Dr. Blue on FAA Medicals, AMEs and Special Issuance 

Dr Blue is so clear and knowledgeable. And he knows what pilots need to know for practical purposes.

Martin, I have a special issuance for heart bypass surgery. I quit flying in the 1990's because I figured my flying days were over after the surgery. In 2017, I decided to try to get a medical. My AME was spot on about what would happen - step by step. After almost a year of submitting medical information, blood work, ekg reading, etc, I was issued a special issuance 3rd class medical. Earlier this year, three months before my medical exam was due, I called the FAA requesting information about what I would have to do to get a 2nd class special issuance. They said they could send it, but it probably would not get there before my scheduled medical. Even though that seemed ridiculous, I was fine with it because I just wanted to know what I would have to do. Well, low and behold, I found out that the person that I spoke to put into my file that I wanted to upgrade to a 2nd class medical. Unbeknownst to me, that put a hold for review on my medical situation. Which means that they were waiting on 2nd class medical test results that I had no intention of getting. In fact, the only way I found out was that when I went for my yearly 3rd class special issuance, my AME was unable to print my certificate. He called the FAA and was told that they would mail it. 90 days later, I still didn't have it. After numerous calls to them by me and my AME, along with having to explain to several FAA people that I just wanted 2nd class information, my 3rd class finally showed up last week. I was almost 120 days without that certificate. Luckily, I have basic med, too, so I was able to fly during that period. The reason I got basic med was because of situations like what happened to me. One mistake on their part, and it took almost four months to correct it. Oh, the 2nd class info came with the medical. In addition to blood work, stress test, and EKG every year, they would want a nuclear stress test and a heart catheterization. I'm 27 years post op and have not had one incident of problems, and they also want a CD with my 1995 heart cath results in a format that wasn't available back then. What good is a 27 year old picture of a blocked artery that was replaced? Unbelievable. Sorry for the super long comment, but I needed to explain the details.

Great info even for relatively healthy folks. Every time I hear Dr. Blue speak on this stuff, I like him more. Interesting to learn that the effort is underway to get BasicMed recognized globally.

Mr Blue thanks for a straight forwward, professional and candid interview. Great info! Mr P thanks for posting.👊🏻

I know Brent Blue from when he came to visit southern Argentina. A top tier gentleman. What a wonderful surprise! Thanks Martin!

Excellent. Good presentation on a topic that is near and dear to all pilots of a certain age.

Good information. I have so many horror stories from students and colleagues who've been brutalized by the medical branch in OKC. They seem hell bent in keeping as many pilots or prospective pilots grounded as possible. The way they operate discourages pilots from getting treatments or from being honest about treatment received. As for the checkboxes, I had a minor foot surgery as a teenager that I've had to repeatedly explain over and over again for almost 50 years!! That's just idiotic. Your medical history should be limited to the time period from your LAST medical. Everything prior has already been reported.

Excellent video very helpful wish it was longer!!!!!!

Another fantastic video Martin. Great information from Dr.Blue

wow perfect timing I'm going through this now. thanks

Excellent video. I went through the special issuance process and can attest to the accuracy of everything. Dr. Blue mentions in this video. Wish I had known all of this prior to starting my own special issuance process. Hopefully this informational help others though. Good luck, everyone!

This Dr. Is awesome. Everything he says is spot on!

Worthwhile interview - great insight from experienced professional.

Excellent information for all pilots

Thank you very much for such a great and very useful interview!

Very good video; that HELPED! Thanks, Martin!

Very interesting interview, Martin. My last 2nd class medical was 2008 and my AME deferred it and it was issued by OKC with no restrictions . It was not a special issuance. Although I am an ATP and CFII I have been contemplating getting another medical or try Basic Med. I’m 76 and not sure that will count against me. I got my first medical as a teenager in 1962 and it’s always been a one of my least favorite activities . Good job and information 😉

Look how thick Bob Hoover’s glasses were. He carried several spares with him and taped them around the cockpit. Bad vision didn’t keep him from flying safely. Same for John Young who flew STS-1 with trifocals.

Cool guest... Thanks !!! 😉👍 🇨🇦

Martin - just came across this one. Always learn something from your videos, thanks! But for me, this one was exceptional - Dr. Blue laid out the whats, hows and whys in such a clear fashion. His commentary on Basic Med was particularly helpful.

This is the BEST video!!!

Great video!

This gave me hope as to getting a 3rd with basic med. Time to get serious. Only other question I ever has was to understand lean of peak. You explained that well!

A very informative video!👍

22:15 Exercise heart in target zone for 30 minutes every day. Target zone is 220 - your age, then going at 70% of that.

Thank you so much

Martin, thanks for this interview. Good news for me. 17:03 If you have aFib but it's not related to coronary disease you don't have to go back to basic meds.

