Advised to wait

[atpwannabe]

Dr. Forred:

Today, it was advised by the HIMS AME in Miami that I attend an aftercare program for another 6 months. I sent a letter to the FAA back in Sept. '08 stating that I had had my last drink on September 8, 2008. If I decided to stay in the aftercare program until Sept 2010 and go back and apply for my medical on October 3, 2010, which would be 3 years to the date I started this process of being medically certified and 2+ years to the date of having my last drink, will I be able to go into the local AME's office and at the end of the exam be issued either a first or second class medical?

If not, what is the process so that when the time arrives, I can hit the ground running and wastes no time and/or resources. Also, Dr. Forred, will I have to get another HIMS psychiatric and psychological evaluation done? The one in June ran me about 3K.




atp

[My Flight Surgeon]

Most likely the AME (and preferably the HIMS AME) will write a letter to the FAA and send documentation from aftercare (you need to have a quarterly report sent to the AME) as well as copies of the psychiatric and psychological evaluations to the FAA for their consideration. The decision will be made either by OKC (for Class 3 medicals) or Washington (for Class 1 physicals). They may ask you to be monitored for another year or two or they may tell you that you can never drink again if you want to fly. The process takes about 6 weeks right now.

[ASA BOY]

Is that not to drink at all even at privacy of your home? If that's the case how would they know.

[My Flight Surgeon]

Yes it is. This is a matter of moral character to do what is the right thing.

[atpwannabe]

Hey Doc:

I heard from the HIMS AME office again today. She stated that I should complete the additional 5 months of aftercare, equaling 6 months of intensive outpatient treatment, even though I've been sober for a little over a year. Afterwards, go back to Drs. in Orlando for another HIMS psychiatric and psychological eval, and if it is determined through their evals that indeed I have abstained from alcohol and that that no personality disorder exist manifested by overt acts (a total of 3 criminal charges brought against me between 2003 & 2005 that were dropped), then a special issuance packet would be submitted on my behalf for the FAA's approval. I'm still in the hunt. By the time I do get it, I may just look like this fellow........ LOL.

A word of advice for those who have alcohol or substance abuse issues and you're concealing it. Get the help you need. I told the FAA from the outset of applying for my medical and I'm glad I did. I don't have any emotional and psychological hinderances in my way and no fear of "being found out".

There is an invaluable resource that is right here among us.....Dr. Forred. I would encourage anyone whose dealing with this issue to contact him.

Thanks for again for all your help Doc!!! .




Marcus
(atpwannabe)

[WacoFan]

Originally Posted by atpwannabe

Hey Doc:

I heard from the HIMS AME office again today. She stated that I should complete the additional 5 months of aftercare, equaling 6 months of intensive outpatient treatment, even though I've been sober for a little over a year. Afterwards, go back to Drs. in Orlando for another HIMS psychiatric and psychological eval, and if it is determined through their evals that indeed I have abstained from alcohol and that that no personality disorder exist manifested by overt acts (a total of 3 criminal charges brought against me between 2003 & 2005 that were dropped), then a special issuance packet would be submitted on my behalf for the FAA's approval. I'm still in the hunt. By the time I do get it, I may just look like this fellow........ LOL.

A word of advice for those who have alcohol or substance abuse issues and you're concealing it. Get the help you need. I told the FAA from the outset of applying for my medical and I'm glad I did. I don't have any emotional and psychological hinderances in my way and no fear of "being found out".

There is an invaluable resource that is right here among us.....Dr. Forred. I would encourage anyone whose dealing with this issue to contact him.

Thanks for again for all your help Doc!!! .




Marcus
(atpwannabe)

Nice post man - seriously - I think this is an exceptional example of paying forward with your logic and experience. Nice job.

[wrxpilot]

Good post Marcus, and some great advice there. Good luck to you! I'm looking forward to when you begin your flight training!