Welcome back to Passive Income Pilots! In this special "Friday for Flyers" episode, we're diving into a critical topic for every pilot – medical certifications and aeromedical issues. Today, we have the honor of hosting Dr. Dan Monlux, an experienced AME, former F-18 pilot, and founder of Wingman Med. Dr. Monlux brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help you navigate the complexities of pilot medicals, ensuring you protect your wings and maintain your flying career. Whether you're a seasoned aviator or just starting, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss.
Timestamped Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction to the episode and guest.
(00:30) Overview of the episode and its focus on pilot medical certifications.
(01:20) Introduction to Dr. Dan Monlux and his background as an F-18 pilot and AME.
(02:42) Dr. Dan Monlux discusses his journey and experience in aviation and medicine.
(04:18) Dr. Monlux shares stories from his time as an F-18 pilot.
(05:30) Transitioning from military aviation to medicine and becoming an AME.
(06:41) The importance of understanding that the AME is not your treating doctor but an FAA designee.
(08:09) Tips on how to approach your medical exam and when to consult your AME versus your primary care doctor.
(09:39) Explanation of the MedExpress application process and the importance of not handing over your confirmation number prematurely.
(10:50) The importance of bureaucracy and documentation in FAA medical certification.
(11:57) The deferral process when disqualifying medical conditions arise.
(14:15) Common reasons for medical certification denials and what blindsides pilots the most.
(16:24) Discussion on special issuances and administrative processes to get them cleared.
(18:30) The role of regional flight surgeons and program analysts in the FAA certification process.
(20:23) MedExpress application details and the importance of telling a consistent medical history story.
(22:58) Consequences of letting your medical certificate expire and the process of downgrading to a different class.
(25:29) Getting out of the bureaucratic cycle and the role of Wingman Med in helping pilots.
(28:00) When to seek legal advice versus medical consultation for certification issues.
(30:15) Overview of the HIMS program and its significance for pilots with alcohol, substance abuse, and mental health issues.
(32:50) Discussion on FAA mental health policies and the need for more resources to process applications.
(35:00) Dr. Monlux's top three tips for pilots to ensure they pass their medical exams.
(36:20) How to reach out to Wingman Med for consultations and the benefits of their MedExpress simulator.
(38:00) Closing thoughts and final advice from Dr. Monlux.
(39:00) Wrap-up and thank you to Dr. Monlux.
Feel free to reach out to Wingman Med for a free consultation if you have any medical concerns or need guidance on your certification. Visit their website at wingmanmed.com.
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Fly safe and stay healthy!
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The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice.
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