The MAJOR problem, about asking an AME questions, is first you have to have an appointment with an AME. In my case, I made an appointment two weeks ago for an appointment that will happen four more weeks later. I have two more weeks to wait until I have the initial meeting with the AME.

I thought I will be 105 of age, and maybe get a flu every 2nd year. Till a fateful day in Sep 2021 happened, and I landed in hospital with a heart attack between Tuesday and Wednesday, and that was a heavy one. 3 days of snapping for air, slow recovery, 2nd stent operation on Nov 3, 2021. Followed by a total recovery, cardio rehab, walking, running, elliptical exercises, swimming. Can I ever fly again? I did not trusted myself to contact my AME of 15-20 years, I did not wanted to hear the final sentence. This video gives me some generic overview about a chance, and I will contact my AME now and see what will happen. If not, I will fly with a CFI for some cross country here in California. Would not be optimal, but I will take what I can. Thank you for the great information.

eating real food and fasting 3-5 days once a year I am 80 and waight in 118 lbs fast every day 18 hours and feed 6 hours a day in 2 meals

Good news that you’re working on Canada to allow Basic Med. The only reason I get the 3rd Class Medical, is to fly to Canada. Superb interview Martin!

The medxpress form can be sent to an AME without the AME opening an exam. For many of us, it's a must before actually seeing you. Many AMEs in my region will reach out and ask a "are you sure, have you read 67 or the AME guide first" question just to make sure pilots know what they are getting into. We don't have to submit the exam until 15 days, not 10.

I can’t see the numbers in the colored dots at the doctor’s office, but I can see all the colors inside and outside the cockpit just fine.

Who would have known? First I’m a rusty pilot. Have not flown in years. So where is this “watch out” information for individuals like me. So I went to a AME and I had filled out the form. Went through the exam and had my reports for CPAP. So this AME had all the ancillary tests done by associates then I waited to see her. She came into the room sat down spent at the most 2-3 minutes with me max. said could not issue due to a medication….no further information supplied and then left. I was speechless and felt SHORTCHANGED! This for $200. Post exam I am now on another medication but how do you know what to do to report that since the form is locked up. So I got the letter from the FAA and have done nothing and add to it the FAA asked for the CPAP report that I had already furnished the AME. Finally as a member of AOPA they should constantly have a warning ad in their Pilot magazine to contact them BEFORE doing anything, especially for rusty pilots and to repeat, who would know about going to a AME that’s a pilot or the FAA AME Guide and CACI?

Greeatt timing! Got sport pilot rating and thinking about getting a special issuance for insulin controlled diabetes.

I put flying away for almost 10 years. Decided to get back in but low and behold, old age sucks! Actually only 60 but I’ve been on medications for mild hypertension and the start of type 2 diabetes. I just figured I wouldn’t qualify for even a third class medical. To my surprise, I was able to get a third class medical with special issuance. This means I need to take a physical every two years as normal for a third class medical. However, I have to go back to the AME every year and do a continuance. My third class medical has a restriction that states it is not valid for any class after the last day of the month one year from the physical. The second year I do not need a physical but I have to show documentation on a form that my regular physician, his synopsis based on my labs and my last physical and he is monitoring my conditions. I also need to fill out a form (FAA 8500-7) from my eye doctor on my annual eye examination to make sure that I do not have diabetic retinopathy. The initial approval had to go to the chief medical examiner at the FSDO. With that letter, the AME is authorized with a letter to able to issue a third class medical this way through the year 2027. After that, I assume the process starts all over. A new letter must be submitted after the first physical in 2027 by the current chief medical examiner at the FSDO office for my local AME to re-issue a new medical certificate with my current AME.

Thought this would be a snooze fest, but actually interesting, thanks Martin

As a type 1 diabetic pilot I can agree that choosing the correct AME is crucial. I went through 2 other AME’s who didn’t want anything to do with Special Issuance process before finding my current AME who is fighting the FAA with me to get a special issuance class 1.

Make an appointment with an AME for the equivalent of a yearly physical exam. At the conclusion, question the physician as to whether you would have a problem not easily passing a FAA physical (3rd class perhaps). If the Doc sees no problem, then get the paperwork going for that FAA physical exam. It might cost you twice the dollar amount compared to not taking this step, but cheaper in the long run. If the AME spots some problem areas, you have to take a different route, but no black mark will exist 14:20 on your record. In the best case scenario, no harm no foul, just some extra bucks out of your pocket.

I have a genetic condition called HHT. Always had it but wasn’t diagnosed until about 6 years ago, when I didn’t have a medical. Fast forward, went to AME for a third class, was deferred to FFA. 6 months later it was denied, said it was disqualifying, no request for further records. The condition was treated successfully however. It seems like the end of the line. Is that correct?

I wish I would have seen this video before I went into my class 1 medical... I'm pretty sure my AME really didn't want me as a client and kept asking leading questions until he talked me into a deferral. If you have medical issues vet your AME carefully.

