Dr. John Phillipp, our favorite AME returned for a reprise of his November 05 presentation at which there were only two attendees. He checked his watch and looked out into the eager faces of pilots wanting to learn how it's possible to get your medical even if you have one or more of the 15 disqualifying medical conditions.

Just what are those conditions? The doctor started by listing them:

• Loss of neurological function
• Disturbance of consciousness
• Epilepsy Substance dependence
• Substance abuse
• Bipolar disorder
• Personality disorder (manifested by overt acts)
• Psychosis
• Diabetes
• Angina
• Pectoris
• Myocardial infarction
• Clinically significant CAD
• Permanent pacemaker
• Valve replacement
• Heart transplant

According to Dr. Phillipp, all is not lost if you find you have one of more of the above conditions. Subpart E – Certification Procedures, Sect. 67.401 covers special issuance of medical certificates. It says, in part: (a) At the discretion of the Federal Air Surgeon, an Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate (Authorization), valid for a specified period, may be granted to a person who does not meet the provisions of subparts B, C or D of this part if the person shows to the satisfaction of the Federal Air Surgeon that the duties authorized by the class of medical certificate applied for can be performed without endangering public safety during the period in which the Authorization would be in force. The Federal Air Surgeon may authorize a special medical flight test, practical test, or medical evaluation for this purpose.

He went on to explain Authorization Letters. This is a letter issued by the FAA that says you do not meet the medical standards, but after review you have been found eligible have been found eligible for a special issuance. It will give the time limit, during which the certificate can be issued, and details any follow-up information that will be required. You will need to follow the timeframes included and it will have a general warning about changes in your condition or medication.

If you receive a request for information, it is imperative you act immediately. It is likely you will not have, at hand, all the needed information specified in letter, which will be spelled out exactly. There is usually a 30-day response period, which you must observe or your application will be denied. Dr, Phillipp recommended that if such a letter arrives in your mailbox, you should not wait for 30 days but go into action IMMEDIATELY. By sending the FAA a letter stating you are gathering the information they have requested you will “stop the clock” and give you time to make those appointments and gather the requested letters for the FAA.

Failure to respond to the FAA request for information will result in a denial letter. This means you will now have to check that box on the application that asks if your request for a medical has ever been denied. It is rare that a person is denied a medical for one of the 15 disqualifying conditions or other disease as long as they respond to the requests made by the FAA. In fact if you do receive a denial letter, it will contain specific information on how to file your appeal. If you have questions, call your AME. Before you begin a new prescription, call your AME and find out if the medication is permitted.

In all fairness, it must be noted that the November 2005 meeting was moved back a week so as not to conflict with the Thanksgiving holiday and there were other conflicting meetings that night.