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"You'll Never Be a Pilot" -- How I Proved Them WRONG!
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- Опубліковано 6 сер 2024
- Join me on an intimate journey into the world of aviation and the critical step every aspiring pilot must conquer: the FAA medical certification. Hi, I’m Chris Palmer, master flight instructor and founder of Angle of Attack flight school here in Alaska. In this video, I open up about my personal struggles and triumphs with obtaining an FAA medical certificate, a crucial requirement for anyone looking to become a pilot in the USA.
AOPA PILOT PROTECTION SERVICES
▹ Protect Your Flying Freedoms bit.ly/AOA-PPS
From battling through the initial shock of a multiple sclerosis diagnosis to overcoming the bureaucratic hurdles of FAA medical exams, I share my story to inspire and guide those facing similar challenges. Whether you’re pursuing an aviation career or dreaming of exploring the skies as a hobbyist, understanding the intricacies of the FAA medical certification process is paramount.
In this video, we cover:
• Personal Insights: My journey from a determined 16-year-old with a dream to a seasoned pilot instructor.
• FAA Medical Basics: Explaining the different classes of FAA medical certificates and what they mean for your aviation goals.
• Navigating Challenges: Tips on finding a supportive Aeromedical Examiner (AME) and leveraging resources like AOPA’s Pilot Protection Services for FAA medical special issuance and FAA medical deferred cases.
But that’s not all! Experience the thrill firsthand as we take flight to my AME appointment, soaring over the stunning landscapes of Alaska. From pre-flight preparations to navigating through the skies, you’ll witness the beauty and excitement of flying combined with the practicalities of maintaining FAA medical certification.
Plus, don’t miss out on breathtaking flying footage as we embark on my own FAA medical certification journey, taking you from the cockpit to my AME appointment.
Whether you’re facing FAA medical mental health concerns or simply curious about the road to learning to fly, this video offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate this crucial step with confidence.
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▹ Start with FREE Total Student Pilot Course: bit.ly/AOATSP
▹ Private Pilot Online Ground School: bit.ly/AOAPPL
▹ Instrument Online Ground School: bit.ly/AOAIFR
GET OUR MERCH
▹ Hats, Jackets, Shirts, Flight Bags and More: bit.ly/AOAMerch
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#FAAMedical #Flying #LEARNtoFLY
![High School to Flight School [+] Student Pilot Flies a Cessna 172](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hnRXW-cqHc4/mqdefault.jpg)
I’m a private pilot and had a mental health challenge last year. I was up for renewal and didn’t think much of it as I was filling out the medxpress honestly. I found myself battling with the FAA who was asking for tests, labs and therapy notes. When I would submit those, they’d ask for more or clarification. It was endless, I ended up quitting. They won. It’s a hopeless battle. It’s almost as if they don’t want people to fly.
Is the paperwork still at the FAA? AOPA might be able to help, unless you already got them involved.
Unfortunately, your case is not uncommon. People get swamped by endless paperwork and evaluations and end up quitting.
@@angleofattack Yes, the FAA has the paperwork. I’ll look into AOPA and see about going that route. Thank you for the information.
I had a DPE sic the FAA on me for a suspected anxiety issue. the FAA cleared me, but all the DPE's in my area refuse to give me a PPL checkride, saying they can't be fair to me. My CFI said just go somewhere else, itll be fine. I don't believe him, and now I have a toxic distrust of DPE's, CFI's, and everyone in aviation. get a rep as someone with a possible mental health issue, and watch as you get treated like a leper.
As soon as I saw the title, I immediately thought of all the people with ADHD (which is a lot), and the horror stories I've sifted through on Reddit. I haven't started flying yet, but I know the FAA is absolutely archaic when they blanket reject entire conditions. Like the conversation you had with the nurse, how can you come to a written-in-stone conclusion based off of a single conversation alone? It's so maddening to see someone who is very mildly affected by their ailment, or maybe even recovered (like substance abuse), to be rejected a medical cert.
Thank you for bringing up this topic, and I hope it'll get more views because more people need to know these resources from the AOPA.