The changes to Mosaic and possibly future plans to remove class 3 medical I would not be surprised to see insurance companies implement some kind of medical maybe for cheaper insurance, or to even get insurance. They require it for life insurance not a big leap for aviation insurance.

What about diabetes type 1 or 2 there had been some changes. However, theres so many little approvals. What are the best ways to mange this condition order to have a favorable results.

I just went through this process. Took almost 6 months from physical with AME till I got my 3rd class medical in the mail and it is only good for a year from my AME physical. So 6 months.

Hello, I logged my first flight hour last week with a cfi! The only concern I have on the medical is a medication I take. I take Xanax for driving anxiety. No history of depression. Is it possible to get a special issuance for that?

I don't know if anyone will see this question, but can mild scoliosis affect the outcome of an AME examination? Hoping to become an ATP and I have zero medical issues or abnormalities other than that.

What about having heart stinks, is there any chance of getting a medical?

My son just finished all his treatments for leukemia (AML), could he ever hold ANY class medical

Maybe they could have the state FAA flight surgeon answer questions.

Question so my AME said that I have far vision on my left eyes then the right eye and she said that I need glasses to pass my eyes examen so I can get my 1 class certificate can a airline pilot wear Lents glasses to see far ? And what happened if I fail the eyes exam I need to write the FAA that I have problem with my left eye to see far can FAA allow me to get my class medical ?

Dr Blue, im still waiting 8 months to even get a review by the FAA. The AAM is a damn joke. Thanks for speaking on our behalf.

Nice name for a Dr. connected with aviation. 😊

I attempted to go into great detail here a couple times, but I deleted both posts. All I'll say is that getting my 3rd Class has been a waiting game for the last 9 months, and now I'm awaiting a 2nd response by the FAA, after which I think I'm going to throw in the towel. This isn't fun anymore. I'll take my ADHD medicine as I see fit and go flying with an instructor. The FAA really needs to review some of their policies, which Dr Blue alluded to here. Thank you for the great video.

Does a Special Issuance ever get to be a normal 3rd class medical, after having turned in 'passing' scores on all their tests? Or is the individual in it for life?

Well that will do it for me unfortunately after 2 knees surgery replacements thyroid cancer (still) and Afib I don’t think they will ever aprove me I am 58 yol I took the Course long ago but know retired I don’t think I can

I had a seizure when I was a kid about 11 years ago. I was 8 years old. I had multiple EEG’s and an mri done after it for a couple years and had no seizure activity (have also been off meds for 8 years). Do you think it’s still possible to get my 1st class special issuance?

Basic med less hassle good for 4 yrs not 2 yrs. And medical insurance pays for it!

I’m thinking about being a pilot I’m currently active duty. My first year In the military I unfortunately experienced a sexual assault, I’m on anti depressants because of the situation. It’s been a year or so would they be willing to accept me? I’m ok with being honest about it.

Dr. Bruce is awesome supporter for keeping pilots flying!

Love these beech parties!

Consider the risks of medical incapacitation to autonomous cars speeding by in the next lane.

As I get older (much older) I meet more and more non-medicaled pilots. I don't like it but it's happening. People are saying, "screw the FAA."

5:05 faa medical guide

What's your position on the FAA mandating an experimental drug for pilots? I have lost three friends in the last year. I have another friend who developed a heart condition he didn't have two years ago. My handyman has an inoperable blood clot in his carotid. I know another who has had a stroke. Is the FAA monitoring the number of in flight medical emergencies of pilots and is it more than in years prior to 2019?

Went on ADD medication when I was maybe 9 and stopped when I was maybe 12 years old? I don't know. The details are fuzzy and I don't even know who the doctor was. I never actually had ADD - I just went with whatever the doctor was suggesting so my parents wouldn't punish me for being lazy in school. I went on to get straight A's in college. I'm 34 now but a 3rd class medical is just out of the question. I wouldn't even be able to even produce any info the FAA would ask for.

Lexipro changed my life! Zero anxiety. So, now I have to drop a medicine so i can fly? FAA is out of their minds. I ride a motorcycle, perfect drivering record. Yet? What? I am going to randomly fly a plane into the ground? On what basis does the FAA even come up with their restrictions? Worse, so I can still go get a sports pilot license and fly the same plane anyway without a medical? Lol. Great logic. This is all about liability, not rational practicality. Medical requirements need to be updated to 2024. Let's see the data of accidents shown to be related to blood pressure meds, anti depressants or anxiety meds! Pretty sure reality is, little to none are related to medical conditions!

Substitute IQ Tests for medical exams, and you'll really see fatalities plummet.

Dr senior medical examiner , FAA

Don’t forget what the FAA crooks did to Bob Hoover.

I know this is an unpopular opinion, but the FAA should be abolished. I do not believe the FAA is the reason for safety in aviation. FAA only makes everything more costly.