Is a current lower class medical valid if an attempt at a higher is unsuccessful?

[CFI A&P]

A former student of mine that flies corporate and has a special issuance second class. They’re entertaining the idea of applying for a first class to make a career change, however, they’re unsure if it is worth rocking the boat for a higher class and if unsuccessful, do they keep the second class? Or do they lose all medical privileges if the first class application is denied?

 

[DE727UPS]

I'm not expert but if you rock the boat the AME might take a look special issuance. They have a right to. I'd try to have an "off the record" chat with the AME that issued the second class about this. Also, I've heard of AME's doing "consult exams", which are off the record. If you can find one that will play along that might be a good way to find out. Costs the same as a normal exam but you don't do a medxpress form.

 

[derg]

My nephew had a 'consult' exam done.

 

[ahw01]

I would look at defer rather than deny, if a condition is identified. I’ve done the medical flight test side of things for 3rd then 1st class (2x).

The AME suggests I should go lower. (Cheaper, no ecg) But given the SODA links to the class, I would stick with that class.

 

[MidlifeFlyer]

higher class and if unsuccessful, do they keep the second class? Or do they lose all medical privileges if the first class application is denied?

I’ve never seen a good answer to that question. In theory, since the old medical is not automatically revoked, it’s still valid. But at the same time, 61.53 requires us to to self certify that we still meet the requirements for the medical certificate level we need for the operation. So, at best, the pilot needs to be able to say, “I failed my 1st class but I know I still meet the requirements for a second class.” That’s always true but, depending on the reason for the failure, the denial puts the pilot in a real dilemma. And, all that assumes the failure does not trigger the FAA to revoke the existing medical based on the new information.

The recommendations here to consult rather than apply are generally the best course of action.