We have a confusing (to me anyway) 3rd class medical duration situation. Here's the short version: the pilot has a special issuance for a cardiac condition. Basically every couple of years he has to go to a cardiologist, have tests done, and send the results to the FAA and they issue a new 3rd class medical certificate, which will have a notation that states not valid for any class after X date (2 years in the future). So, July 2019 visited the AME and got new 3rd class medical. In July 2021 and July 2023 went to cardiologist for required 2 year tests and had special issuance updated with a new certificate issued. Following the July 2023 submission, the new 3rd class medical certificate states "Not valid for any class after 7/31/2025." The accompanying letter states both (i) the enclosed certificate is valid until July 31, 2025 and (ii) this Authorization shall be effective until it expires on July 31, 2025. The letter also says "Your next third class application will be due in July 2025."
Here's the question though: July 2025 will be 6 years after the last AME examination (pilot is under 40 so 3rd class should be good only for 5 years). The cardiologist every 2 years is not an AME. So, when is the next AME exam due? July 2024 (5 years) or July 2025 (as the letter states). Can the 5 year duration be extended by the FAA because the cardiologist information was presented over time, or did they make a mistake on the duration? Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Here's the question though: July 2025 will be 6 years after the last AME examination (pilot is under 40 so 3rd class should be good only for 5 years). The cardiologist every 2 years is not an AME. So, when is the next AME exam due? July 2024 (5 years) or July 2025 (as the letter states). Can the 5 year duration be extended by the FAA because the cardiologist information was presented over time, or did they make a mistake on the duration? Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
