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Tips for selecting an AME in my area? (Minneapolis)

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 4:29 pm
by vespadaddy
Hi All,
I'm an aspiring PPL, 49, in decent shape, with not much of a medical history aside from a resolved bout of reflux/gird and a couple of cancerous moles that have been cut out. No dui/alcohol/drug issues. I think I should be a shoe in for a third class medical.

How should I go about picking an AME in my area? I'm pretty sure I'll have to pay this out of pocket. Is there a better way than calling several who are listed by the FAA who are near me and asking for their fee/rate for the exam? I'm in Minneapolis, in case anyone happens to have a specific AME to recommend.

Thanks!

Re: Tips for selecting an AME in my area? (Minneapolis)

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 4:40 pm
by TimTaylor
Sleep apnea and melanoma can be disqualifying. If you have/had either of those, make sure you understand what is allowed and/or required.

Re: Tips for selecting an AME in my area? (Minneapolis)

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 4:50 pm
by vespadaddy
Wow. I did not expect skin cancer to be a disqualifying malady for private pilots.
Thankfully, my medical record lists mine as non-melanoma. Whew!
No sleep apnea either.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention anyway.

Re: Tips for selecting an AME in my area? (Minneapolis)

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 4:57 pm
by TimTaylor
vespadaddy wrote:Wow. I did not expect skin cancer to be a disqualifying malady for private pilots.
Thankfully, my medical record lists mine as non-melanoma. Whew!
No sleep apnea either.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention anyway.
Basil cell not so bad. Squamous cell, not as bad as melanoma, but can be deadly. Melanoma can be deadly and spread rapidly. My mom died from squamous cell cancer. All of these are curable if caught and treated early, and with proper follow-up.

Re: Tips for selecting an AME in my area? (Minneapolis)

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 5:05 pm
by vespadaddy
I'm Team Squamous. Yay.

So are there any resources I should check to hone down the list of AME's the FAA provides, or should I just call and ask about price?

What's the ballpark fee for a new 3rd class medical?

And, for people who want to preserve the SPort Pilot option in case of a likely issue, do you end up asking for an office visit, and then if no bad news, schedule another visit for the actual exam? Or just pay twice at the 'Office visit'?

I have no reason to suspect I won't pass for the 3rd class, but I would also like to preserve my Sport Pilot option, in case the AME exam offers any surprises.

Edit: sorry about your Mom. I'm currently getting checked every 6 months.

Re: Tips for selecting an AME in my area? (Minneapolis)

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 6:01 pm
by TimTaylor
If you flunk your FAA exam, you're done. That is, unless it's something for which you might be able to get a waver from the FAA. The best thing to do is go in for a pre-exam evaluation. If the doc says you look good, then schedule the FAA exam. You'll have to pay out of pocket for both, but it's a small price to pay to ensure you don't flunk an FAA exam and get grounded.

Re: Tips for selecting an AME in my area? (Minneapolis)

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 6:02 pm
by vespadaddy
OK, Do I schedule this exam with an AME? The same AME, or a different AME? Od just my regular family medicine doc?

Re: Tips for selecting an AME in my area? (Minneapolis)

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 6:04 pm
by TimTaylor
I would use the same AMA. Your personal doctor would not necessarily be aware of the FAA requirements or disqualifying issues.

Re: Tips for selecting an AME in my area? (Minneapolis)

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 6:20 pm
by vespadaddy
Thanks TimTaylor I appreciate the info.

Re: Tips for selecting an AME in my area? (Minneapolis)

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 6:48 pm
by 3Dreaming
As for finding a good one I would start by asking around the local airport, and see who the pilots around there like. Depending on how your AME does it you might not need to make 2 trips. The AME I use has you print off a copy of your application in Med Express, so he can look at it before accessing your application online. Your application does not become official until the Dr. accesses it in the Med Express system, so by doing the exam first he can advise you on whether or not to continue with the application.

Re: Tips for selecting an AME in my area? (Minneapolis)

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 6:56 pm
by TimTaylor
3Dreaming wrote:As for finding a good one I would start by asking around the local airport, and see who the pilots around there like. Depending on how your AME does it you might not need to make 2 trips. The AME I use has you print off a copy of your application in Med Express, so he can look at it before accessing your application online. Your application does not become official until the Dr. accesses it in the Med Express system, so by doing the exam first he can advise you on whether or not to continue with the application.
Might be worth a trip to Noble, IL to see that doctor. I wonder if that is a common practice among AMA's?

Re: Tips for selecting an AME in my area? (Minneapolis)

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 7:22 pm
by 3Dreaming
TimTaylor wrote: Might be worth a trip to Noble, IL to see that doctor. I wonder if that is a common practice among AMA's?
The AME is in Indiana. Our airport is the Olney-Noble Airport. Noble is a small village with 2 restaurants, one liquor store, and a Post office. The schools consolidated with Olney almost 5 years ago.

The AME has stated that he was taught to do the exams that way when he did his training with the FAA.

I just visited with him a little over a week ago when I took my son who just soloed to get his first medical.

Re: Tips for selecting an AME in my area? (Minneapolis)

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 12:46 am
by vespadaddy
Thanks Guys,
I am surely not going to IL for my medical. But if anyone knows of a similar AME in the Twin Cities, I'm all ears.

Re: Tips for selecting an AME in my area? (Minneapolis)

Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2019 11:24 pm
by vespadaddy
Well, all is well that ends well.

I completed the MedXpress form, got my secret number, took a photo of it with my phone, printed the form, and went in.

I breezed through the exam, and was relieved when the Dr. told me I was approved for 3rd class, no restrictions. I went up to the counter to pay and supply the receptionist with the secret number, but she had already logged me in, as the number is on the bottom of the MedXpress printout! D'oh!

Anyway, now I'm good for 2 years, and then will need to decide if I want to see the AME again, or go basic med.

The AME was Dr. Philip Sidell, in Edina, MN. There was a Delta employee finishing up her payment paperwork when I arrived. I get the impression a lot of the airline pilots see this guy. I was nervous, but it all worked out. PPL here I come.

Re: Tips for selecting an AME in my area? (Minneapolis)

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2019 12:19 am
by TimTaylor
There is no reason to ever get another FAA medical unless you get a second class to go for a Commercial certificate. In two years, switch to Basic Med.