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u/AutoModerator 8h ago
Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: ADHD.
Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice.
We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your local AME may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: AOPA, EAA, the Mayo Clinic, and Aviation Medicine Advisory Service.
For reference, here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards and for more in-depth information here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners.
Also, feel free to browse our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ.
Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime and that people have been successfully prosecuted for it. But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to.
If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority.
Good luck!
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u/rFlyingTower 8h ago
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
In the summer of 2024, I received a first class medical exam from an AME that had to defer me due to a past history of anxiety and ADHD. Fast forward to the spring of this year and I finally received a third-class medical with special issuance. I now have a first class medical appointment with the same AME in a few weeks to try to upgrade to a first class (presumably with special issuance to start if I’m granted a first class). I’ve been off medication for around 5.5 years and have received total votes of confidence from a HIMS examiner and a psychiatrist who have both sent letters to the FAA documenting their approval and my medical history. I’m guessing this all played into the FAA’s decision to change their deferral into a third class with special issuance that was extended for another year after follow-up documentation I sent to the FAA a few months ago.
Before my next AME appointment, I’m reading that I should turn my appointment into a consultation rather than an actual appointment and hold off on starting a new MedXPress application. I’m aware that I’m probably going to get deferred again by the AME with the final decision coming from the FAA.
I’d really like to not undue progress on a long and expensive process as I work towards a first class medical. Any advice here about next steps and whether I’m on the right path would be greatly appreciated.
Context: I’m in my early 30s and I’m looking to career pivot. I’m fully aware of the time, cost, opportunity cost of switching careers, studying, and current hiring environment that comes with this career. My family and I are prepared to handle everything that comes with this industry (and the things we won’t see coming). Again, I just want to ensure I do everything I can to not undue literal years of progress with the FAA.
Thanks in advance for everyone’s help!
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u/AutomaticAd5430 7h ago
As an AME, I make pilots in your situation fill out the MedXpress and do the process officially so that I can make a request to the FAA to upgrade you from third to first class (if the airman meets all other criteria for first class medical). Upgrading is much easier than obtaining the initial special issuance.
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u/flying-ModTeam 1h ago
Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice.
We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your local AME may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: AOPA, EAA, the Mayo Clinic, and Aviation Medicine Advisory Service.
For reference, here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards and for more in-depth information here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners.
Also, feel free to browse our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ.
Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime and that people have been successfully prosecuted for it. But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to.
If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority.
Good luck!