Letter to FAA Regarding Alcohol Use

[UTLonghorn_1979]

Hello,

I met with my HIMS AME today and he asked me to mail the FAA the items I have so far regarding a denial/reconsideration related to alcohol use. Does anyone have an example or suggestions on what to and not to include in the latter? He also suggested it be no longer than 1 page. ANy thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Clip4]

On or about July 1, 2024, my application for a Class III medical certificate was denied by the FAA for history of alcohol abuse.

I am currently consulting with Dr. J. Smith who is a HIMS trained AME. At his direction, I am submitting the attached documentation to facilitate the FAA reconsidering my application for a Class III medical certificate.

Please advise of any additional documentation the FAA requires in making a determination.

 

[UTLonghorn_1979]

On or about July 1, 2024, my application for a Class III medical certificate was denied by the FAA for history of alcohol abuse.

I am currently consulting with Dr. J. Smith who is a HIMS trained AME. At his direction, I am submitting the attached documentation to facilitate the FAA reconsidering my application for a Class III medical certificate.

Please advise of any additional documentation the FAA requires in making a determination.

I was surprised that sending things in piecemeal was suggested. Would have figured all items at single time from the HIMS AME. I was encouraged to hear my HIMS AME say we should have this done prior to the end of the year. I assume that just means my part and then another 12-18 month wait on the FAA?

 

[bbchien]

Here's the official guidance.

 

[UTLonghorn_1979]

Here's the official guidance.

View attachment 132044

Thanks! These details were not included in the FAA correspondence, but that’s basically what I put into the letter, if not in that exact format.

Since my HIMS AME said “we should have this completed before the end of the year…” I assume that just means his and my part correct?

 

[ThatGuy73]

My HIMS AME said the same thing to me in 2019. I just got issues this year. Id take what they say with a grain of salt. The FAA also liked to lose my paperwork (twice.) Buckle up. This can potentially be a long road.

 

[UTLonghorn_1979]

My HIMS AME said the same thing to me in 2019. I just got issues this year. Id take what they say with a grain of salt. The FAA also liked to lose my paperwork (twice.) Buckle up. This can potentially be a long road.

You’re telling me it took you 5 years to get your SI medical?

 

[EdFred]

And if you submit it to a certain person at OKC, submit it crayon because it seems like that's the only way she understands what medical terms like "cured" mean.

 

[bbchien]

Ed I'm still laughing about the letter that you wrote and he signed.....it's what we're dealing with......

 

[Kenny Phillips]

And if you submit it to a certain person at OKC, submit it crayon because it seems like that's the only way she understands what medical terms like "cured" mean.

I don't believe my doctor will use the word "cured" for anything nastier than a cold.

 

[bradg33]

Bear in mind, when you write a letter like this, it's not a novel or a letter to your friend or your mom, or a short story for a local magainze. It's a very technical letter that amounts to legal testimony and should be written very carefully and narrowly. Don't offer any more information than asked for, answer in the most concise and direct manner possible. I'd take the list Dr. Chien posted above and just draft line-by-line responses.

Examples (let's take 2(a) in Dr. Chien's guidance, for example):

CORRECT WAY: "I started drinking in approximately [YEAR]. Until I became [sober/abstinent], I typically consumed 2 drinks 2-3 times per week."

INCORRECT: "I had my first drink w/ my pappy in his garage in Nowhere, Alabama when I was 12 years old. I'd say I hit the bars [x] times per week, where I like to slam beer bongs and jello shots with the bartender Sally (who is from Georgia). I drink to get drunk, but since I live close to the bar, I usually just stumble home to my dog Apples, who is a mixed breed I found down by the Food-n-Stuf where I go to buy my beer."

 

[EdFred]

Bear in mind, when you write a letter like this, it's not a novel or a letter to your friend or your mom, or a short story for a local magainze. It's a very technical letter that amounts to legal testimony and should be written very carefully and narrowly. Don't offer any more information than asked for, answer in the most concise and direct manner possible. I'd take the list Dr. Chien posted above and just draft line-by-line responses.

Examples (let's take 2(a) in Dr. Chien's guidance, for example):

CORRECT WAY: "I started drinking in approximately [YEAR]. Until I became [sober/abstinent], I typically consumed 2 drinks 2-3 times per week."

INCORRECT: "I had my first drink w/ my pappy in his garage in Nowhere, Alabama when I was 12 years old. I'd say I hit the bars [x] times per week, where I like to slam beer bongs and jello shots with the bartender Sally (who is from Georgia). I drink to get drunk, but since I live close to the bar, I usually just stumble home to my dog Apples, who is a mixed breed I found down by the Food-n-Stuf where I go to buy my beer."

Well, that's only because the second one has a run-on sentence.

 

[Half Fast]

Bear in mind, when you write a letter like this, it's not a novel or a letter to your friend or your mom, or a short story for a local magainze. It's a very technical letter that amounts to legal testimony and should be written very carefully and narrowly. Don't offer any more information than asked for, answer in the most concise and direct manner possible. I'd take the list Dr. Chien posted above and just draft line-by-line responses.

Examples (let's take 2(a) in Dr. Chien's guidance, for example):

CORRECT WAY: "I started drinking in approximately [YEAR]. Until I became [sober/abstinent], I typically consumed 2 drinks 2-3 times per week."

INCORRECT: "I had my first drink w/ my pappy in his garage in Nowhere, Alabama when I was 12 years old. I'd say I hit the bars [x] times per week, where I like to slam beer bongs and jello shots with the bartender Sally (who is from Georgia). I drink to get drunk, but since I live close to the bar, I usually just stumble home to my dog Apples, who is a mixed breed I found down by the Food-n-Stuf where I go to buy my beer."

OTOH, the second example makes a much more entertaining POA post....