DUI Psychiatric & Psychological Evals?

FutureCFI

FutureCFI

Well-Known Member
Long story short... I received a letter stating that I did not meet medical standards for a medical from the FAA after a DUI in March. I surrendered my 1st Class medical and asked for reconsideration. I received another letter saying to be reconsidered I need to provide current substance abuse psychiatric and psychological examinations, performed by evaluators with experience in aviation evaluations. I am wondering where I can find such evaluators? I was literally 2 days away from taking my CFI practical and am trying to do everything I can to get my medical back. I am also wondering if there will be more issues after these evaluations and how long it usually takes for FAA reconsideration? I appreciate any input I can get on the subject.
Thanks!
 
FutureCFI said:
Long story short... I received a letter stating that I did not meet medical standards for a medical from the FAA after a DUI in March. I surrendered my 1st Class medical and asked for reconsideration. I received another letter saying to be reconsidered I need to provide current substance abuse psychiatric and psychological examinations, performed by evaluators with experience in aviation evaluations. I am wondering where I can find such evaluators? I was literally 2 days away from taking my CFI practical and am trying to do everything I can to get my medical back. I am also wondering if there will be more issues after these evaluations and how long it usually takes for FAA reconsideration? I appreciate any input I can get on the subject.
Thanks!
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If you search the forum under "Ask a Flight Surgeon" you'll find tons of other posts dealing with this very issue. Also, you may want to chat directly with with Dr. Forred or his office so that you get accurate information about the process you're about to undertake.

In the meantime, Google "HIMS" and read up on what is expected of you as a pilot. As far as giving you a time frame....I'd say depending on your background and the circumstances revolving around the DUI....I'd say anywhere from 1-3 years. I'm in a similiar situation, talk to the experts first. I can't stress that enough so that you won't be going around and around in circles. I will help as much as I can.

Good luck my friend!




atp
 
Send me a PM so I know what part of the country you live in and I will send the names of HIMS psychologists and psychiatrists when I return to the office on Monday. Use a HIMS approved evaluator, it will make it move smoother at the FAA.
 
One DUI and they denied you? That seems very harsh on the FAA's part seeing how it used to required two DUIs in the past to get a medical denied. Correct me if I'm wrong.
 
FutureCFI said:
Yep.. It's my one and only alcohol related offense ever and not sure what to do.
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Dr. Forred suggested that you PM him. That's means send him a personal message. Not sure if you knew what that meant. Since you only have 2 posted messages, I believe the minimum is 25 in order to send a PM. I could be wrong though. I know that's what's required for APC. At any rate, if you're not able to PM him, call his office if you have to and let him know who you are and exactly what your situation is. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to assist you.

In the meantime, once you get going into the process, I would encourage you to share some aspects of your story here on the forum. Believe me it will help another pilot or someone aspiring to become a pilot.

Stay in contact and stay connected.



atp
 
Thanks everyone for responses. I'm not sure that the PM is working for me. I am in Colorado and hopefully can find someone close. I will keep you updated on the outcome.
 
Were you a member of AOPA legal service plan at the time of the arrest? If so, call them ASAP. Even if you're not, give them a call anyways and see if they can recommend an aviation attorney in your area with this expertise.
 
Inverted25 said:
One DUI and they denied you? That seems very harsh on the FAA's part seeing how it used to required two DUIs in the past to get a medical denied. Correct me if I'm wrong.
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It depends on the blood alcohol level. A level of 0.150 or greater requires review in OKC and a 0.200 or greater is reviewed in Washington.
 
FutureCFI said:
Thanks everyone for responses. I'm not sure that the PM is working for me. I am in Colorado and hopefully can find someone close. I will keep you updated on the outcome.
Click to expand...

I will send you names close to you on Monday. I am in Hawaii this week and do not have access to the list here.

An attorney will not help unless they take legal action. No matter what the attorney tells you, they want to see the substance abuse evaluation. I just spent a week in OKC observing the inside workings of the medical certification decision. They are fair and bend over backward to certify people unless there is good evidence they are not qualified.
 
Thanks Doctor, I will look forward to getting those names whenever you get back. Have a great time in Hawaii!! I wasn't going to get an attorney unless I needed one and it's good to hear that the people in OKC are fair. I just want to get this put behind me and move forward in my aviation career as soon as possible. Thanks everyone!!
 