It’s pretty awful. They’re years behind when it comes to mental health.
Great episode Chris. I was Counting Crows’ bassist from their humble beginnings through 2004, but airplanes were under my skin from about 12 years old when I started building models of the WW2 fighters. My dad gave me the gift of flying lessons around that time - they had to put wooden blocks on the rudder pedals so I could reach them. I soloed a 150 in 1979 on my 16th birthday at Buchanan field, Concord CA then immediately gave it up because I was already playing bass guitar and wanted to play in a rock band. Now in my 60s I dream of getting my private license, but I have a glorious anxiety /panic disorder 😂 Anyway, your channel is very inspiring!
I was diagnosed with a chronic stomach issue and two types of anxiety but thanks to a skilled AME, i was still able to get flying!
It truly makes all the difference.
I've been working with the FAA for about 2 years now to get my 1st class medical. It's quite the journey! Fingers crossed that it comes through soon!
Hi Chris, thank you for teaching me so much about aviation. As someone who is disabled and can’t fly in real life, I’ve found joy in using flight simulators and fly regularly on vatsim to simulate real life. Your insights have been incredibly valuable to me, and I’ve learned a great deal from you. An fun fact, I sometimes practice traffic patterns on a Cessna 172 at Homer in Alaska to emulate your lessons, even with the N2423U callsign. It’s a fun and enriching experience. Point maybe being that even if someone is not cleared for the medical, they could actually enjoy aviation through today's amazing simulators. Keep inspiring and throttle on!
Great video here Chris. Thank you for telling your story and letting people know not to take NO for an answer. Have a great Alaskan summer.
Brilliant video Chris! Very helpful for the future. I’m currently doing my CPL in New Zealand and I’ve set my sights in bush flying alaska in the future
Chris, you and a few others really inspired me early on. I passed my first medical but then retired from the military and got a VA disability rating. Second medical two years later got deferred and I spent a year grounded. Spent a lot on a specialist to get an evaluation and after a year, was cleared. Almost immediately ended up going through two surgeries back to back (appendectomy and broken arm). Finally got healed and back in the sky and cleared in my next medical. After five long years, I passed my check ride last month! Thank you for being such an inspiration and for such an awesome channel!
What is a HIMS doctor?
@@ahashdahnagila6884 apparently I got that title wrong; I guess HIMS deals specifically with alcohol/addiction, which was not my situation. In my case, it was a forensics psychiatric evaluation to determine current status and prognosis of previous therapy for military-related stressors. But I believe that doctor deals with many other issues as well and sends the report to the FAA. Wasn’t cheap, to be certain, but was certainly thorough
Thanks for sharing this Chris! I'm glad you found a champion that fought for your ability to fly. I'm glad you're around and what you're doing for GA. Hope to meet you again this year at Osh!
Side note, that nose strut seems awfully low.
Very good advice. Thanks for sharing.
Chris- thank you for sharing. It’s never easy to share personal information to the entire world. I started flying 4 years ago at 53. I had a great AME but had some health history that ended up being reviewed by the FAA. It was a long, stressful, frustrating process but in the end I received a special issuance medical. I’m so glad I kept pushing. I love to fly and it was worth the headaches of the medical process. I love your channel!
Wow, if only I saw this video sooner. When I first wanted to be a pilot and applied for my medical I really wasn’t aware of how strict the medical certificate was. On my first appointment with me AME (who was not very pilot friendly)
when I filled out my medxpress I noted somethings that by the FAA were just not acceptable. Because of this like you said I had to spend thousands of dollars on testing and have delayed my training just one month short of a year. Adding on to that is that is the time period for my testing and then sending it to the FAA and getting their word back was short. This is an amazing video that I think all people who wanna be pilots should look at. Im really glad to see a video about exactly what I’ve been struggling with for the last year. I love your channel and hopefully one day I’ll get the opportunity to fly to Alaska.
Thanks so much Chris, that story warmed my heart.
My pleasure!
