The Pilot Lawyer Podcast

SSRIs are an antidepressant.  If you are just an average person taking it, no one seems to care.   But, if you are a pilot and trying to fly, sirens start shouting at the FAA offices. Because the FAA considers this a "serious" medical condition, and it has impacted many pilots' ability to fly.  What good is being a well-trained pilot that has spent hours away from family to train if you can't even...

The FAA is one of the largest government agencies in the United States.  And, as you are aware, anything associated with the government moves at a snail-like speed. Which means…  Your review can take as long as 6 months—and that's if you are lucky enough to understand their complicated process.  Unfortunately for you, your ability to fly rests in their hands. And you can't get paid while they drag...

The FAA and the AME work together to make sure they catch pilots with different conditions and a common one is sleep apnea.  Sleep apnea raises red flags.  It can impact the pilot's ability to fly and can lead to other health issues, according to the FAA.     That's the bad news. The good news? You can continue to fly with sleep apnea or a history of it if you deal with the FAA correctly.  In this...

As if having Diabetes isn't difficult on its own.  You must watch your diet, take insulin, and live a healthy lifestyle. Then, you're a pilot and must deal with the laundry list of the FAA requirements – even if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The stress of dealing with the FAA's laundry list of requirements can definitely spike your insulin. There are just too many variables and risks if you...

In today's world, everyone seems to be an expert.   Advice seems to be free, and you can get it just about anywhere – including Reddit.   The "Reddit" effect causes you to believe that your situation is the same as everyone else's when dealing with the FAA.  You wing it on your own, spend lots of time trying to figure it out and get misled by false information. This is a disaster waiting to happen...

An intentional falsification charge is deadly. It can result in a total revocation of all your certifications, and can keep you stuck to the ground for at least a year.  So, how do you fight the FAA on an intentional falsification charge? Well, first some good news: The FAA won't come knocking without reason.  But it can still happen, and for reasons that may not even be on your radar.  But don't...

Alcohol is a complicated topic – especially when dealing with the FAA.  Each situation is treated uniquely, and your personal history plays a role.   The FAA has specific guidelines for you having a substance issue problem and they definitely don't make it easy.    Once you are labeled as having a "substance issue" you might never be able to fly again. This is why you have to be careful how you pr...

Pilots with even a mild case of anxiety should proceed with caution when dealing with the FAA. The big bad FAA can be sneaky with their set of questions. In fact, they could be setting you up for a trap. How do you avoid these potholes set up by the FAA? There is no simple answer.  Every case is like a "snowflake" with unique variables.   The complexity is frustrating and filling out the wrong for...

As a veteran, you served part of your life for your country.  You did your dues and now finally you have a second career as a pilot out of the military.   Everything is going well.  You are getting VA disability benefits for a condition that you have.  Life is good.   Then you realize you have to deal with the FAA.     What is actually happening in the background?   The FAA and the VA are putting...

ADHD or ADD when a pilot was a child can still impact them today.  A prescription of Adderall or Ritalin in school to cope with it is catching up to them.   Can you still get your medical certificate if you had ADD or ADHD? Yes, and no.  There are actually two types of denials:  Non-final and Final.  In this episode, join us at The Pilot Lawyer Podcast to discuss what to do if you are impacted—eit...

Pilots go through vigorous training just to get their license.  You have to obtain flight hours, pass written tests, pass practical tests, and finally maintain a valid medical certificate.   And all this effort can go to waste if the FAA denies your medical certificate.  All the years you spent grinding it out for your pilot license becomes wasted time and energy.   That's the bad news! The good n...

FAA Medical denial can be hard to navigate. You need both a pilot and a lawyer on your side for your aviation law needs. You need an aviation attorney that focuses on FAA Medical Certificates. You need an aviation attorney that understands your legal problems. You need an aviation attorney that will represent you to the fullest extent of the law. You need The Pilot Lawyer to vector you through you...