Just wondering if anyone had to do any of these types of tests before. For reconsideration I have to have a report by a psychiatrist with focus on alcohol and possible dependence which I understand. However, the psychological evaluations I don't know why they are asking for all of these:
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-II)
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-II)
Trails Test A & B

and three or more of these:
a cognitive function screening test, such as the Category Test or a memory scale (Wechsler Memory Scale/II, California Verbal Learning Test, Rey Auditoy Verbal Learning Test)
a projective test such as the Rorschoch (ink blot test) or Sentence Completion
a personality inventory test, such as the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI), the NEO-R, or the Personality Assessment Inventory
a symptom screening test such as the Beck or Hamilton for depression or the MAST for alcoholism.

I talked with a psychologist who I have known for years and she said that a lot of these tests are unreliable and some are extremely controversial. She was amazed the FAA wanted me to take some of these. Anyway my question is if anyone has had to go through these? Seems that having one DUI charge and nothing else on my record, this type or requirement for reconsideration is a little overboard... Maybe it's just me since I have to go through it.
 
Ok....here's the link to the HIMS. It's an excellent program and I highly recommend you check it out.

Clicky here for: HIMS

I see you're in Parker, CO.....is this correct? If so, below is the information for a 'HIMS approved' AME located in Parker. He will be able to provide you names of approved P&P Docs.

Fennell, Ralph, M.D.
46155 Black Spruce Lane
Parker, CO 80138
303-805-9828

If you're not in Parker, let me know and I can give you more names of Docs in other CO cities.....'cause there's lots of 'em.
 
FutureCFI said:
Just wondering if anyone had to do any of these types of tests before. For reconsideration I have to have a report by a psychiatrist with focus on alcohol and possible dependence which I understand. However, the psychological evaluations I don't know why they are asking for all of these:
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-II)
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-II)
Trails Test A & B

and three or more of these:
a cognitive function screening test, such as the Category Test or a memory scale (Wechsler Memory Scale/II, California Verbal Learning Test, Rey Auditoy Verbal Learning Test)
a projective test such as the Rorschoch (ink blot test) or Sentence Completion
a personality inventory test, such as the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI), the NEO-R, or the Personality Assessment Inventory
a symptom screening test such as the Beck or Hamilton for depression or the MAST for alcoholism.

I talked with a psychologist who I have known for years and she said that a lot of these tests are unreliable and some are extremely controversial. She was amazed the FAA wanted me to take some of these. Anyway my question is if anyone has had to go through these? Seems that having one DUI charge and nothing else on my record, this type or requirement for reconsideration is a little overboard... Maybe it's just me since I have to go through it.
Click to expand...


Do not...I repeat DO NOT waste your time and money on a psychiatrist or psychologist who are "familiar" with FAA standards. Go DIRECTLY to a HIMS certified psychiatrist and psychologist. Wait for Dr. Forred to forward their names to you. I cannot stress this enough.

Look, I know you're feeling like crap (won't use the vernacular), but understand that this process is going to take TIME. I am not and will not sugar coat it for you. The FAA wants to be certain that you are mentally and emotionally stable to fly an aircraft. Nothing personal....this is business....serious business.

On a lighter side just remember..."He whose bread I eat, his song I sing."



atp
 
Cruise said:
Ok....here's the link to the HIMS. It's an excellent program and I highly recommend you check it out.

Clicky here for: HIMS

I see you're in Parker, CO.....is this correct? If so, below is the information for a 'HIMS approved' AME located in Parker. He will be able to provide you names of approved P&P Docs.

Fennell, Ralph, M.D.
46155 Black Spruce Lane
Parker, CO 80138
303-805-9828

If you're not in Parker, let me know and I can give you more names of Docs in other CO cities.....'cause there's lots of 'em.
Click to expand...



Thanks for chiming in!:clap:



atp
 
Cruise, Thanks for the info on the doc in Parker. Yes I am in Parker, CO. ATP, I will definitely go with an HIMS approved P&P because I don't want to waste time or money if the FAA won't look at it the same. I just want to get back in the air as soon as possible and I know it will take time but I am not the guy who enjoys sitting around and not knowing... Don't think many pilots are.
 
Yes I was over the .15 limit and I know that is why they are scrutinizing me.. Just the amount of testing they are requiring is surprising.
 
This question is for the doctor. Is there a significance to the BAC of .15 being the point that it has to be deffered?
 
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