Great story Chris, thanks for sharing. I had a second class medical that was up for renewal in February. Switched to BasicMed, now my primary care physician and I make the call. The FAA is unpredictable and slow.
Appreciate you sharing your experience. Glad you realized your dreams even in being faced with challenges.
Everyone faces that challenge at some point.
Great job! Thank you for the information and for leading the way for others. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
So helpful. I’m stuck in this med loop. Been here since ‘22. Thanks for the info, the encouragement and sharing your journey.
Hopefully you can figure something out. Seriously give AOPA PPS a call and talk to them.
Thanks for sharing. Just saw my AME for a renewal, failed the eye exam. Turned out that I needed some new glasses, and finally got the medical. Puh, never feel to be on the safe side.
Happy landings from Berlin (the one in Germany)
Thanks for all the info and personal experiences. Student pilot over 50 and I made all the mistakes you spoke of. Instructor put me on hold until I get medical figured out. Finally found an AME that was great to work with but a lot of the damage was done. I don't know why a CPAP that helps me sleep is such a big deal but it has been more than 3 months and still haven't got my answer yet from FAA. Still in the holding pattern!! Keep up the good work!
Chris, your story is proof you don’t know the place people have came from and the struggles they have/had. Thanks for sharing your story.
A LOT of people have to go through plenty to get their medical.
Doctor Bob rocks!!! Truly a great doctor! Love Kevin’s external load…
Great info, and glad you're doing well with your MS and found a good AME. Here in California, it seems hard to find any kind of doctor willing to fight for you anymore. Also, that was a badass airport you flew into, love the sea plane channels/docks, and sooo many land planes it looked like... Like a mini Oshkosh! lol
Lake Hood, biggest seaplane base in the world! Thanks for your compliments. The good doctors are out there.
Thx Chris for your story with AMEs...great music.
I never had a problem with 3rd class physicals until I had years of age under my belt...then I encountered an AME with diabolical thoughts about my exam, he referred me to the Oklahoma office..took me 3 mos after supplying all sorts of records...finally was issued the med.
My suggestion is ,like you mentioned, consult first with a friendly AME before you start the exam. Tough road, but never give up and it helps to have AOPA LEGAL PROTECTION SERVICES on your side which zi didn't have at the time.
Hope you have blue skies and following winds.
Chris, a superb video on a critical topic... especially, as you appropriately noted several times, about the "off the record consult with the AME"!! A couple related thoughts... (1) I'm curious why you personally don't now go with Basic Med, as I understand that now covers instructors?, (2) You mention that "you need to get a Medical to be a pilot"... there are exceptions of course, an important one being a Sport Pilot, particularly applicable with the pending Mosaic program. Thanks for providing this video; it will benefit many many aspiring pilots! Wayne (DA40 KSBA)
Great video! While your story was when you're young, it's of even greater importance as we age. I didn't get my ticket unit age 57, and as we age, things just start to go south, and it's harder and harder to pass the medical. Thanks for providing great info!
You're most welcome. Hopefully we can all stay in the skies!
What a story brother, thank you for sharing. Every young pilot needs to remember this, time flys by quickly. Staying healthy is a necessary in this field
Amen to that.
@@angleofattackare u muslim
Good on you for sharing your own story and journey to becoming a pilot! I’m a prostate cancer “survivor” (I despise that term…) I had a prostatectomy in January 2020. Did my first Class 1 medical after that in June 2021…lots of paperwork and a bit of running around, particularly as Transport Canada pretty much shut down for the pandemic! Every six months since though. Still holding the Class 1
Glad you're still with us, and still flying. You have to fight to be in aviation. I guess that's an undertone to this message.
I used to watch All the aviation UA-cam channels. You name it I watched it. That was during Covid, now those Big shots are busy. Doing other things. Thanks Sir for your videos. I watch them all.
