Having issues with Medical?

[Wannafly1]

I had my medical refused. What resources are available to help me navigate this? Is the TATC the only option? The CAME says they can't do anything and I don't even have the reason for the refusal. I can suspect the reason based on previous tests demanded by TC but I was not expecting a flat-out refusal.

[dustyroads]

I had my medical refused. What resources are available to help me navigate this? Is the TATC the only option? The CAME says they can't do anything and I don't even have the reason for the refusal. I can suspect the reason based on previous tests demanded by TC but I was not expecting a flat-out refusal.

You’re not giving enough details, initial medical, renewal, category? Not sure what you mean by refused? One is either deemed fit or not fit.
Aviation medical examiners usually work with their patients if there are issues and or if TC asks for additional tests.
Maybe you have a condition or new condition that precludes you from getting or maintaining a medical. If your CAME can’t do anything then you likely have a condition that doesn’t allow to hold a medical.

[AV80R]

Get a different CAME. I had an issue with my (company) CAME phoning it in so I reached out to another one. Suddenly all my problems went away with their assistance. It just takes someone that cares enough to help you.

[Wannafly1]

Sorry, the letter said "refusal to renew" (a class 3) due to unfit status. Years ago I talked to my family doctor about alcohol overuse, saw a social worker, stopped drinking. Not flying during this time, no DUIs or anything. I go in to the CAME for my renewal, about a year later they ask for a note from my family doctor about it, I get my family doctor to write it up, and get the unfit status letter. The letter does indeed state I'm denied due to substance abuse.

The reason I saw my doctor in the first place is I understood that there was a path back to flying for people in my kind of situation. And I wanted to start flying again, safely and legally.

Again sorry, it was a vague post because I was quite shocked by the immediate rejection, because I thought there would be more...? as in, if I still don't satisfy TC's criteria to fly again, I would know what is required of me.

[Wannafly1]

I got additional instructions from TC about a week after the denial letter. Here is what is in store for you if you are in a similar situation and decide to be honest.

- Maintain abstinence
- Full report from specialist in addiction or psychiatrist
- AA min 2x per week with proof
- Family doctor visit monthly
- Random blood and urine tests minimum monthly
- Quarterly complete bloodwork

For at least 6 or 12 months depending TC. After this, TC may decide to re-evaluate for a restricted license.

Over all not too bad, but I wonder what the license restriction would entail. If it's continued abstinence or monitoring that sounds fine, but if it's for a required second pilot that's kind of useless for a class 3. The letter mentions SI 424-002 which is not publicly available.

[LR2000]

Reading this thread as I too am going through the process of getting my medical reinstated. Although reading it really pissed me off, I am happy to know that people got back in the game. I will try to find out as much info as I can from my doctor and post updates here regularly.

[Daniel Cooper]

Good luck to you LR2000, it could be years. I highly suggest obtaining your full file via an ATIP request and read every word.
At this point I hope Trump just buys Canada from the Indigenous peoples.

[Wannafly1]

More than 4 months after my medical renewal denied, I am no further closer to getting my license back. The first doctor I talked to didn't even know what the tests that TC was asking for were. My CAME has been unable to organize random urine testing. COPA didn't return any messages asking for guidance and advice.

I completely understand why pilots have to keep their medical issues a secret. There is no benefit to being honest. I'm very lucky that I'm not a commercial pilot because this would be career ending. I have never flown a plane inebriated, nor drove. I asked my doctor about reducing my alcohol consumption, and I did.

It's also incredible that I need to go through this to fly a glider or paramotor, where in USA you don't even need a license for a paramotor and now with MOSAIC you don't even need a medical to fly a real plane with pax. Something is really wrong here.

[LR2000]

More than 4 months after my medical renewal denied, I am no further closer to getting my license back. The first doctor I talked to didn't even know what the tests that TC was asking for were. My CAME has been unable to organize random urine testing. COPA didn't return any messages asking for guidance and advice.

I completely understand why pilots have to keep their medical issues a secret. There is no benefit to being honest. I'm very lucky that I'm not a commercial pilot because this would be career ending. I have never flown a plane inebriated, nor drove. I asked my doctor about reducing my alcohol consumption, and I did.

It's also incredible that I need to go through this to fly a glider or paramotor, where in USA you don't even need a license for a paramotor and now with MOSAIC you don't even need a medical to fly a real plane with pax. Something is really wrong here.

Yeah that’s how I feel. I fly commercially for a living and have given up on this whole process. I just told myself my licence is never coming back, was sad for a few days and deciding to pursue other careers and made myself feel better.

Some days are hard because I really loved flying but it is amazing to me how transport and other doctors take the humanity aspect out of this career/hobby. Stuff happens to everyone. No one asks for bad things to happen to them.

Never the less, keep trying. Shop around for doctors because honeslty some really just don’t care.

[Wannafly1]

Thanks for the kind words. I have actually been extremely lucky, I think. My family doctor referred me to an addiction specialist in the public system. TC requires that a specialist write a report. The specialist and the CAME have been working together. Today the CAME gave up looking for a clinic that does randomized testing and they will be doing it themselves! They said they bought the test kits. That's where we are with that. So the counter should start soon and if all goes well I could get my license back in a few years...