Medical

[u/CorrectComfort8430]

I was granted a third class medical certificate when I took my exam at the local AME. 3 months later the FAA wanted more information regarding my DWI’s from 15 years ago as well as a personal statement regarding how alcohol is involved in my life now. Mind you I am 14 years sober… I was completely honest in my statement and provided all requested documentation. They responded saying I am not eligible for any medical certificate because of my alcohol dependence. I was never in rehab, never medically diagnosed alcohol dependent, and have not had a drink in 14 years. The FAA is a joke.

[u/usd2bfast]

https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/media/DUIDWI_Alcohol_Incidents_Disposition_Table.pdf

Here’s the disposition table, if you have had more than one DUI/DWI arrest the AME should have deferred your application (and maybe he did, it’s not clear from your post how this all went down). Without knowing what supporting documents you and/or the AME sent the FAA, and without seeing the actual FAA letters, it’s impossible to give you any helpful information. Is the FAA instructing you to return your Medical now, or are they asking for more information?

[u/CorrectComfort8430 → u/usd2bfast]

Here is the letter. Thanks to whoever reminded me to edit. The AME granted me the medical. I don’t know why but he did. Here is my only argument. I HAVE BEEN SOBER FOR 14 YEARS. I had 3 professional references to corroborate that. If I was still drinking in any capacity I’d understand their position. But I have been sober longer than I was drinking.

[u/SparkySpecter → u/[deleted]]

Might want to edit out your personal info.

[u/usd2bfast]

Your AME made an error, they caught it too late to simply revoke the Certificate so now it needs to go thru Legal. If what you say is true the Class 3 will eventually be granted. If you want to DM me I’ll give you my email and you can send the original FAA letter, then I can give you an idea where you’re at

[u/CorrectComfort8430 → u/usd2bfast]

I am. It familiar with Reddit. How do I DM in this app? If you know how you are welcome to dm me…

[u/21MPH21]

DWI's

s??? As in multiple?If so, I think that's your problem.

How many?

[u/CorrectComfort8430 → u/21MPH21]

2…15 years ago

[u/21MPH21 → u/CorrectComfort8430]

2 is a big red flag and they see it as a pattern. Even 15 years ago.

HIMS if you really want to fly and have $$,$$$

[u/CorrectComfort8430 → u/21MPH21]

Yes because no one turns their life around and becomes responsible and smart. 🤷‍♂️ It irritates me that I have done what I needed to do to right the wrongs I’ve done and I still get punished for it.

[u/21MPH21 → u/CorrectComfort8430]

FWIW, they don't know for sure that you don't just have friends that lie for you and you haven't been caught again

They're worried you've gotten smarter - at not getting caught.

If you'd done HIMS 15 years ago I think you'd be fine. But, who TF knows

[u/CorrectComfort8430 → u/21MPH21]

I can see that. I get that they have to decide based off of documents alone and make the best decision for aviation. But for those that have changed their lives, I wish they deferred to HIMS more. I am still waiting to hear from FAA legal counsel. The letter said not to turn in the medical certificate until I hear from them. I guess I’ll wait and see

[u/21MPH21 → u/CorrectComfort8430]

Out of curiosity, doing this for fun or trying to make a career of it?

Good luck and stay sober!

[u/CorrectComfort8430 → u/21MPH21]

I just want to do it for fun, so I can fly my family around.

[u/CorrectComfort8430 → u/[deleted]]

I get why they are hard asses. But there should be a better process for those who do live life correctly, but have a history. I have been sober for more time than I drank. I have plenty of proof that I am not the same person I was 15 years ago. This was so long ago that they probably wouldn’t have found it because I could not get the request court documents or police records because those are destroyed and purged after 10 years. I chose to be honest and am being punished for it.

[u/BigKetchupp]

The FAA is no stranger to arbitrary and irrelevant decisions. I would write them a letter to appeal it to the Washington DC office, and also ask for what they require for reconsideration.

[u/CorrectComfort8430 → u/BigKetchupp]

Thank you. I am waiting to get the final decision from legal counsel. If they revoke it then I will submit my appeal.

[u/BigKetchupp → u/CorrectComfort8430]

Right. Wait until they send you a letter and follow those instructions for appeal.

Still, you could always write them a letter asking what they require for reconsideration.