Hi Chris, great video. I'm an older pilot that stepped away from aviation for a few years. I had no problem getting through medicals in the past. Now, I'm having a few issues getting the medical renewed due to comments made in my medical record. In reviewing my medical record, in 2018 there is an entry that states I have general anxiety. I don't have anxiety at all and it is not mentioned anywhere else in the record but it is a flag for FAA. I also had a stress test done in which the cardiologist dictated it as a "probably normal study" then went on about how everything was normal and ended it with "test ended due to patient fatigue"; which is not true at all. The doctor stopped the test, stating he had all the information needed. This all stuff that I now need to get corrected or clarifed in order to satisfy the FAA. So, my take away for other pilots is always review your medical record after visits and procedures to make sure the information is accurate and ask for corrections- if needed.
love your videos
Signed Sean, thank you!!!
This comes at an interesting time for me as I’m dealing with some issue and working through some difficulties with the FAA with my special issuances. I am an AOPA plus member, and I would have to say that I found them less then helpful with just talking with someone there one questions I had, and while I think it’s a worthwhile organization, not sure if I will continue with being a member.
Been waiting since December to hear back on mone because i am blind in one eye. About 25 hours in to flight training so risking the money but have loved the training even if i dont get cleared.
Thank you for sharing your story. The FAA is so backwards with medical right now. Hopefully we'll get some reform.
You can schedule a "consultation" with an AME to get your questions and situations evaluated off the record. If you're unsure if you should list something on the form, consult someone qualified to help you first.
This is inspiring omg
I’m a private pilot with diabetes I got a class 3 fairly easily the first time but I had to renew my special issuance every year the first 2years it went smooth only taking a couple months each after that the FAA began wanting me to take tests for my heart that even the doctors were like telling me I didn’t need after I got through the process which took around a year I switched to basic med it’s a godsend for people like me who are in good health but have health issues
Thanks for sharing your struggles
Happy to hear that!
Another awesome video! Can you share the name of the two songs going and coming?
About a year after getting my private pilots license, I was told I would probably never fly again, about 1 year ago and after 6 years of back and forth with the FAA, I am finally back in the skies, Just finishing commercial training. A word of advice to aspiring pilots is that if this is what you want.. go for it. don't let the man get you down. Be sure to do your research and find a competent AME.
I won't lie, it can be an extremely expensive and mentally taxing process to gain approval from the FAA, but it is worth it.
We can all push for change in the system.
Happy landings fellow aviators.
This one hits home for me. I was 12 hrs in to me training when the FAA dropped the hammer on me because of my addiction history. I knew it was possible they would deny me but I wanted to see if flying really was something Inwanted to do. I never felt so alive in my whole life. So, now I have to go the special issuance route myself. Drug tests, have to meet with a HIMS AME and spend thousands of dollars on tests to prove to the FAA I can fly safely. Accountability is mother isn’t it? Is it worth it? To chase a dream and get to fly, you bet your ass! Thanks for the inspiration Chris, I believe I have some phones calls to make.
It's absolutely worth it!
Thanks for sharing. This has just dashed my dream of being a Private Pilot. Not your fault, I always watch your channel. 😢
Why would it dash your dreams?
I’ve had 2 Heart Attacks, I’m Type 2 Diabetic. Although I feel great for years, I feel that training to fly would not be possible. Any Thoughts?
Eu estou aqui porque vi voce no canal "viajo porque preciso", da Fran e Edu. Voce ganhou um novo inscrito em seu canal
I'm in the mess with the FAA right now. Paperwork, lab test etc. It's killing me.
Thank you for sharing your story. Here in Germany it is also more complicated with the medical if you have a medical history. It becomes very complicated if you have a current health problem. But for safety in the sky, it's probably right to be a bit stricter.
A bit stricter is understandable. But it becomes so burdensome at times that it's impossible. You'll see some stories here in the comments along those very lines.
@@angleofattack Yes, it's the same here. Some officials are more of an obstructor than an enabler. That's annoying and stressful.
I live in Ontario Canada. Dealing with Transport Canada has been fun to say the least. Did my class 3 medical on March 14 2024, was sent an Email stating that it could take up to 40 business days, putting it at May 9th. 3 weeks after that date I called them and its still not done, and the person I talked to couldn't give me a day.
