Troublesome AME?
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Troublesome AME?
Hi, anyone had problems with AME? Anyone had to switch AME during the process? I'm thinking of switching (if poss) and have emailed cellma for advice (good luck getting answer I feel). Had my medical almost 2 months ago and the AME is taking forever to get referral letter out and move things along. The AME concerned is also an airline pilot turns out, and has too much on their plate I feel, or so it seems to me - quite off hand when asked about progress, rarely responds. Admittedly I have quite a chequered medical history requiring case work, but all facts and docs have been provided. Typically, can anyone at least let me know how long this might take?? Very frustrating, now the nice weather is here. I want to commit to the flying, but need this green light first, given the financial commitment. Thanks for any advice!
Without all the facts its impossible to comment. You say you have a complex medical history.
Welcome to aviation which, as you have discovered, will not be hurried and so you will need to muster and exercise patience beyond that which you are perhaps used to. I have never known an AME who did not go to the utmost lengths to help their patients with difficulties.
Welcome to aviation which, as you have discovered, will not be hurried and so you will need to muster and exercise patience beyond that which you are perhaps used to. I have never known an AME who did not go to the utmost lengths to help their patients with difficulties.
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Without all the facts its impossible to comment. You say you have a complex medical history.
Welcome to aviation which, as you have discovered, will not be hurried and so you will need to muster and exercise patience beyond that which you are perhaps used to. I have never known an AME who did not go to the utmost lengths to help their patients with difficulties.
Welcome to aviation which, as you have discovered, will not be hurried and so you will need to muster and exercise patience beyond that which you are perhaps used to. I have never known an AME who did not go to the utmost lengths to help their patients with difficulties.
"Who will rid me of this troublesome AME?" Or is it just me who thought of that sentence upon seeing the title.... 😆
Seriously though, I think you'll just need a bit more patience. Especially with a complex history, your AME will perhaps be waiting on opinions from other experts, or has requested some additional documents, or it needs a second opinion at some point. You don't want to rush this as the outcome will be such a deciding factor for the rest of your flying career. The best person to answer the question you asked is the AME, but if this person is busy dealing with your file, why not leave them to that? Aviation is full of professionals who do their best to do their job right. Sometimes that takes a bit more time.
Seriously though, I think you'll just need a bit more patience. Especially with a complex history, your AME will perhaps be waiting on opinions from other experts, or has requested some additional documents, or it needs a second opinion at some point. You don't want to rush this as the outcome will be such a deciding factor for the rest of your flying career. The best person to answer the question you asked is the AME, but if this person is busy dealing with your file, why not leave them to that? Aviation is full of professionals who do their best to do their job right. Sometimes that takes a bit more time.
You don't say what class of medical you are aiming for but would a PMD (Pilot Medical Declaration) suffice to get you flying until the problems are resolved? Basically if you are fit to drive a car and are not taking medication for mental problems you are good to go.
I think it is not unheard of... but I would question the wisdom of going down this route. Basically the AME is your best friend as that's the person who is going to get you in the air, and keep you there (next to your bank manager). Swapping AMEs should, in my view, only be necessary in case of a severe clash of personalities or unprofessional conduct, neither of which seems to be present here.
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This is a first time medical with the weeks passing by, you do begin to wonder. When I have gently enquired, Im made to feel unwelcome to be honest, which tends to add to the frustration. Guess I'll just keep my head down and whistle. Thanks again.
Class 1/ Class 2 etc. ? Makes a world of difference!
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Make certain your AME isn’t expecting you to ask your specialist or GP to provide information. On each occasion an issue has arisen with my medical the AME (x2) told me what he/she needed and I went and got it.
I usually get the medical certificate printed out at the end of the examination, and the result is sent electronically to the CAA. Then I pay the fees, and say 'Thank you, see you in 12 months'. If yours is not that straightforward, then you need to ask why.
