608-836-1711
WISCONSIN AVIATION MEDICINE SPECIALISTS
Let us help you obtain, and retain, your valuable FAA Medical Certificate
FAA MEDICAL CONSULTATION SERVICES
We advice airman with medical conditions and assist in obtaining or regaining medical certificate
Schedule an appointment to discuss any medical condition that might adversely affect you eligibility for a medical certificate. We will assist in packet preparation for special issuances and help explain CACI (Conditions an AME Can Issue) medical conditions.
FAA MEDICAL EXAMINATION SERVICES
Quick turnaround on exams-Times available almost every day of the week
Full service FAA designated aviation medical services. First, second and third class medical examinations. ECG and urine testing. Examination by a physician pilot who understands aviation medicine.
HIMS MEDICAL EXAMINER
Committed to recovery
Dr. Anderson is committed to promoting wellness for airman who have suffer with the disease of addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Along with other HIMS professionals, he will work to help you regain not only your medical certificate, but also the quality of your life.
ABOUT DR. ANDERSON
Biography
Ashley G. Anderson, MD, MS, is a board certified otolaryngologist, a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner, and a HIMS AME. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Medical School, with a master's degree in Preventive Medicine and Administrative Medicine. He is an instrument and multiengine rated pilot, who cares deeply about aviation safety.
CALL OR EMAIL FOR AN APPOINTMENT
(EMAIL IS ALWAYS BETTER)
Morey Airport (C29)
Office located in FBO Building
Morey Airplane Company
8300 Airport Road
Middleton, WI. 53562
608-836-1711
FAA MEDXPRESS
Details of the Medxpress process
You must have a new confirmation number from the FAA in order to undergo your medical examination. A number from a previous exam will not work.
At the time of your exam, we input this number into the FAA system so we can record the results of the examination.
This confirmation number is good for sixty days. After that, you must obtain another number in order to undergo an exam.
If you have a medical condition you suspect may make you ineligible to obtain a medical certificate, I suggest making an appointment for a consultation prior to filling out the Medxpress form.
There is an additional fee of $75.00 if you do not obtain a confirmation number, and we need to do this at the time of your appointment.
Email us your Medxpress number a few days prior to your appointment.
Contact us if you have any questions about the Medxpress form.
EXAMINATION FEES
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Standard medical exam, including urinalysis-- First and second Class: $225.00 . Third Class $200
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ECG -- $125.00
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Special issuances: Generally add $100.00 to exam fees
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Consultation -- $400.00/hour
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HIMS AME Services -- determined on a case-by-case basis
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Payments accepted -- Check, Venmo or Apple Cash (not ApplePay)-No credit cards
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DO NOT MISS YOUR APPOINTMENT! If you need to cancel you must do so at least 24 hours in advance, or you will be assessed a $150 missed appointment fee. That fee must be paid in advance of any future appointment you schedule, along with the regular exam fee.
NEED A MEDICAL IN A HURRY?
Frequent same day urgent service
If you reside near Madison, Milwaukee, Rockford or Chicago, or are overnighting, and are in need of a medical, I can frequently meet you on an urgent basis (evenings, weekends, etc). Email me at Ashley.anderson1@mac.com, or phone or text 608-335-0760 to discuss options.
MEDICAL DEFERRAL
If you have been “deferred” following your FAA aviation medical exam, please pay close attention to this information. A deferral does not mean you were denied. Rather, it means that you have a medical condition, or conditions, that do not permit your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to issue you a certificate. The decision of to issue you a certificate will be made by the FAA’s Aerospace Medical Certification Division (AMCD).
Following your deferral, the FAA will review the exam submitted by your AME through the on-line AMCS system. Following this review, the FAA will send you a letter requesting specific information about your condition (doctors notes, tests, etc.). It may take 6-8 weeks or longer for this letter to arrive.
As your AME of record, I will also receive a copy of this letter. In many cases, what the FAA requests from you is very straightforward. If you send them exactly what they are asking for, and nothing more, this will result in the best chance of you receiving a medical certificate. The FAA will almost always set a time limit for receipt of this information. Sometimes you will need to make physicians appointments or undergo tests mandated by the FAA, and it may be difficult to comply with this time limit. If that’s the case, you must call the FAA and request an extension. AMCS has many cases to review, each is unique, and this is a time-consuming process. You may not hear from the FAA for 2-3 months or more.
