AOPA helps members streamline their medical certification
Ever applied for a special-issuance medical, only to receive a letter from the FAA two months later requesting more information? Or been grounded while waiting to receive your special issuance? AOPA's medical certification specialists understand how frustrating and time-consuming the special-issuance process can be - they work with the FAA on a daily basis. That's why AOPA offers free resources and one-on-one assistance to help you get your special-issuance application through the first time.
"The key to streamlining your special issuance process is to start collecting all of the needed documentation about your condition early. It's also a good idea to send your medical records overnight to the FAA so that no time is wasted," said Gary Crump, AOPA director of medical certification. "Before you go to your AME, call AOPA (800/USA-AOPA) to make sure you have everything you need, and in the correct chronological order. We know how the FAA works, and we can help you get your special issuance."
Crump suggests that members should anticipate waiting 90 days to receive their special issuance. Even though some special-issuance medicals are coming through quickly, as AOPA reported last week, there are still delays.
"You can do your follow-up examination and testing up to 90 days before the expiration date of your current authorization," Crump said. "This can decrease the chances that you'll be grounded because your current medical has expired and your new one hasn't arrived yet."
AOPA's " Medical Certification Tips to Know Before You Go" can help you figure out what tests and documentation you will need to take with you to the flight physical. This page also provides easy access to medical subject reports, which include specific tests and documentation needed for more than 30 medical conditions, and to TurboMedical, AOPA's interactive medical application planning tool.
November 17, 2005
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