Has the FAA denied your medical certification or deferred your medical application because of a potentially disqualifying condition? If so, you may worry whether you will ever operate an aircraft. However, there may still be a way you can fly. You might qualify for an FAA Special Issuance Medical Certificate.
What Is a Special Issuance Medical Certificate From the FAA?
Pilots must be fit to operate aircraft. Therefore, the FAA has strict guidelines and rules in place to determine if a pilot is medically able to fly. Federal law requires an AME (aviation medical examiner) to defer a medical application if you are currently or have been diagnosed in the past with a disqualifying condition.
Disqualifying conditions include:
- Epilepsy
- Angina pectoris
- Substance abuse or dependency
- Heart replacement
- Bipolar disorder
- Permanent cardiac pacemaker
- Transient loss of control of one or more functions of the nervous system without a satisfactory medical explanation of the cause
- Cardiac valve replacement
- Myocardial infarction
- Psychosis
- Coronary heart disease that requires treatment or, if untreated, has been clinically significant or symptomatic
- Disturbance of consciousness without medical explanation of the cause
- A personality disorder that repeatedly manifests itself by overt acts
- Diabetes mellitus that requires you to take insulin or another hypoglycemic medication
If your FAA medical application is deferred for a disqualifying condition, the FAA asks for additional information. It must determine whether your medical or mental health condition can be adequately controlled. If the condition can be adequately controlled, you can make a case that you are fit to fly and should be issued a medical certification.
The FAA regulations allow the Federal Air Surgeon to provide a Special Issuance Medical Certificate. However, you must prove to the Federal Air Surgeon that you can exercise your duties safely without endangering the public. It is within the discretion of the Federal Air Surgeon to grant Special Issuance Medical Certificates to airmen who do not meet the medical qualifications if they prove they are fit to fly.
How Do I Get an FAA Special Issuance Medical Certificate?
You must request a Special Issuance Medical Certificate if your application is deferred. Obtaining a Special Issuance Medical Certificate can be complicated. The Federal Air Surgeon will determine the requirements you must meet to be eligible for a Special Issuance certificate. The steps may include, but are not limited to:
- Passing a special medical fight test based on your condition
- Taking one or more medical tests and evaluations based on your condition
- Passing a practical test
A critical step in the process is obtaining an AME with experience in your specific medical condition. An FAA medical lawyer can help you locate an AME with experience in cases involving your medical condition. The right AME can put you in a better position to obtain a Special Issuance Medical Certificate.
What Happens After I Receive a Special Issuance Medical Certificate?
If the Federal Air Surgeon finds that you meet all requirements, they can grant a Special Issuance Medical Certificate. The certificate is subject to compliance with any conditions set by the Federal Air Surgeon. It is also subject to a specific class of certificate and date of authorization.
A Special Issuance allows you to perform all duties and exercise all privileges of a first, second, or third-class medical certificate. However, Special Issuance Medical Certificates are only granted for a specified period of time. When the certificate expires, you must apply again for Special Issuance and show the Federal Air Surgeon you can perform all tasks required to fly even though you have a disqualifying condition. Until you receive a new Special Issuance Medical Certificate, you cannot fly.
Seek Legal Help Now to Avoid Delays and Problems
Obtaining a Special Issuance from the FAA is not something you want to try on your own. It is a difficult process that requires a thorough understanding of FAA procedures and rules. You need to locate the appropriate medical professionals and AMEs to assist with your application and gather information and medical records. Hiring an experienced FAA attorney is crucial.
An aviation lawyer understands the process for obtaining a Special Issuance, including the challenges pilots face in convincing the Federal Air Surgeon they can fly. If you have questions or need help obtaining a Special Issuance Medical Certificate, call The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers for a free consultation with a nationwide aviation attorney.
Contact the Aviation Lawyers from The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers for Help Today
You need both a pilot and a lawyer on your side for your aviation law needs. Don’t hesitate to contact our team from The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced aviation lawyer today.
We’re pilots representing pilots. The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers offers FAA enforcement defense and medical certification representation worldwide!
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