Why AeroMed Legal?
Background
Airline Pilots are fortunate to have the backing and support of their unions, who provide medical certification guidance and support, mainly in the form of HIMS or an Aeromedical Committee. These volunteers support Airline Pilots in their careers by limiting the need for constant back-and-forth between the pilot and the Aeromedical Certification Division at the FAA. The guidance from these individuals results in a faster and more efficient process to certification. Further, several airlines offer financial support for comprehensive medical evaluations requested by the FAA such as the CogScreen-AE and Psychiatric appointments.
The issue
General Aviation pilots are significantly disadvantaged in these key areas. There are limited opportunities for guidance throughout the medical certification process, and the opportunities that do exist are cost prohibitive for new aviators. Meanwhile, millions of adolescents have been misdiagnosed at shocking rates which lead the next generation of pilots into a Special Issuance process for medical certification that requires costly evaluations and potential monitoring. For many of these pilots, the exorbitant cost of certification can be unaffordable, and either delay or entirely deter a career in aviation.
Our solution
Enter AeroMed Legal. We provide guidance and support for individuals navigating the aeromedical certification process. Our legal aid organization operates online throughout the United States, offering services such as aeromedical certification assistance, medical records review, legal consultation, and a cutting-edge aviation medical scholarship and loan program. As a non-profit organization, we are poised to make a significant impact in general aviation by providing accessible and affordable resources to those in need.
Four goals; one organization
Any pilot or controller who has experienced a potentially career-ending diagnosis knows the importance of guidance from others. Information asymmetry is rampant in aviation, and experienced pilots know the importance of finding the correct AME through community referral.
The truth is: Not all AME’s are equal.
AeroMed Legal cuts through this barrier by referring pilots to only the most respected AMEs. Moreover, AeroMed Legal has the knowledge and experience to guide pilots through the complex certification process from beginning to end, ensuring minimal down-time and fast, efficient certification. This streamlining allows for an abundance of cost-savings with less time needed and more organization before an upcoming medical appointment.
“Possible Pilot Deviation, advise you contact . . .”
Seldom are there words scarier than these in aviation. Yet, when this warning is given to pilots, far too many pilots are eager to explain themselves, hoping to avoid a potential violation of the regulations. What if there was a hotline that aviators could call to get advice from an attorney before they make that call to ensure that they’ve protected their interests?
AeroMed Legal provides just that and more. AeroMed Legal will also assist pilots who have experienced the enforcement action system. For qualified individuals, AeroMed Legal will provide limited pre-appeal defense representation with an attorney. For formal NTSB appeals, AeroMed Legal will refer pilots to the most well-respected Aviation attorneys.
Common conditions imposed on individuals granted Special Issuance from the FAA include a requirement that the pilot obtain periodic reports from a peer pilot and a chief pilot or other management representative. Nevertheless, a GA pilot does not have a management to report to and finding a peer pilot can be difficult.
AeroMed Legal provides pilots with these conditions on their Special Issuances a form of monitoring otherwise unknown by general aviation: connecting pilots with other pilots and allowing for a close monitoring program and further assisting the pilot in finding a representative to author these reports.
Many medical applicants require further medical evaluation or testing. For example, a pilot pursuing the antidepressant (SSRI/SNRI) pathways to certification, the FAA requests a neuropsychological evaluation and psychiatric evaluation, which cost on average $4500 and $3000, respectively. Driving these costs is the FAA’s endorsement of Level 5 billing practices.
AeroMed Legal is developing a program that identifies individuals in the general aviation community with a need for financial assistance for these evaluations, allocating funding for these evaluations in the form of a loan. Funds will be paid from AeroMed Legal directly to the medical provider of a pilot’s choice. The pilot will then be required to repay the balance loan, without interest, to AeroMed Legal after successfully passing a CFI practical test or otherwise finding gainful employment in the aviation industry. The funds used to pay the balance will then be re-pooled in the program fund to allow for use by other needs-based individuals.
In the event that a pilot is unable to secure medical certification from the FAA, the balance of the loan will be forgiven, effectively creating a medical scholarship.
See how it works
Whether you’re new to flying or are a seasoned veteran, discover how we can get you in the air. Learn how AeroMed Legal can help you navigate regulatory challenges and ensure a journey to the cockpit.