Texas AME

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The FAA has a “Special Project” underway whereby they are comparing what has been reported on airmen FAA medical certification applications versus what is reported in their VA file for disability.  If there is a discrepancy, they are pulling those files and sending them to a special review.  Airman are either getting a “Reconciliation” letter, or their case is being sent for legal action.

The Reconciliation letter directs that airman present for a deferred exam (1st Class exam prior to July 31st 2023, 2nd and 3rd Class exams prior to January 31, 2024, or prior to certificate expiration for all classes - whichever comes first) and correctly disclose on their application everything included with their VA benefits letter.  The FAA then determines what, if any, additional information/records/evaluations are required. 
Your future medical certification will be withheld until this is resolved with the FAA.  There are essentially three options how you might proceed:

1. Manage your case on your own - You may work through this on your own.  I’ve learned that I have to be very careful answering questions because in an effort to be helpful to pilots I can unintentionally do harm.  This happens because either I do not have all of the information needed, I am not giving the case my full attention when answering “quick questions”, or because the client only hears a partial answer not in the context of the bigger picture.  So I’m generally okay answering a quick “yes/no” sort of question, but anything more complicated than that will require a formal consultation or case management services.
   
2. AME Consultation - This is a one-time consultation where we can review your case and I can offer you opinions and guidance on how you might best continue to manage your case.  You may schedule this online as a 30-minute appointment and we can have it in person or telephonically (in person is understood unless you request a telephone consultation).
   
3. Case Management  - This is more of a full-service option where I help manage your case all the way to a logical conclusion.  You no longer submit anything directly to the FAA, rather you provide me the documentation for ongoing review and suggestions on how best to optimize your case regarding the timing and outcome.  If you are interested in Case Management, I have another message I can send you that introduces this service in more detail.

Regarding FAA regulations, I do my best to provide clear and helpful information to my pilots, but I stop short of telling them what they can/can’t do - that’s neither my role nor my field of expertise.  But here’s what I share:

You should be very cautious now because you can unintentionally put yourself in a bad place.
The FAA uses a few different wordings to address this:

• "You are advised that it is unlawful under the Federal Aviation Regulations for you to exercise airman privileges unless you hold an appropriate medical certificate. Further, it is unlawful for the holder of a medical certificate to exercise such privileges if he/she has a known medical history or condition which makes him/her unable to meet the physical requirements of the certificate."

and

•  "We would like to invite your attention to the provisions of Title 14 of the CFR, Section 61.53, and to caution you that in view of your possible disqualification, the exercise of the privileges of your medical certificate until such time as you have been found qualified by the FAA, may constitute a violation of this regulation." 

In their Reconciliation letter they specifically reference the following:

Title 14 CFR § 61.53, Prohibition on Operations During Medical Deficiency

Operations that require a medical certificate. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a person who holds a current medical certificate issued under part 67 of this chapter shall not act as pilot in command, or in any other capacity as a required pilot flight crewmember, while that person:

• Knows or has reason to know of any medical condition that would make the person unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation; or
  
• Is taking medication or receiving other treatment for a medical condition that results in the person being unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation.

The FAA is informing you that you have a known medical condition that requires FAA approval (i.e. your case must be deferred to the FAA; an AME may not issue you a certificate).  Your case already is under scrutiny with possible legal action pending.

E-Mail Dr. Davenport HERE.

Working with a Cardiologist who is familiar with the FAA's standards and knows what they are looking for can save precious time and expense.  Following are some trusted providers with whom you may coordinate on your own to provide the requested services.  You will retain responsibility for providing records and reports, as well as for coordinating submission to the FAA either directly from the provider or through your  AME if you've established a Case Management program.

Cardiologists:

Huseng Vefali, MD - Austin Cardiology Clinic