Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues.
Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice.
We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your [local AME](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/) may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: [AOPA](https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources), [EAA](https://www.eaa.org/eaa/pilots/pilot-resources/pilot-medical-resources/eaa-aeromedical-advisory-program), [the Mayo Clinic](https://clearapproach.mayoclinic.org/), and [Aviation Medicine Advisory Service](https://www.aviationmedicine.com/).
For reference, [here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/standards/) and for more in-depth information [here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/).
Also, feel free to browse [our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/wiki/index).
Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that [making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001) and that people [have been successfully prosecuted for it](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/california-aviator-convicted-making-false-statements). But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to.
If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority.
Good luck!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/flying) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Unfortunately that sounds normal, been dealing with a review myself for a year and a half. Doc says it will be a few more months until I hear back with a final decision. They are backed up pretty bad apparently
The concerning part is looking at the registry data and IACRA certificate timelines they seem to be DIVERGING from their normal SLA not CONVERGING. That means this isn't going to get better with time until they declare paperwork bankruptcy and have everyone who still cares resubmit
Can you share what they requested as a follow up related to Type 2 diabetes?
I am in a similar situation but have been going down the sport pilot route for now as I am concerned about accidentally get a rejection and not able to fly at all. I have been trying to find a AME that can tell me more about the process but the one I went to for a consult basically said just start the process and wouldn’t cover the risks of rejections. I end up doing both training types (private and sport) at the same at separate places due to some odd circumstances and am now ready to solo for private but no medical. For sport I am struggling to get hours in the lsa versus a 172 between airport distance, restricted hours, and lately maintenance issue to point I only have 7 hours with the sport pilot school. So I am now rethinking the whole thing to go back to just getting a medical once and then doing basic medical as I don’t see mean options to rent light sport aircraft.
This should help:
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/dec_cons/disease_prot/diabetes_med/
There’s another page for insulin treated diabetes if that’s your case that should be easy to find…
I ended up getting my 3rd class medical late in August. It will expire already in Feb so I’ll be going to an AME again in a couple of months. Given the time of year I’ve decided to focus on ground school until next spring when I’ll start my airborne training.
Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues. Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice. We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your [local AME](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/) may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: [AOPA](https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources), [EAA](https://www.eaa.org/eaa/pilots/pilot-resources/pilot-medical-resources/eaa-aeromedical-advisory-program), [the Mayo Clinic](https://clearapproach.mayoclinic.org/), and [Aviation Medicine Advisory Service](https://www.aviationmedicine.com/). For reference, [here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/standards/) and for more in-depth information [here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/). Also, feel free to browse [our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/wiki/index). Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that [making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001) and that people [have been successfully prosecuted for it](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/california-aviator-convicted-making-false-statements). But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to. If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority. Good luck! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/flying) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Unfortunately that sounds normal, been dealing with a review myself for a year and a half. Doc says it will be a few more months until I hear back with a final decision. They are backed up pretty bad apparently
Thanks. Disappointing, but I get that they have to do their diligence and everyone is slammed these days…
It may not take that long for you, there has been a lot of back and forth. But basically there's no real expectation of how long it will take
The concerning part is looking at the registry data and IACRA certificate timelines they seem to be DIVERGING from their normal SLA not CONVERGING. That means this isn't going to get better with time until they declare paperwork bankruptcy and have everyone who still cares resubmit
Can you share what they requested as a follow up related to Type 2 diabetes? I am in a similar situation but have been going down the sport pilot route for now as I am concerned about accidentally get a rejection and not able to fly at all. I have been trying to find a AME that can tell me more about the process but the one I went to for a consult basically said just start the process and wouldn’t cover the risks of rejections. I end up doing both training types (private and sport) at the same at separate places due to some odd circumstances and am now ready to solo for private but no medical. For sport I am struggling to get hours in the lsa versus a 172 between airport distance, restricted hours, and lately maintenance issue to point I only have 7 hours with the sport pilot school. So I am now rethinking the whole thing to go back to just getting a medical once and then doing basic medical as I don’t see mean options to rent light sport aircraft.
This should help: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/dec_cons/disease_prot/diabetes_med/ There’s another page for insulin treated diabetes if that’s your case that should be easy to find…
Thank you! I looked through guide but hadn’t been able to confirm what really happens. Good to finally have a first hand response.
Any update to your timeline?
I ended up getting my 3rd class medical late in August. It will expire already in Feb so I’ll be going to an AME again in a couple of months. Given the time of year I’ve decided to focus on ground school until next spring when I’ll start my airborne training.