I had my PCP fill out out a hypertension evaluation worksheet, gathered up my lab reprots, EKG printout and an FAA 8500-7 form form my eye problem and took them to my 3rd class medical exam this morning. The exam went well, he told me I had all the reqired documents, the BP meds were ok and that I should have no problem with the FAA approving the 3rd class medical. He told me that since this was the first time reporting BP medications he would have to defer it to the FAA. I questioned why he couldn't issue and was told "he has been doing this for a long time and if FAA the FAA didn't like something they would send me a letter voiding my medical and asking for more tests or documentation and it was best to just let the FAA approve it". I didn't want to argue so I came home dissapointed.
Called the AOPA, they told me the FAA doesn't really want to process BP approvals and the AME should have issued the certificate if everything was ok. They suggested I call the AME back and ask if there was any issue with the EKG or labs and if not, suggested that he call his regional office to see if he can get approval. I called the AME back but he was no longer in the office, spoke with his assistant and she told me she would talk with him when he got back next week to see what they could do.
Is this just passing the buck or is it a liability thing? This is a new AME for me, my old one retired.
