I found out yesterday that my flight waiver request for history of ADD was denied. Me and my XO are throwing some ideas around about what else I could do to try and get by this but the word from medical is this is the end of the road for my AMT dreams. I haven't looked at any rule books yet but I wanted to see if anyone here has ever heard of anyone getting passed this sort of thing, or if anyone out there had any ideas. All input is appreciated.

Tyler

HEdouble hockey sticks,

You just described over 90% of coasties in aviation. The other 10% are pilots and even then I sometimes wonder. Did they give you an explaination? Fill us in on what you can and do feel comfortable about disclosing to us and we can ask around. If not Find your nearest airstation and ask to speak to their Flight Surgeon.

I would put my money on medication history, not just ADD.

In the bigger picture, try to focus on what you can do, not what is disqualifying.

"Getting by this" is not the point. Medical rules are often written in blood. They protect you and your shipmates.

Good advice above...see a Flight Surgeon. he or she will explain it better than anyone else.

Good Luck in your career!

My waiver was handled through the AirSta. The FS there is the one who requested it. The Master Chief e-mailed me the denied waiver package and it stated due to the evaluation of a civilian doctor and some not so nice comments in the FS's narrative, my waiver was denied. As you can imagine i'm a little upset about this, and I have had some angry thoughts crossing my mind including the civilian was in business for himself, and I think he did a little more than was required to get more government money out of me. He said he would be able to tell me my whole life story when he was finished with the tests, and he wasn't even close. He tried to make me believe that I was depressed, and had an excessive amount of stress, (keep in mind, I was trying to get qualified as fast as possible, yeah I was a little stressed out). On top of that, the FS's narrative made me out to be just short of a special ed child, having no business being within 10 miles of any aircraft, and he only saw me twice for about 30 mins each time. Hardly enough to make a definitive diagnosis in my book, but like I said, these are angry thoughts. Some ideas that have been suggested to me are going to another doc preferably military to get a second opinion, and possibly to say that I am not affected by or do not currently have ADD. Could this possibly get me passed the waiver all-together? Another thing that has been brought up to me is a medical review board. Would this work? I'm extremely adimant <Spell Check, about getting into aviation, and will do what I have to aside from breaking the law to succeed. I understand that rules are put in place for a reason, and if I thought it was a safety issue, I wouldn't be pursuing it. However, I have no doubt that I am currently ADD negative, and me being on an aircraft would not put that crew in jeopardy, as was pointed out by the kick a$$ recommendation that my command submited. Sorry to ramble. As always, all input is appreciated. Stay Safe. Tyler

quote:

he only saw me twice for about 30 mins each time. Hardly enough to make a definitive diagnosis in my book

Wait a minute...TWO thirty minute visits with a flight surgeon? I usually only see a flight surgeon for about ten minutes once a year, and spend thirty minutes waiting for him to come to the exam room . You're probably fortunate to have gotten the attention you have to this point, but don't give up, request that second opinion!

Good luck...

Hehe sorry, should have been more specific. After the usual 30-45 minute wait, I was ushered into an exam room where I only spent another 5 minutes waiting for the FS. He spent about 7 minutes and 39 seconds actually reviewing my case, and assessing me. The other 22 minutes and 21 seconds was spent explaining to me that the clinic remains nuetral in waiver cases and the actual process for a waiver. Regardless though your right, I was getting attention.

I just read in the Aviation Medicine Manual that if a waiver is initially denied without seeing an Aviation Disability Advisory Council or something like that, as part of the original waiver process, then the waiver can be appealed through this board. Is this true? Anyone have any info on this?

M6410.3 Aviation Medicine Manual

CHAPTER 5. AERONAUTICAL ADAPTABILITY
Section A - Explanation of Aeronautical Adaptability.
1. Aeronautically Adaptable (aviation candidates).
a. “Having the potential to adapt to the rigors of the aviation environment by possessing the temperament, flexibility, and appropriate defense mechanisms necessary to suppress anxiety, maintain a compatible mood and devote full attention to flight and successful completion of a mission.”

I can see why the waiver would be disapproved.

Was your waiver denied by headquarters? did you and your command write a letter to accompany your waiver request? My initial physical was denied (different reason than yours) by the flight surgeon, but I submitted it anyways with a request for a waiver and it came back approved by headquarters. If you truly want to go AMT don't give up. But you must ask yourself because only you really know, should you be qualified to go aviation? does your past condition limit you in any way? You will be part of an aircrew who rely on each other to make it home safe every time, if there is any doubt in your mind about this, in all honesty you should not pursue aviation. I swear when I was doing my time on C-130's I had narcolepsy (sp?) sitting in the loadmaster seat, wheels up/heels up (good night).

Yeah, it was denied by headquarters. It is possible to get a second waiver requested, but it requires the approval of the FS at medical who first requested my waiver. My command has already spoken with him and he stated that he is not willing to do that, hence my AMT dreams are crushed. I guess it's a 2 year wait for HS now.

A couple of thoughts. I'm not a medical bubba so take it for what it's worth. Was it adolescent ADD or adult ADD? That might make a difference. I believe ADD and ADHD are difficult to diagnose. I know the FS at HQ real good. He is a straight shooter. Here's my recommendation. Write down all the questions you might have. Going thru your Chain of Command, request to talk to the HQ FS personally. This is your career!!! Lay your cards on the table with him....no BS-ing. Ask him all the question you have written down. Specifically, also ask about getting a second opinion by a (military or civilian) Doc who specializes in ADD/ADHD diagnosis. If the FS at HQ says ok on the second opinion and it still comes back positive, then I'd say you played all your cards and it's over at that point. Good luck.

Thank you Master Chief. I think my XO is kind of tired of this situation, so I'll see if she'll let me take it into my own hands, and give it a last good shot. Could you tell me what would be the best proper way for me to get in touch with the FS? It was adolescent ADD, diagnosed when I was 9 y/o. I'd even be willing to pay my own flight up there to speak with him if he's willing. Like I've said before, I don't believe I am a risk to myself or others. I completed 6 months worth of quals in 3 1/2 months, and I never really loose focus or concentration as is typical with ADD. I'll give it one last run.

Tyler,
Check your email.

quote:

Originally posted by Captaininsane24:
Thank you Master Chief. I think my XO is kind of tired of this situation, so I'll see if she'll let me take it into my own hands, and give it a last good shot. Could you tell me what would be the best proper way for me to get in touch with the FS? It was adolescent ADD, diagnosed when I was 9 y/o. I'd even be willing to pay my own flight up there to speak with him if he's willing. Like I've said before, I don't believe I am a risk to myself or others. I completed 6 months worth of quals in 3 1/2 months, and I never really loose focus or concentration as is typical with ADD. I'll give it one last run.

Seeing as how you're asking.....

I'll say it up front, there are no guarantees.

After you get your Commands approval, you and your CMC/CSC/CC can start with the Airman Program Manager/Detailer. His name is ASTC Shawn Sullivan. He's in the Global. Explain to him what your intent is and your interest in talking to the FS. He should be able to offer advice one way or another. He might already be familiar with your case. You can tell him I sent you his way.

Again....no guarantees and be prepared for the worst case.

Good luck....

Thank you again Master Chief. Chief Sullivan, I will get in touch with you on Monday morning if that is ok. I'm prepared for whatever comes next. I've already had a dozen no's, I don't think one more will hurt that bad.

You need to find out the specific reason your waiver was denied, it should be spelled out in the paperwork. If it is adolescent ADD, go see a doctor who can give you a current diagnosis as to whether or not you would still be considered ADD. If not you can run with that. If it's for other reasons, address them head on. Don't give up just because you were told No one time...