Troublesome AME?
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Troublesome AME?
Hi, anyone had problems with AME? Anyone had to switch AME during the process? I'm thinking of switching (if poss) and have emailed cellma for advice (good luck getting answer I feel). Had my medical almost 2 months ago and the AME is taking forever to get referral letter out and move things along. The AME concerned is also an airline pilot turns out, and has too much on their plate I feel, or so it seems to me - quite off hand when asked about progress, rarely responds. Admittedly I have quite a chequered medical history requiring case work, but all facts and docs have been provided. Typically, can anyone at least let me know how long this might take?? Very frustrating, now the nice weather is here. I want to commit to the flying, but need this green light first, given the financial commitment. Thanks for any advice!
Without all the facts its impossible to comment. You say you have a complex medical history.
Welcome to aviation which, as you have discovered, will not be hurried and so you will need to muster and exercise patience beyond that which you are perhaps used to. I have never known an AME who did not go to the utmost lengths to help their patients with difficulties.
Welcome to aviation which, as you have discovered, will not be hurried and so you will need to muster and exercise patience beyond that which you are perhaps used to. I have never known an AME who did not go to the utmost lengths to help their patients with difficulties.
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Without all the facts its impossible to comment. You say you have a complex medical history.
Welcome to aviation which, as you have discovered, will not be hurried and so you will need to muster and exercise patience beyond that which you are perhaps used to. I have never known an AME who did not go to the utmost lengths to help their patients with difficulties.
Welcome to aviation which, as you have discovered, will not be hurried and so you will need to muster and exercise patience beyond that which you are perhaps used to. I have never known an AME who did not go to the utmost lengths to help their patients with difficulties.
"Who will rid me of this troublesome AME?" Or is it just me who thought of that sentence upon seeing the title.... 😆
Seriously though, I think you'll just need a bit more patience. Especially with a complex history, your AME will perhaps be waiting on opinions from other experts, or has requested some additional documents, or it needs a second opinion at some point. You don't want to rush this as the outcome will be such a deciding factor for the rest of your flying career. The best person to answer the question you asked is the AME, but if this person is busy dealing with your file, why not leave them to that? Aviation is full of professionals who do their best to do their job right. Sometimes that takes a bit more time.
Seriously though, I think you'll just need a bit more patience. Especially with a complex history, your AME will perhaps be waiting on opinions from other experts, or has requested some additional documents, or it needs a second opinion at some point. You don't want to rush this as the outcome will be such a deciding factor for the rest of your flying career. The best person to answer the question you asked is the AME, but if this person is busy dealing with your file, why not leave them to that? Aviation is full of professionals who do their best to do their job right. Sometimes that takes a bit more time.
You don't say what class of medical you are aiming for but would a PMD (Pilot Medical Declaration) suffice to get you flying until the problems are resolved? Basically if you are fit to drive a car and are not taking medication for mental problems you are good to go.
I think it is not unheard of... but I would question the wisdom of going down this route. Basically the AME is your best friend as that's the person who is going to get you in the air, and keep you there (next to your bank manager). Swapping AMEs should, in my view, only be necessary in case of a severe clash of personalities or unprofessional conduct, neither of which seems to be present here.
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This is a first time medical with the weeks passing by, you do begin to wonder. When I have gently enquired, Im made to feel unwelcome to be honest, which tends to add to the frustration. Guess I'll just keep my head down and whistle. Thanks again.
Class 1/ Class 2 etc. ? Makes a world of difference!
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Make certain your AME isn’t expecting you to ask your specialist or GP to provide information. On each occasion an issue has arisen with my medical the AME (x2) told me what he/she needed and I went and got it.
I usually get the medical certificate printed out at the end of the examination, and the result is sent electronically to the CAA. Then I pay the fees, and say 'Thank you, see you in 12 months'. If yours is not that straightforward, then you need to ask why.
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My AME of many years retired, so I had to switch. I asked about and there were 2 close to me in the BHX area, after checking with my colleagues, one was recommended, one was not. Unfortunately on the dates I had available the recommended chap was not available, but I thought whats the harm in going to the female alternate, I have nothing to hide. Therein started a world of pain! It took me 2 years, lots of stress, several thousand pounds, and a further change to the recommended AME, to prove to the CAA that I was still fit.
My advice. listen to your colleagues! and don't be afraid to change.
My advice. listen to your colleagues! and don't be afraid to change.
The first question is did you provide your full notes? These will start at birth. They will include all general practice entries, a letter from every out patient consultation and a discharge summary from each hospital admission. If any are missing I would get them and also provide an index
Reading your posts I surmise the AME has asked for at least a cardiology opinion. If indeed the AME has made that decision you have a right to the request being sent in a reasonable time; I would suggest 7 days. After that I would complain to the AME in writing asking for resolution or an explanation within a further 7 days. If not satisfied go to another AME and inform the original one you are complaining to the CAA and GMC. In practice neither will take action but if they get multiple complaints the AME may find himself flying more.
This will still be a long process I am afraid even if the cardiologist can see you within days and give a clear and binary opinion. You do not need the delay increased by delays that should not occur in a properly run business.
Reading your posts I surmise the AME has asked for at least a cardiology opinion. If indeed the AME has made that decision you have a right to the request being sent in a reasonable time; I would suggest 7 days. After that I would complain to the AME in writing asking for resolution or an explanation within a further 7 days. If not satisfied go to another AME and inform the original one you are complaining to the CAA and GMC. In practice neither will take action but if they get multiple complaints the AME may find himself flying more.
This will still be a long process I am afraid even if the cardiologist can see you within days and give a clear and binary opinion. You do not need the delay increased by delays that should not occur in a properly run business.
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I have always found my AME most helpful when I have had medical issues. However, in my experience, problems are usually referred to the CAA for assessment by their medical experts and it is they who then set out what additional investigations may be required. The AME may act as a conduit for the passage of information but there is nothing to stop you dealing direct with the CAA. There is a great deal of medical information on the CAA website so in some cases you can see for yourself the process being followed.
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I have a strong suspicion that we share the same AME, not because I have had a similar experience, far from it, but from your opening post.
If we do, then please be assured that they are top drawer and have nothing but your welfare at the top of their agenda, please be reassured that they are totally professional.
You are of course at liberty to change AME's - but for what it's worth I'd stick right where you are.
If we do, then please be assured that they are top drawer and have nothing but your welfare at the top of their agenda, please be reassured that they are totally professional.
You are of course at liberty to change AME's - but for what it's worth I'd stick right where you are.
I had a problem a couple of years ago when an ECG showed 'an anomaly'. It was left to me to have specialist examinations, starting with my GP. Whilst he was sympathetic, I was left in no doubt that, due to many, many others being really ill, I'd be way down any queue. My GP recommended a local private practice and organised a referral letter. After an initial appointment with a private cardiologist, I had a series of tests, all arranged within two months. Pretty good considering this happened over the Christmas and New Year break.
The longest delay I had was waiting for the specialists report, due to his secretary being off sick. Upshot being that with four months the issue was sorted out and I was cleared to fly again. Hope this offers you some sort of help/comfort JR!
The longest delay I had was waiting for the specialists report, due to his secretary being off sick. Upshot being that with four months the issue was sorted out and I was cleared to fly again. Hope this offers you some sort of help/comfort JR!
Just to get this back on track, we are not questioning the AME's clinical skills nor are we suggesting he is busy seeing NHS patients. OP has paid and contracted with him and he should act in a timely way the same as any other service provider. If the delays are due to the CAA the AME should make that clear but as I read it the delay is in a referral from the AME to a cardiologist. That requires one email or letter and should happen in days.
