OSA/SI question

[Rich Holt]

My understanding of this (https://www.faa.gov/about/office_or...es/aam/ame/guide/media/FAA OSA Flow Chart.pdf) chart is that if there are no other disqualifying issues, other than OSA diagnosed and treated, that a medical certificate should be issued. Then I have 90 days to submit all the paperwork to my regional flight surgeon. Am I missing something here?

 

[Rcmutz]

Sort of. You will need to submit the sleep study results, 90 day compliance report, attending physicians report all to OK FAA medical folks. They will review and deny you a part 61 saying you have a disqualifying condition, but that you are eligible under a SI. My SI for OSA was good for 6 years, but my class 3 is only good for one year. Easily renewable by submitting the appropriate paperwork myself on the years I do t need an AME medical exam for my Class 3. On the years I need the exam, I take all the same paperwork to my AME, and he issues the Class 3 certificate in the spot, again only good for one year, and sends all paperwork showing compliance to the FAA.

READ your SI dry carefully. It is all spelled out there.

PS - keep in mind. Once you are diagnosed, you have disqualifying condition, and should self ground until issued the SI.

PPS - Paging Dr. Chen...Dr. Bruce Chen pick up on the white courtesy phone.

 

[AggieMike88]

white curtsey phone

Good thing fat thumb syndrome doesn't need to be reported on FAA medicals

 

[AggieMike88]

Also paging @Matthew who I think has a better handle on explaining this as anyone on PoA

 

[lbfjrmd]

My understanding of this (https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/media/FAA OSA Flow Chart.pdf) chart is that if there are no other disqualifying issues, other than OSA diagnosed and treated, that a medical certificate should be issued. Then I have 90 days to submit all the paperwork to my regional flight surgeon. Am I missing something here?

You are correct. You can also send the documentation to OKC.

 

[Matthew]

Also paging @Matthew who I think has a better handle on explaining this as anyone on PoA

I’m still not sure of the details and steps required for that first SI, but renewals are really pretty simple.

 

[Rcmutz]

Good thing fat thumb syndrome doesn't need to be reported on FAA medicals

But, do I have to report fat index finger syndrome?

 

[Rcmutz]

I’m still not sure of the details and steps required for that first SI, but renewals are really pretty simple.

All explained on the FAA website. Here are the 3 things I sent in on my own to the FAA. They didn’t request anything more. This was back in 2008.

1) Initial Polysomnography, aka sleep study.
2) A letter from treating physician stating compliance and effectiveness of treatment.
3) A data report from the CPAP machine showing compliance, treatment effectiveness, pressures, and number of apnea’s, AHI’s.

Keep in mind, things may have changed. Consult the FAA website or your own AME, or AOPA.

 

[Matthew]

All explained on the FAA website. Here are the 3 things I sent in on my own to the FAA. They didn’t request anything more. This was back in 2008.

1) Initial Polysomnography, aka sleep study.
2) A letter from treating physician stating compliance and effectiveness of treatment.
3) A data report from the CPAP machine showing compliance, treatment effectiveness, pressures, and number of apnea’s, AHI’s.

Keep in mind, things may have changed. Consult the FAA website or your own AME, or AOPA.

That helps. When I got my first SI, for my student medical, the process was deferral and grounding until the SI came through. Now FAA has taken an “innocent until proven guilty” attitude to OSA instead of the other way around. They are attempting to ease up and encourage pilots to get treated and the SI instead of encouraging pilots to avoid the diagnosis in the first place.

 

[Aviatordoc]

The data download from the CPAP machine should be an "annual report" not 90 day compliance.

 

[Rcmutz]

The data download from the CPAP machine should be an "annual report" not 90 day compliance.

Agree for the yearly updates. I believe the 90 days is for the initial SI application.

 

[crash7]

I have a student trying to get his first ever medical and he’s sporadically used a CPAP in the past. The AME said he HAS to be deferred to OKC.
Once he has his 90 days regular use data (which he’s in the middle of), can’t the AME get permission to authorize in office? From a regional flight surgeon?

As we know, if he ends up in OKC, it’ll be weeks if not months before he gets issued.

I’d have soloed him a month ago if not for this. Bah.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rcmutz]

My understanding is no. The FAA in OKC has to issue the SI and initial 3rd Class.

 

[bbchien]

The AME Can issue but a demand letter follows from the agency for:

the sleep study, the >30 day use report showing >75% of nights with over 6 hourrs house, and the after 30 day commentary from the doc. I think you should have all this in hand at the AME exam because if yo do it after, you really have no idea that the documentation will be good enough. If it is not the FAA retracts the cert and denies the App. No Bueno!

if the AME is sharp he reviews the documents B4any exam, sends it all in and what results in an “authorization letter”, and an Dr. OBrien certificate.

 

[NightSkyReader]

Mayo Clinic has an episode on their Clear Approach podcast that summarizes medical certification of OSA very well. Sorry no link. Google if you’re interested.