My Flight Surgeon
Sr. Aviation Medical Examiner
Here is a PM I received and thought the information might be of benefit to all.
First of all, I wanted to say thank you for all the help you've provided on this board. You are a tremendous resource.
I wanted to post a question on the forum, but don't really want it to be seen as posted by me. Perhaps you can answer my questions or if you like, you can post my message below for others to see.
Here it is:
Because I am a big "anti-government" and "anti-big brother" Libertarian (you know, the Ted Kaczynski type...kidding!), I'd like to know how much of one's prior or future medical information is easily accessable by the FAA? Isn't it supposed to be strictly confidential?
I am not asking because I have anything prior that would prevent me from obtaining a medical, but in the future if for some reason there is something that I should know "what not to seek help for if the FAA might find out" (ie, what if I go through a serious of tragic events and need some counseling?...or heaven forbid, anti-depressants).
I know that this is a big issue with many airline pilots as they go through a series of tragic events (ie, divorce, grievance, etc). What would you say to those whose medical certificate is vital for their career?
The FAA cannot get any of your medical records unless you sign an authorization for release of medical records for them. If you check one of the boxes in Item 18 of the 8500-8 then you have to provide an explanation for that response (this is why I am currently going through all of the items and providing information about each item as a series of posts on this forum). The best advice I can give you is to have a top notch relationship with your AME so you can ask for some “off the record”advice on how to deal with problems and answer questions.
Most medical issues do not “ground” you. Some require information be submitted to the FAA for consideration of a Special Issuance.
I would caution against falsifying any information. Remember Whoever in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact, or who makes any false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations, or entry, may be fined up to $250,000 or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. That you sign on the 8500-8. I don’t know if you have ever been to Kansas in the winter but I used to live there à Leavenworth is pretty miserable.
:nana2:
First of all, I wanted to say thank you for all the help you've provided on this board. You are a tremendous resource.
I wanted to post a question on the forum, but don't really want it to be seen as posted by me. Perhaps you can answer my questions or if you like, you can post my message below for others to see.
Here it is:
Because I am a big "anti-government" and "anti-big brother" Libertarian (you know, the Ted Kaczynski type...kidding!), I'd like to know how much of one's prior or future medical information is easily accessable by the FAA? Isn't it supposed to be strictly confidential?
I am not asking because I have anything prior that would prevent me from obtaining a medical, but in the future if for some reason there is something that I should know "what not to seek help for if the FAA might find out" (ie, what if I go through a serious of tragic events and need some counseling?...or heaven forbid, anti-depressants).
I know that this is a big issue with many airline pilots as they go through a series of tragic events (ie, divorce, grievance, etc). What would you say to those whose medical certificate is vital for their career?
The FAA cannot get any of your medical records unless you sign an authorization for release of medical records for them. If you check one of the boxes in Item 18 of the 8500-8 then you have to provide an explanation for that response (this is why I am currently going through all of the items and providing information about each item as a series of posts on this forum). The best advice I can give you is to have a top notch relationship with your AME so you can ask for some “off the record”advice on how to deal with problems and answer questions.
Most medical issues do not “ground” you. Some require information be submitted to the FAA for consideration of a Special Issuance.
I would caution against falsifying any information. Remember Whoever in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact, or who makes any false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations, or entry, may be fined up to $250,000 or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. That you sign on the 8500-8. I don’t know if you have ever been to Kansas in the winter but I used to live there à Leavenworth is pretty miserable.
:nana2: