AOPA is in the process of recommending certain changes in what are called "special issuances". When an airman contracts certain specified diseases such as angina, diabetes, heart surgery, etc., the AME must either decline the medical or defer to Oklahoma City for evaluation and possible special issuance. Once the FAA is satisfied, after reviewing all medical documentation, an airman may be issued a special issuance medical, good for one year. It is estimated that nearly all of us will eventually be confronted with special issuances, as we age.

One of the problems is that a pilot stricken with a medical condition requiring special issuance, and once issued a special issuance may have to immediately start the process all over again. It may take four months for the initial issuance process to come to fruition. A few more months pass, and it is time to start the process all over again. You see, the issuance is based on the date of application, not the date of issuance.

The AOPA is proposing that AME's be given the power to review medical records provided to them by the pilot, and determine whether re-issuance is safe. For example, a pilot who has had angioplasty, and has received a special issuance from the FAA, and who provides his AME with medical documentation from his cardiologist, would then be eligible for re-issuance by the AME at the time of his examination, instead of again having to wait additional months. "When you add it all up, it's not uncommon for a pilot to spend six months out of every 12 engaged in the FAA renewal process, and grounded up to three months a year awaiting action from Oklahoma City",said AOPA president Phil Boyer at a recent CAMA meeting. Some pilots have to spend $1000-$3000 per year to obtain special issuance medicals.

The AOPA has proposed:

• Automatic Renewals- assuming the pilot has provided documentation to the AME that there has been no change in his pathology.
• Certificate Duration- The medical would start at the actual date of issuance, not the date of application.
• AME Priviledges- The AME should be granted more authority to renew special issuance authorizations or to certify pilots who provide complete medical reports showing no adverse changes in their medical condition.
• Limited Medical Certification- FAA would expand the use of the "valid only when accompanied by another qualified pilot" medical certification to allow Part 91 pilots to fly with another pilot aboard. This option is currently available to Commercial Pilots flying for hire.

"AME's, not the FAA, should be responsible for medical certification casework", said Boyer. "The FAA's function should be standard setting,oversight and training of AME's, advice and counsel when asked, and eforcement action when required."

About the author...

Dr. Stephen W. Roberts, M.D., in addition to being a mult-engine, instrument rated private pilot, is also a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner for the Federal Aviation Administration. Dr. Roberts specializes in Aviation Medicine, and is considered by many to be an expert in his field, with over twelve years experience! He is also a member of the Civil Aviation Medical Association and the AOPA. He is truly an advocate of aviation medicine as well as general aviation. Dr. Roberts has also authored numerous articles in Air Progress magazine, and frequently lectures for the Department of Aviation at Mount San Antonio College.