It seems that we live in a world of skewed perceptions where determining what is true or just total fabrication can often be painfully difficult. We occasionally get calls from members who are anxious, concerned, and angry because “someone” in their sphere of influence made a false accusation to the FAA that they were exercising their flying privileges with a disqualifying medical condition. Sadly, this year we have seen an increase in these malicious accusations, which always result in the FAA reaching out to the pilot for supporting documentation.
These calls are not only stressful for the pilots affected by the actions, but equally frustrating for our Pilot Protection Services staff attorneys and medical certification specialists who advise them on how best to approach these disgusting situations. Obviously, the affected pilots are angry, frustrated, and very concerned that their medicals are at risk due to the actions of someone, often known to the pilot, but sometimes totally anonymous.
From the FAA’s perspective, many times the accusations are just so outrageous that the credibility of the reports is obviously dubious. However, the FAA must follow up on the report and will reach out to the pilot, not to ask them if the accusations are accurate, but to verify that the pilot is medically qualified by requesting supporting medical documentation—again, not to disprove the accusation, but to ensure the pilot is qualified to safely exercise privileges in the national airspace.
These situations are just so frustrating for everyone involved and often will incur some expense to the pilot to undergo medical evaluations, procure historical records, possibly seek professional legal assistance, and endure the hassle of having to deal with the unexpected intrusion.
Perhaps not too surprising, the accusations often come from someone who is well acquainted with the accused, and that could be a spouse, close acquaintance, current or former business or airplane partner, or a total stranger who just has a bone to pick with the pilot!
As a PPS participant, if you receive a “letter of investigation,” by all means reach out to us so we can provide guidance on how best to respond to the request.
