ATC Medical

M

maxshuty

Well-Known Member
I may have asked this a long time ago but after searching I cannot find the answer.

I plan to attend an ATC training school next year... However I would like to get my ATC medical before I get too caught up in that. I would hate to complete the school then get denied the medical. Does any Doctor who can do medicals do the ATC ones? Or is there a special place I have to go to get that specific cert.? Do you know who I would see for the MN region?

-Thank you, Max
 
I will let the resident good doctor here officially answer your question but I suspect it would have to be an AME.
 
It is essentially the same thing as a 2nd class medical, however, the FAA in their infinite wisdom does not allow you to use a current pilot's medical to qualify for ATC. They will make you take another medical, albeit on their dime, to satisfy their needs.

So unless you intend on doing some flying, I'd save your money. If you have any concerns about passing, you may want to leave a message here for the doctor, and have a physical done locally.
 
If youa re going to an aviation schoo for ATC, any AME can do a Class 2 medical for you. The only requirements for specific AME's are for FAA employed ATC positions.
 
maxshuty said:
:whatever: Where do I go for that?!
Click to expand...

You can find one here:

http://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/

Or, if you're a member of AOPA you can search for one on their website.

Or,

You can go down to your local small airport's FBO and ask someone if they know of or have a list of local AME's (Air Medical Examiner).

Or,

Do a Google search for Air Medical Examiners. Many AME's can do 2nd and 3rd class medicals but only a senior medical examiner can do 1st class. This is pilot stuff and I'm not sure what type of medical is required for ATC applicants. An AME could probably answer your questions.
 
Alright! I'll have to do some research.

I am very concerned about getting denied the ATC Medical Cert because I was denied my 3rd class for having been on Medication, then I had to wait 90 days and send in a bunch of info. Then I finally got a special issuance...

Is it possible for me to even get the ATC Medical Cert, or am I going to have a heck of a time getting it?
 
Special issuance for being on Lexapro as a child for OCD. I was Lexapro and my OCD "went away" (and I've been clinically cured) and I stayed on a SUPER small dosage of 10mg/day for a few years after that... I went to the Doc and he said 10mg is hardly enough for a child so I got off of them and have been perfectly fine without symptoms since I've been off, around 1-1.5yrs.
And what do you mean Contract worker? They wont hire me as one or what (for ATC)?
 
First,the FAA will want to see the medical records and may have you evaluated by a psychiatrist.
Second, contract controllers do not work for the FAA but staff towers in communites where the FAA does not choose to operate the facility. This is different than beingan FAA employee.
 
Well I *plan* to work at a place like ZNY or some place similar (of course they are all different...) So I shouldn't need to worry about contract stuff for my current workplace intentions?

I was evaluated by the psychiatrist a year ago or so, so that he could write a letter, along with my medical records, in order to get my 3rd Class, I have no problem with being evaluated again, however.

So basically at this point I need to see an AME who can do 2nd class medical certificates... and IF I pass the 2nd class I should not have any problems what-so-ever getting my ATC Medical?
 
Wrong. The ATC standards for FAA employees are different than the standard class 2 medical. Entry standards are more stringent. Remember, this is an employment exam as well as a fitness exam.
 
I don't think so. You can discuss this with the Regional Flight Surgeon's office near you. The problem is the diagnosis of OCD - this is DQ unless the FAA is satisfied with the psychiatric evaluation.
 
What does the "psychiatric evaluation" consist of? Because I am now probably less OCD than 99.99% of the population...

I'm assuming the Regional Flight Surgeons office near me would be in the Twin Cities ?
 
It is an interview with a psychiatrist. The history of a psychiatric illness is the reason they will probably want this.

The Regional Flight Surgeon is in Chicago:
Nestor Kowalsky, M.D.
Federal Aviation Administration
2300 East Devon
Des Plaines, Illinois 60018-4686
(847) 294-7491, FAX (847) 294-7808
 
So basically I should contact

"The Regional Flight Surgeon is in Chicago:
Nestor Kowalsky, M.D.
Federal Aviation Administration
2300 East Devon
Des Plaines, Illinois 60018-4686
(847) 294-7491, FAX (847) 294-7808"

And what should I ask? (Sorry I'm a little confused)
 
Ask the questions you asked here:

I plan to attend an ATC training school next year... However I would like to get my ATC medical before I get too caught up in that. I would hate to complete the school then get denied the medical. Does any Doctor who can do medicals do the ATC ones? Or is there a special place I have to go to get that specific cert.?

Special issuance for being on Lexapro as a child for OCD. I was Lexapro and my OCD "went away" (and I've been clinically cured) and I stayed on a SUPER small dosage of 10mg/day for a few years after that... I went to the Doc and he said 10mg is hardly enough for a child so I got off of them and have been perfectly fine without symptoms since I've been off, around 1-1.5yrs.

What does the "psychiatric evaluation" consist of? Because I am now probably less OCD than 99.99% of the population...

They can answer all of these questions authoritatively.
 
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