I have read multiple articles on this subject but realize every case is different. Any advice or direction is greatly appreciated!
I recently started my flight training 2 months ago and have 27hrs total. I am hoping to be a career pilot. I went to an AME to get my first class medical and disclosed to him that In 2013 I was arrested for a DUI. The officer asked me if I had eaten that day and I had not so he told me that a breathalyzer test would not work and he would need to perform a blood test. At the time I had a fear of needles and refused the test. This is no excuse and I regret not allowing them to do the test. Later in court my convicted charge was implied consent-civil (misdemeanor). I can proudly say that that evening was the last drink I’ve had in 9 years, 7 months, and 15 days. With the help of an already sober friend, I was able to confide in I officially became abstinent on my 23rd birthday. I truly believe this decision has allowed me to live a better quality of life. I have not had any other offenses or even a parking ticket since.
Because I did not have a BAC level to give my AME he said my application would be defered to the FAA. We performed the medical portion of the test and he transmitted everything to them. The time between that day and when I received the certified letter from them was 50 days. They have requested the police report, My BAC level report and a personal statement. I have written the personal statement explaining what happened and that I have been over for over 9 years now. I did not attend a program or participate in AA because I had a friend to give me advice and quit drinking cold turkey. Is this a problem not being able to prove that I am now sober?
Does anyone think it will be possible for this to be enough for them to pass me or will I have to go through a HIMS program? Is there anything that I am missing that would help the process?
You’re looking for words of encouragement or someone to tell you its going to be ok. Problem is the FAA, and ONLY the FAA, can make the determination.
What I can tell you is refusal of a test the FAA automatically assumes you were well over the limit vs trypanophobia and will treat you as such. Further they have no evidence of your sobriety other than your word.
Again ONLY the FAA can and will decide but in my experience you’re going to have some hoops to jump through.
That sucks that they’re making you take all these extra steps. I was faced with a similar charge about 9 years ago. But I ended up doing the blood draw at the time. I was cleared for my 1st class this past January. Didn’t really have much issue but had to explain to my AME on what happened. I did not have to do the HIMS program you’re probably not going to have to either. I heard that program is for people that really had a drinking or drug problem though. But I guess it very much is cases by case.
No Rian, it really doesn’t. Flying is a huge responsibility and it’s the FAAs responsibility to protect the flying public. They’re doing their job.
I appreciate everyone’s feedback and do agree with @Adam that they have a responsibility to protect the flying public. All of the information they requested including a personal statement has been sent over. I know having these to read when you are going through something similar is very helpful so I will keep everyone in the loop when I learn more.
Taylor,
What was the outcome of your situation? Did the FAA require the evaluation? Or are you still waiting for their decision? My situation is similar…any feedback would be appreciated.
I have unfortunately not heard anything from them. MedXpress still says in review. I have stopped my training until I hear something from them. I am very sorry that you will have to go through this process. My only advice is to provide them with everything they ask for and be patient because I never expected it to take this long to hear back. Best of luck and I will be sure to post again once I hear something.
No worries I wish I had better news and could give you more advice about the next steps. It was 1 month after My AME sent in the paperwork notifying them. I put all the paperwork together and overnighted it the next day. Next week will be 3 Months since they received everything.
I waited 1 month between my consultation with my AME, signing release paperwork for the FAA to work with my AME on my case and the FAA finally getting back to my AME and asking for a list of records and paperwork needed to reopen my case.
Theyre the government, they dont do anything fast, promptly or expedited, except take our money