be the responsibility of the AME and the FAA before he sent the letter. I am sure he will have similar reservations if not a complete denial of providing this determination under BasicMed.

I think this will all come down to what guidance the FAA provides to the physicians.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Sabremech]

What am I missing? This sounds like what I've been hearing it would be for the last 6 months or so. I now get a physical from my doctor every 48 months using the FAA checklist and do an online course every 24 months. Is this not better than going to an AME every 24 months?

[HRM]

1 hour ago, Sabremech said:

What am I missing? This sounds like what I've been hearing it would be for the last 6 months or so. I now get a physical from my doctor every 48 months using the FAA checklist and do an online course every 24 months. Is this not better than going to an AME every 24 months?

The personal physician has to 'sign off' and my guess is that many of them will be wary of this because of liability concerns.

So you crash your Mooney and don't make it home. Your heirs sue the doc for missing the fact that you had a <fill in any number of physical conditions, consult an attorney if none come to mind>.

The best solution is to just go the new medical route with your AME--win-win.

[Sabremech]

Spoke with my personal physician about this very subject. He's comfortable with the process and will do the exam. 

3 hours ago, HRM said:

The personal physician has to 'sign off' and my guess is that many of them will be wary of this because of liability concerns.

So you crash your Mooney and don't make it home. Your heirs sue the doc for missing the fact that you had a <fill in any number of physical conditions, consult an attorney if none come to mind>.

The best solution is to just go the new medical route with your AME--win-win.

What makes an AME better in regards to liability over any other Doctor? It's too early to say the number of physicians who won't be willing to sign off on the new program. 

[Marauder]

29 minutes ago, Sabremech said:

Spoke with my personal physician about this very subject. He's comfortable with the process and will do the exam. 

What makes an AME better in regards to liability over any other Doctor? It's too early to say the number of physicians who won't be willing to sign off on the new program. 

When BasicMed was first signed into law, I spoke to my AME about the program. We discuss the AME liability risks. He indicated they are protected since they are acting as an agent under a federal program. Not sure exactly what that means, but I took it means it is hard to sue the government. BasicMed doesn't require physicians to be approved by the FAA to act in this capacity, hence, the concern over who owns the liability. 

[Marauder]

And, oh, how is my cowl coming along

[HRM]

36 minutes ago, Sabremech said:

What makes an AME better in regards to liability over any other Doctor? It's too early to say the number of physicians who won't be willing to sign off on the new program. 

See Marauder's post. All I am saying is that an AME is in the system, used to doing pilot physicals, etc., etc., etc.

Your personal physician is not and is asked to sign off on something they may not understand or be comfortable with. 

I know my AME hates the administrivia nonsense as much as the next doc, but I have a feeling when I see him next month he'll probably suggest I go with the new program. Easier on everyone if all you fly is 3rd class. Also, he basically breaks even with what he charges for an FAA physical and just does it out of love for aviation. I'm happy to cut him a break.

[Cruiser]

It baffles me why there are so many complaints about BasicMed. 

BasicMed is a huge step forward for many GA pilots that will benefit greatly. Others, not so much. 

Maybe some physicians will not participate but many others will. Does it really matter?

The result is we have one more option available that gives us greater control in decision making, reduces bureaucracy and eliminates the fear of denial from a faceless FAA in Oklahoma City.

[Sabremech]

I know too many pilots who shop for an AME who'll sign them off if they show up to the office because they're alive. 

My AME is an ear, nose and throat specialist who only knows what I tell him or put on the form. How is this better than the doctor who has all my records? 

I think the liability angle is being overplayed. Is basic med perfect? No, but I'm happy that I have to get a physical once every 48 months over 24 and from a doctor I'm obviously comfortable with or he wouldn't be my doctor.