I've been going through this myself. Because of past medical history, I needed to go through special issuance. Complicating things is most of my medical appointments are with a naturopath. For now I have given up on a medical. My new goal is to save up and purchase the Sonex Zenos motorglider kit and build it. Glider pilots with a motorglider endorsement do not need a medical.
I can't say enough good about AOPA pilot protective services. They help me with special issuance and now basic med!
Love to hear it!
I applied to the Royal Air Force for pilot training in 1986. I was rejected on the basis of self declaration of hay fever. I was devastated. Particularly as if I had done my homework and not declared it, I may have been accepted.
Thirty years later, I got my private pilots licence and enjoyed flying ever since.
Have you ever faced a medical issue? Share your story in a comment below!
Failed my first medical evaluation, doctors said I couldn't fly because of my septum so I had to take surgery. I was really sad for months but I couldn't give up that quickly, saved money for the surgery and got it done! 8 months later I got my medical and started flight school! I am now a private pilot and will soon get my commercial license!
Not sure if this is an issue yet have a current class 3 medical. Recently moved to different state in the process of getting a new primary care doc he was doing all "normal" checks when he did an overnight pulse ox study showed I could benefit from oxygen (not cpap) when I called AOPA and asked about this the lady I talked to said my medical is now invalid and left it at that she did email me a link about CPAP. So I'm not sure what to do at this point.
Good video and thanks for sharing your personal situation. I have a few medical issues myself, like sleep apnea, color blindness and a couple others. I forged my own way like you did and have to get an annual renewal for my third class certificate. Initially is was a pain with lots of delays, but I've gotten to the point of geting with my specialists prior to visiting an AME so I have all my tests that the FAA has required of me. Part of my issue in Tampa is that my prior two AMEs have retired or gotten out of the business. So every year I have to find a new AME. This year it went fairly smoothly because I had all the tests that the FAA is demanding of my situation.
I"m wondering if you have any thoughts on Basic Med - could I next year move to Basic Med with the online form and a primary care doctor visit? Wondering if I'm stuck in the third class hassle every year with an AME now that the FAA is aware of my medical issues.
Al, Tampa, FL
I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure if you have special issuance, you can't have Basic Med. I could be wrong, though. Look into it for yourself!
What if I’m just seeing this but I already started the medexpress process. How much does that change my chances of approval or is it too late. I would love to chat with you one on one if you ever get the chance. Love your channel man!
Thanks sir its just wat i needed im 15 now its my dream im very serious about it but i was scared about that medical check cuz i was a bit fat now i do exersize and weigth lifting but i was still scared bout if i had something like diabetes
I got my 1st class medical scheduled in 2 days on Friday. Very nervous,
I love your videos! I do wish you could fix that interference in the audio track though (seems like the last several have had it), it is like nails on a chalkboard and makes it hard for me to watch them.
Can you explain more? What part?
It’s a high pitch “squeaking” almost like a squeaky hinge on a door… but it is pretty constant from 21:00-23:00 in this video. I have noticed it in past videos too. Seems to be in the audio pickup in the plane.
I was flying for years and had never had any issues with obtaining and keeping a first class until 5 years ago. I couldn’t pass the color vision plate tests any longer and I got tagged for color blindness. My restrictions are not being able to fly at night or by color signal. It’s very strange how my color deficiency developed over the years. I had never and still don’t have an issue discerning lights and color, but because I can’t see the numbers in the bubbles, it disqualifies me. For now I’ve hung up the aviation career until I find my way around this.
I'd be curious to see what options you have. Of course Light Sport just for fun is a possibility. MOSAIC will hopefully help.
A friend was denied with MS after jumping through all the hoops and tests. Her husband is a pilot and they own a plane, so she still has options just not as a pilot. Any advice on someone like her that has been denied, and the appeal was denied. Her health is stable. I'm going to book mark this video for every time I'm asked by someone about getting a medical with a medical history I am just going to point them here, So thank you for posting it.
What software do you use for editing? I want to make a couple multi/side by side view videos for friends. (GoPro 8/12 cams).
Also the landing had some really hard on the ears tones. (Music or sound effects). Take care.
I'm waiting on a surgery before getting my medical.. i just hope the pain medication wont impact my medical. I'm overall pretty healthy and the surgery will improve my health even more! Crossing my fingers i'll be okay
Keep lots, and lots of records. Talk to an AME soon (off record) and get ahead of it.
@@angleofattack will do !! Thank you for the great video. It definitely helped a lot ☺️
God Bless You man! You are a very huge inspiration to me! Jesus is Good!
He is.
I’m turning 57. I received my medical cert to fly. But I haven’t started any training. Am I too old to start my pilot journey?
Student pilot here. I had a deferment back in December 2023. I did all of the things the FAA asked for and mailed it in February 2024. As of right now, June 13th, I'm still waiting for the results :(
You need to talk to AOPA. They might be able to move things along on your behalf.
@@angleofattack Yeah, I did. They said there was nothing they could do ☹
Was your AME based out of the Chicago area? Because if so, I think he might be mine and he’s awesome
Nope! Alaska. Lots of good AMEs out there. Just gotta look for them.
At the end of the exam, the AME said she was sending me to the zombie line. I asked if my current medical was still valid. She said, "That depends on who you ask". I could not get a straight answer from the AME. FAA is a very messed-up organization.
WTF!
I live in Canada and have level 1 Autism and OCD my autism is barley or not even noticeable i really wanna become a pilot i dont feel like I have autism I feel normal and i know 100% i would be safe in the air flying a plane
Hi
My partner has MS, and unfortunately isn't as fortunate as you. He has flareups at least once or twice a week.
Started flying late in life and got my 3rd class medical for the first time at age 62. Went to Basic Med after that. Are you a career CFI? Why not use Basic Med?
Because I want to keep my job options open if I ever needed them. I like having the highest standard.
@@angleofattack Makes sense.
What are the little huts next to the parked ac & Homer?
That’s on Lake Hood. And they’re just little sheds for their parking spots.
@@angleofattack oh, deck boxes, if you’re a sailor.
Is 30yo too old to start my journey as a pilot ?
Why go for a 1st class if you only need a 3rd class for CFI?
Because I want to keep my options open, and I may have other commercial jobs I'd like to do as well.
Blood pressure killed my aviation career
I'm just thinking of many pilots that don't disclose true medical history to an AME, and they are getting their medicals without issues many of them at one of the airports I worked at for a side gig and rental discounts. 😂
Why not just fly sport pilot for those of you who think might not pass med.
Because some of us want to do it as a career, and the FAA is far overreaching when it comes to medical matters.
I believe additionally if a pilot has ever received a denial for any other certificate before you are ineligible for basic med or sport certification.
@@maksimmayer4714 that is correct so if you believe you might not pass medical like myself you either need to talk to dr off the record or fly sport pilot. It is a bit tricky but if you are wanting to commercially fly then of course sport pilot will not work. I have my pilots license and I am sure I couldn’t pass first medical my only choice is to fly sport or try for a lesser medical.
Well im 60 and too old to peruse this as a career.
At 23:00 i knew why u r an instructor
3rd class medical.... Go and have a pre medical with an actual Dr... I had to get an exemption due to medicines being taken. Could have saved so much time and effort and stress 😆
Go with Basic Med, make your life easier …..
Try not to mislead people. Basic Med is for some, not for all, and not for commercial ops.
Don't tell the FAA you snore! You will get a sleep evaluation $$$$!!!!
You have tell them? I know of truckers/ Concentra sites that measure the neck and immediately start asking about that and sleep apnea. (Happened to my scrawny tail 5’8-145lb).
WTF is all that squealing?
To expensive of a hobby
@paulcollins9197 The only problem about learning to fly, I did 12 fantastic hours in my logbook but I stopped because of………… money.
@kpeecee that's why am going to get my six pack and become a boat captain for extra money when I retire.
For many it's far more than a hobby. It's a career.
25:36 The $100 burger 😊