Hope someone can help me

S

Sebastian

New Member
I currently reside in New Jersey and I am in search for an aviation medical examiner that is a little bit more lenient when it comes time to the vision examination. The reason for this is because I have developed a minor case of an eye disorder called keratoconus, which I am working on to get treated but because of finances I am unable to afford a 10k procedure at the time being. Using my contacts I have 20/20 vision both eyes. My right eye is corrected to 20/20 but the problem lies within my left eye where on a good day I could pull off 20/25 at the best. That said I would like to know if anyone knows of an AME preferably in the northeast that would be willing to help.
 
Probably could go check in the medical forum but as far as I know you are good to 20/30 near and 20/40 (I think) far.
 
Before you spend $10,000 on surgery maybe consider getting a SODA? I know doug had one for being 20/25 in one eye at one time.

I am even considering getting one, my eyes sometimes don't see the 20/20 charts so well. I try to go to AME's that I know have "easier" charts - but it doesn't always work out (ie if I am in a bind and need a medical ASAP).

My understanding of a SODA is that you show it to the doc and you don't even have to do the vision test. You can obtain a class 1 and/or 2 medical and fly commercially with them.

FYI.
 
So this raises another question. If I obtain a SODA, is that going to hurt me in terms of receiving a job or atleast cause it harder to get? Meaning will the company come across it as a negative that I have a waiver on my medical certificate and "say" that I could be a risk as a pilot flying for the reason that my vision is to some extent worse than the guy with an unrestricted medical certificate?
 
Sebastian said:
So this raises another question. If I obtain a SODA, is that going to hurt me in terms of receiving a job or atleast cause it harder to get? Meaning will the company come across it as a negative that I have a waiver on my medical certificate and "say" that I could be a risk as a pilot flying for the reason that my vision is to some extent worse than the guy with an unrestricted medical certificate?
Click to expand...

No.
 
Why not just wear glasses? I have 20/25 in my left eye, I wear glasses to correct it to 20/20 when I fly. On the back of my medical its says "Holder must wear corrective lenses". Is that bad thing?
 
I already wear contacts and glasses regrettably don’t help. Keratoconus is a disorder of the eye in which structural changes within the cornea cause it to thin and change to a more conical shape than its normal gradual curve which causes a distortion of vision. Even with a soft contact lens, the tendency of the contact is to conform to the conical shape of the cornea, thus nulling its effect. To counter this I must wear rigid gas permeable lens which is a hard contact, but when it’s on my eye it pushes against my cornea giving it a more oval shape which provides me with crisper vision than a soft lens would.
 
Here's a hint- all of the Snellen eye charts that I've ever seen are the same. I know I'm not the only one that can read the 20/20 line with my eyes closed.
 
EatSleepFly said:
Here's a hint- all of the Snellen eye charts that I've ever seen are the same. I know I'm not the only one that can read the 20/20 line with my eyes closed.
Click to expand...

If I could find a doc that I KNEW used DEFPOTEC I think we'd all go there :)!

Almost all I find use the little machine things w/ rings. I've also found that the docs that are also eye doctors use their own eye charts. Some I can pass NO PROBLEM and some I realllllllly have to squint and have the nurse "help" sometimes.

"Let's see, Z E..."
"You sure it's not an 'F'"?
"Um yeah, no that you mention it, Z, F, ..."

:)

And yes I wear glasses. I get a checkout every year just prior to my medical, most of the time with no change in the prescription.

P.S. If this fellow is anythign like me he'll probably get tired of "running" from the problem. A SODA would probably solve his stress come medical time.
 
Here is information from the FAA regarding the SODA. Also see the Ask a Flight Surgeon thread where keratoconus is discussed today.

General Information - Airman Appeals
Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA)

At the discretion of the Federal Air Surgeon, a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) may be granted, instead of an Authorization, to a person whose disqualifying condition is static or nonprogressive and who has been found capable of performing airman duties without endangering public safety. A SODA does not expire and authorizes a designated Examiner to issue a medical certificate of a specified class if the Examiner finds that the condition described on the SODA has not adversely changed.

In granting a SODA, the Federal Air Surgeon may consider the person's operational experience and any medical facts that may affect the ability of the person to perform airman duties including:

  • The combined effect on the person of failure to meet more than one requirement of part 67; and
  • The prognosis derived from professional consideration of all available information regarding the person.
In granting a SODA under the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR 67.401), the Federal Air Surgeon specifies the class of medical certificate authorized to be issued and may do any of the following:

  • State on the SODA, and on any medical certificate based upon it, any operational limitation needed for safety; or
  • Condition the continued effect of a SODA, and any second- or third class medical certificate based upon it, on compliance with a statement of functional limitations issued to the person in coordination with the Director of Flight Standards or the Director's designee
  • In determining whether a SODA should be granted to an applicant for a third class medical certificate, the Federal Air Surgeon considers the freedom of an airman, exercising the privileges of a private pilot certificate, to accept reasonable risks to his or her person and property that are not acceptable in the exercise of commercial or airline transport pilot privileges, and, at the same time, considers the need to protect the safety of persons and property in other aircraft and on the ground
A SODA granted to a person who does not meet the applicable standards of part 67 may be withdrawn, at the discretion of the Federal Air Surgeon, at any time if:

  • There is adverse change in the holder's medical condition;
  • The holder fails to comply with a statement of functional limitations or operational limitations issued under the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR 67.401);
  • Public safety would be endangered by the holder's exercise of airman privileges;
  • The holder fails to provide medical information reasonably needed by the Federal Air Surgeon for certification under the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR 67.401)
  • The holder makes or causes to be made a statement or entry that is the basis for withdrawal of a SODA under the falsification section of part 67 (14 CFR 67.403); or
  • A person who has been granted a SODA under the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR 67.401), based on a special medical flight or practical test need not take the test again during later medical examinations unless the Federal Air Surgeon determines or has reason to believe that the physical deficiency has or may have degraded to a degree to require another special medical flight test or practical test
The authority of the Federal Air Surgeon under the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR 67.401) is also exercised by the Manager, AMCD, and each RFS.

If a SODA is withdrawn at any time, the following procedures apply:

  • The holder of the SODA will be served a letter of withdrawal stating the reason for the action;
  • By not later than 60 days after the service of the letter of withdrawal, the holder of the SODA may request, in writing, that the Federal Air Surgeon provide for review of the decision to withdraw. The request for review may be accompanied by supporting medical evidence;
  • Within 60 days of receipt of a request for review, a written final decision either affirming or reversing the decision to withdraw will be issued; and
  • A medical certificate rendered invalid pursuant to a withdrawal, in accordance with the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR 67.401 (a)) shall be surrendered to the Administrator upon request
 
Yes I am planning on getting the procedure completed as soon as I have the funds on hand. I still don’t even know if I will even qualify as a candidate for this surgery because my case is very mild and generally this is only performed on the ones that have at least a moderate case.
 
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