TurboMedical® helps you fly through the application process
"I just received my first-ever moving violation for speeding. There was no alcohol involved, but I'm getting differing answers to my question about whether I have to report this on my medical application," an AOPA member recently wrote in an e-mail message to AOPA. "Come to think of it, there are several parts of that application that confuse me every time I reapply. Is there an easier way?"
"Easier? You bet," answered Gary Crump, AOPA director of medical certification. "Faster? Yes. So fast in fact that we call the new online form for the medical certificate 'TurboMedical®.'" The innovative online form "interviews" the pilot to ensure that all of the information on the FAA's Form 8500-8 (application for an airman medical certificate or student pilot certificate) is filled in correctly.
"Many pilots mistakenly see the application form as a trap," said Crump. "It's important to understand that the application is a federal document and the FAA is going to hold you to the answers that you give."
TurboMedical® checks the pilot's answers and flags anything that might cause problems in issuing a medical certificate. "The FAA's Aeromedical Certification Division is currently taking up to three months to review medical applications," said Crump. "Some 30 percent of those delays are caused by simple errors on the application form. TurboMedical® checks for those errors."
The online form ( https://www.aopa.org/members/medical/medform/) takes pilots through the 20-question document, offering explanations for each question on the form. From the simplest question (why your full name is needed) to the toughest to interpret (have you ever in your life had severe headaches), the online form provides an explanation. There are links to AOPA's extensive online medical data for more information.
The online medical application asks the questions on one screen at a time; an explanation of exactly what the FAA is looking for appears in blue print under the question. All questions must be answered. Questions may be skipped and returned to later by using the navigation tools. Once an item is answered, a green check appears in the interview navigation bar. A red X indicates that a change is required to successfully complete the item.
Answers are confidential. Data is stored on a secured server and transmissions are encrypted. TurboMedical® temporarily stores the answers and the pilot can choose how long they will be kept. Once TurboMedical® reviews the form for completeness and accuracy, the pilot can print a copy to take to his medical examiner's office. "TurboMedical® is an educational, self-help tool to help pilots prepare to complete the medical form in the doctor's office," said Crump. "We're working on an FAA-approved version that can be completed online and e-mailed to the FAA-designated medical examiner prior to the examination."
This Web-based tool is the first of a planned series of "intelligent" online forms to serve AOPA members. "AOPA's Web site offers more resources to pilots than any other aviation site on the Internet," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "TurboMedical® is an innovative way to use the Web to remove some of the uncertainty of applying for a medical."
AOPA provides information for its members in many forms. You can reach experts in all fields of aviation via AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/members/), the AOPA Pilot Information Center (800/USA-AOPA), and e-mail ( [email protected]). Aviation technical specialists respond promptly to member requests while AOPA Online provides members access to information and resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The center is available to members from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
AOPA Web resources
The TurboMedical® form is intended to help AOPA members complete FAA Form 8500-8, the application for an airman medical certificate and student pilot certificate. It is an educational tool only and should be used as preparation for completing the actual FAA medical application.
https://www.aopa.org/members/medical/medform/
FAR 61.23 governs medical certificates, their requirements, and duration for first-, second-, and third-class certificates.
www.aopa.org/members/files/fars/far-61.html
The FAA's policy for medication usage as interpreted by AOPA's aviation technical specialists.
www.aopa.org/members/files/medical/med_use.html
Database of FAA-accepted medications compiled by the AOPA medical certification department and confirmed by the FAA Aeromedical Certification Division in Oklahoma City.
www.aopa.org/members/databases/medical/druglist.cfm
"Specifications for Neurological Evaluation" — needed if you answer "yes" to question 18, "severe and frequent headaches."
www.aopa.org/members/files/medical/neuro.html
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