Rob Johnson wrote:
So, do you keep your mouth shut and risk getting busted or do you open up
the can of worms?



You keep your mouth shut. Think of it like you would an IRS audit. You have to
answer direct questions honestly but you don't offer anything that wasn't asked
for directly. If you have a heart murmur, don't mention it. If the AME finds
it, so be it. If he doesn't, it couldn't be much of a murmur. Many (if not
most) murmurs are benign anyway.

If he finds something awful, well, this is the first you've heard of it.
Ignorance is an excellent defense in this case. It may not prevent you being
grounded but it sure can keep the big fine off your back. FWIW, I don't know a
pilot who's ever gotten zinged in that way by the FAA over medical stuff. The
worst that happens is they don't get their medical.

You need to have two doctors: your real one that you tell your troubles to, and
your AME. The two should never meet.

Now, the one area the FAA won't play is that of DUIs and drug convictions. Only
the incredibly stupid pilot fools around with either.



--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN