Process of getting a SODA?

Pilot121

Pilot121

Well-Known Member
Hello, Jetcareers community!

I have amblyopia, so my right eye is not correctable to 20/20; however, my left eye is better than 20/20. My eventual goal is to fly professionally, so I want to get a 1st class medical right from the beginning (I am about to start flight training). I know that the 1st class medical certificate requires 20/20 in each eye. Since I am not able to get my right eye to the required standards, I will have to get a SODA. This is where my confusion starts. How do I get a SODA before having a medical exam and getting denied by the AME -- it would not look good on pilot applications to check the "yes" box about being denied a medical. Is it possible to get the SODA before my flight physical, so I know that I am in fact eligible to fly? I am very confused about the steps involved in obtaining a SODA, and any help is appreciated! :)
 
You must get a First class medical. The AME will defer it for the unacceptable visual acuity. You write OKC requesting a MEDICAL FLIGHT TEST which you can take from an FAA inspector as part of your PPL checkride. Th e checkered will be given by an FAA inspector t your local FSDO. Assuming you pass the ride, you will receive a SODE for monovision. This will be for ALL classes of medical certificates since you applied for a First class medical to take the ride. It will be for the rest of your life and you should show the AME a copy of the SODA when you go for a medical. Pretty easy process.
 
My Flight Surgeon said:
You must get a First class medical. The AME will defer it for the unacceptable visual acuity. You write OKC requesting a MEDICAL FLIGHT TEST which you can take from an FAA inspector as part of your PPL checkride. Th e checkered will be given by an FAA inspector t your local FSDO. Assuming you pass the ride, you will receive a SODE for monovision. This will be for ALL classes of medical certificates since you applied for a First class medical to take the ride. It will be for the rest of your life and you should show the AME a copy of the SODA when you go for a medical. Pretty easy process.
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Thanks for the quick reply!
Should I tell the AME that I want the medical deferred and that I plan to get a SODA, or will he automatically defer it to OKC before it's actually denied?
 
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My Flight Surgeon said:
You must have a valid application for a medical at the FAA to get a SODA
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Is it possible to get a SODA before taking flight lessons? I know that the medical flight test is often done in conjunction with your check ride, but is it required to do it that way? Reason being that a commercial pilot training program I am looking into requires you to have your medical before you begin flight training at the school -- and I plan on starting at the school with zero hours flying time. But, how will I obtain the 1st class medical and SODA before enrolling at the school if I don't have any flight experience, and therefore would not be able to take the flight test?
 
It should be, I flew separately with the FAA for mine. Arranging them to administer a checkride at the same time or delegate the whole process to a DPE seemed too complicated, but that may vary depending on the FSDO. You can't get a SODA without flying though, so you have to be close to PPL?

Alex.
 
It will require the flight test so you will not be able to get a SODA before you have the skills to land an aircraft. Wait for the PPL checkride and do it that way.
 
I have the same thing.

Here's the process.
  • You need an eye examination from a licensed Ophthalmologist using FAA Form 8500-7
  • You need to get a medical exam done with an AME, and you will be deferred
  • Your paperwork will be slowly processed through FAA Medical
  • You will get a letter of authorization to take a Medical Flight Test
  • You will schedule said Medical Flight Test with your local FAA FSDO
  • You will complete Medical Flight Test (successfully)
  • You will receive your Medical
  • You will also receive a SODA (Statement of Demonstrated Ability) for your condition
I got my 8500-7 done at Walmart for about $35, they just need to be a licensed Ophthalmologist. Get it done before you see the AME so it can all be sent in together.
 
Alright. Thanks to everyone who answered -- you have provided me with invaluable information about the FAA medical process!
 
KKochan said:
I have the same thing.

Here's the process.
  • You need an eye examination from a licensed Ophthalmologist using FAA Form 8500-7
  • You need to get a medical exam done with an AME, and you will be deferred
  • Your paperwork will be slowly processed through FAA Medical
  • You will get a letter of authorization to take a Medical Flight Test
  • You will schedule said Medical Flight Test with your local FAA FSDO
  • You will complete Medical Flight Test (successfully)
  • You will receive your Medical
  • You will also receive a SODA (Statement of Demonstrated Ability) for your condition
I got my 8500-7 done at Walmart for about $35, they just need to be a licensed Ophthalmologist. Get it done before you see the AME so it can all be sent in together.
Click to expand...
I'm sorry for a very late reply, but I have another question. Will I get a temporary student pilot certificate when I leave the AME's office? Because I'll have to solo before the medical flight test, and don't I need a student pilot certificate to solo?
 
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