Hiring with Special Issuance

ClearedToThe

ClearedToThe

Well-Known Member
Does anyone know if airlines will hire / not hire someone because they have a special issuance of their medical certificate? :confused:

Also, is a special issuance the same thing as a waiver?

Thanks so much!
 
I have a special issuance, and I just got hired at Mesaba, FWIW. (and yes, I told them I had one)
 
Congrats! Thats good to hear. :nana2: Do the major carriers have more stringent rules regarding the special issuance than the regionals do?

Thanks again
 
It is totally company dependent. A few, AA, have their own medical departments and dig a bit deeper. Most do not spend the money on a medical department and accept the FAA medical as evidence of being fit to fly.
 
All the companies will differ, I suppose, along with how much the interviewers actually know about company policy. I read an article a few years ago about a one-armed regional pilot. It's been known to happen!
 
Same as sopdan... just hired at a (smaller) regional with a special issuance medical. No problems at all.

In my case, the only difference is a "not valid for any class after xx/xx/xx" restriction. It still says first class, and that's all most airlines care about. Not sure if that's the same for all special issuances.
 
The not valid for any class notation is to insure one follows up like the FAA wants and does not allow the medical to drop to a Class 2 or 3. I have some piltos with a not valid date of 2012.
 
My particular SI is valid until 2012, but the restriction is that my medical isn't valid for any class after 12 months from issue... I assume b/c they want my updated report every 12 months. It can be such a pain in the arse (especially when my cardiologist always says "see you in a few years"), but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. :)
 
Thanks for all the info! Anyone know of any other specific airlines (other than AA) that have their own medical department (i.e. having more stringent requirements than just the first class medical)? I have a mild case of colitis that is well under control w/ acceptable meds and am just worried this may prevent me from being able to fly for some of the majors one day down the road...

Thanks again everyone, this is a really big help!
 
Don't quote me on this, but I don't even think it's legal for them to dig that deep into the medical. If they find you have a SI, and don't hire you for that reason, discrimination. All you need is what everyone else is required to have, a 1st or 2nd class medical. If you can get those, then it's gold, Jerry, gold!!! (Sorry, just watching Seinfeld)

I've got a SI that's good for 4 more years, 1 year at a time. I'm not 121, but AMF didn't even give it a second look. Good luck. It sucks having to deal with the FAA more than one should.
 
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