"Possible disqualifying factor"?

[cre8flyer]

Help me with a question on an open book test: What is the procedure to obtain a medical certificate with a possible disqualifying factor?

The FARs don't seem to refer to a "Possible" disqualifying factor. If I read correctly the AME decides whether you meet the requirements and, if you don't, you can appeal to the Federal Air Surgeon. You can support this appeal with a Statement of Demonstrated Ability. However, you don't have a medical until someone says that you can have one.

Am I missing something?

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

If you have a "disqualifying condition", the AME should recognize it and is obligated to "defer" the certification decision to the FAA in most cases (Somethings, like high blood pressure, exist where the AME can make the decision but has to have all of the documentation in hand to submit to the FAA to support the decision).

If there is a deferral, the AME should be able to tell you what the FAA will want to make the decision. We are allowed to "hold" the medical for up to 2 weeks for you to gather all of the documentation you need. It is bes tto submit this to the FAA all at one time with the medical application and physical. They wil review the documentation and send you aletter (usually in less than a month) with their decision. NOTE: Less than 1% of medical applications are DENIED if the pilot submits everything the FAA requests. Most o the "denials" are because the pilot does not supply what the FAA specifically requests.

If everything looks good but still requires an FAA decision, the AME can call the FAA in OKC or the Regional Flight Surgeon and discuss the case with them. I have often received a verbal approval to grant the certificate. They then send a letter to the pilot explaining any special requirements they place on him/her. (I am PC today:nana2: )

You DO NOT need to appeal to the Federal Air Surgeon until the FAA office on OKC denies your medical.

You are right, you do not have a medical until someone says you do. The FAA has 60 days after an AME issues a certificate to make an administrative reversal of the AME's decision. (If they find the certificate was issued in error they can pull it.) After 60 days, they have to take legal action.