Regulations and Government
Virtual Flight Systems eases medical mysteries
If you get the feeling you’re just a number when it comes to getting your medical, you may be interested to know that the FAA issues 453,000 airman medical

If you get the feeling you’re just a number when it comes to getting your medical, you may be interested to know that the FAA issues 453,000 airman medicals every year. According to an FAA spokesman, the agency also processes 5,700 special issuances, responds to 87,600 written inquiries, answers 95,000 telephone inquiries and conducts 155,000 full reviews of medical records. But don’t be too quick to assume they’re an uncaring lot.

“I think the FAA has a bad name, and that’s unfortunate,” suggested W. Keith Martin, M.D., of Aurora, Colo.-based Virtual Flight Surgeons. “Most of the people who work in [the aeromedical division] of the FAA are very dedicated. They want you to be able to fly, but what you have to understand is that they need the proper documentation.”

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