Ultimately, you will receive either a regular issuance, a special issuance (SI), or a denial. If you receive a special issuance, the FAA will want additional information at an interval they will specify. They will time limit your certificate. Read the SI very carefully to make sure you comply with everything they are asking for. If you come for another medical exam, bring the SI document with you. If you receive a denial, you can appeal this denial, however it is usually successful only if you supply additional information.
The fee you paid for the FAA medical exam covers only the exam. If you ask me to do additional work—review medical records, respond to multiple emails or texts, review documentation, or call the FAA on your behalf for extensions or other reasons, there will be additional fees. I bill for this “consultative” work at a rate of $400/hour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions
It’s important to us that our clients feel fully informed and confident when working with us. That’s why we’ve made an extensive list of past clients’ questions along with answers from our experienced team. Browse through the information below, and if you have a question that isn’t included here, feel free to reach out to us today.
WHICH CLASS OF EXAM SHOULD I APPLY FOR?
Most private pilots need only apply for a Third Class exam. If you are going to fly for hire (e.g. charter pilot) you need a Second Class. If you fly for an airline, or plan to fly for one, in most cases must have a First Class Certificate. Students applying for aviation programs are encouraged, and sometimes required, to obtain a First Class certificate.
HOW ARE THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE THREE EXAMS DIFFERENT?
There are some differences in the visual requirements for obtaining a First Class certificate. Also, an EKG is required for First Class at age 35, and then annually after age forty.
IS THE COST FOR THE THREE EXAMS DIFFERENT?
Yes. First and second class exams cost $225.00. Third class exams cost $200.00 However there is an additional cost of $125.00 if an EKG is required. There is no extra fee for the urinalysis.
I'VE BEEN ARRESTED OR CONVICTED FOR DRUNKEN DRIVING. CAN I STILL OBTAIN A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE?
The short answer is yes, probably. The long answer is that it depends upon doing whatever is necessary to assure the FAA that you are safe, and do not have substance dependence or engage in substance abuse. As a HIMS examiner, I can help guide you through this process. However, this takes time, work, and sincere commitment on the part of the airman. The greatest reward is enhancing the quality of your life.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T REPORT A DUI/OWI TO THE FAA?
Nothing good. The FAA diligently searches motor vehicle conviction databases and will eventually detect the infraction. This creates an additional problem. You must be honest when filling out your Medxpress form, and for pilots who already have a license, must report these events to the FAA.
WHAT IS A CACI CLEARANCE?
CACI stands for "Conditions an AME Can Issue" a certificate. These include many common medical conditions such as hypertension and asthma. If you meet the criteria for issuance, we do not need to contact the FAA for approval.
WHAT IS A SPECIAL ISSUANCE?
There are some medical conditions that preclude you ability to obtain a medical certificate
In many cases, you can provide additional information to the FAA that will make you eligible for a limited time medical certificate.
If your health is stable, and you continue to provide supporting medical information as requested, you may continue to hold a medical certificate.
WHY IS THE FAA SO CONCERNED ABOUT A PILOT'S MEDICAL STATUS?
In a word: Safety.
A pilot is responsible not only for their own life, but also for others in the aircraft and those on the ground below.
The physiological demands of aircraft flight are unique. Conditions which may pose relatively low risks may cause significant problems during flight.
The FAA's major concern is "sudden incapacitation." Conditions which may cause sudden incapacitation such as cardiac or neurologic issues are of particular concern to the FAA
Emotional and mental stability are also important factors in determining a pilot's ability to effectively command an aircraft.
WHEN DO I NEED A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE.
You must have a valid medical certificate in order to act as Pilot in Command of an aircraft. This means you need a medical certificate prior to your first solo flight, and anytime thereafter when you are operating the aircraft.
I HAVE A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE, BUT I HAVE A NEW HEALTH ISSUE. CAN I FLY?
Ultimately you, as a pilot, are responsible for determining your fitness to fly. If you develop a new medical condition discuss this with your AME prior to flying. Read the Federal Aviation Regulations regarding medical issues.
Pilots are encouraged to use the IMSAFE mnemonic:
Illness (will my illness affect my ability to fly
Medication (will any medication I am taking adversely affect my ability to fly)
Stress (will life pressures prevent me from focusing on flying safely)
Alcohol (BAC must be below 0.04, and no alcohol in the past 8 hours). These are minimums. Consider not using alcohol 24 hours before flight
Fatigue (it is well known that fatigue has effects on performance similar to alcohol)
Emotion (have upsetting circumstances prevented me from the focus necessary to aviate well)
CAN I FLY UNDER BASIC MED?
Yes, however you must first obtain a valid FAA medical certificate of any class in order to become eligible. If your health status changes, and you develop certain conditions (cardiac, neurologic, psychiatric), you may no longer fly under basic med. I am happy to discuss Basic Med with you and advise you as to whether or not you are a good candidate.
SHOULD YOU FLY UNDER BASIC MED?
This is a question you must answer for yourself. However, here are some things to consider:
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Your doctor must perform a complete physical examination on you, and fill out the Basic Med physician's examination form. They may not be willing to do this and accept the liability of certifying a pilot
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Your physician may not be aware of the demands of flight, and the risks due to certain medical conditions
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Your physician may not be aware of the intricacies of FAA regulations regarding medical conditions, exposing you to liability.
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The decision to fly under basic med shifts significant responsibility to you.
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I encourage you to discuss basis med with me, or with your AME.
DOES HEALTH INSURANCE PAY FOR FAA MEDICAL EXAMS.
FAA exams are "exams for administrative purposes," and generally health insurance does not pay for these exams. We can give you a receipt, as many employers will pay for the exam if you are a professional pilot. You may be eligible to receive reimbursement from your HSA or flexible spending plan.
I AM ON ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICATION. CAN I OBTAIN A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE?
Maybe. Depending upon your clinical condition, the FAA may issue you a Special Issuance. and allow you to fly. We can work with you to help determine whether or not you qualify for a Special Issuance
I HAVE A HISTORY OF ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER. CAN I FLY?
Maybe. Depending upon your clinical situation, the FAA may give you a special issuance or a regular issuance. We can work with you to see whether or not you qualify.
Still have questions? Email and we will get back to you ASAP.
EXAM DEFERRAL
If you have been “deferred” following your FAA aviation medical exam, please pay close attention to this information. A deferral does not mean you were denied. Rather, it means that you have a medical condition, or conditions, that do not permit your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to issue you a certificate. The decision of to issue you a certificate will be made by the FAA’s Aerospace Medical Certification Division (AMCD).
Following your deferral, the FAA will review the exam submitted by your AME through the on-line AMCS system. Following this review, the FAA will send you a letter requesting specific information about your condition (doctors notes, tests, etc.). It may take 6-8 weeks or longer for this letter to arrive.
As your AME of record, I will also receive a copy of this letter. In many cases, what the FAA requests from you is very straightforward. If you send them exactly what they are asking for, and nothing more, this will result in the best chance of you receiving a medical certificate. The FAA will almost always set a time limit for receipt of this information. Sometimes you will need to make physicians appointments or undergo tests mandated by the FAA, and it may be difficult to comply with this time limit. If that’s the case, you must call the FAA and request an extension. AMCS has many cases to review, each is unique, and this is a time-consuming process. You may not hear from the FAA for 2-3 months or more.
Ultimately, you will receive either a regular issuance, a special issuance (SI), or a denial. If you receive a special issuance, the FAA will want additional information at an interval they will specify. They will time limit your certificate. Read the SI very carefully to make sure you comply with everything they are asking for. If you come for another medical exam, bring the SI document with you. If you receive a denial, you can appeal this denial, however it is usually successful only if you supply additional information.
The fee you paid for the FAA medical exam covers only the exam. If you ask me to do additional work—review medical records, respond to multiple emails or texts, review documentation, or call the FAA on your behalf for extensions or other reasons, there will be additional fees. I bill for this “consultative” work at a rate of $400/hour.