If somene is considered to be at "high risk of OSA" by checking 3 boxes I don't see where the AME has a lot of discretion. It seems it's the FAA who's decided to take a hard line on this not the AME.

I had it taken care of before my next medical. Never spoke to the AME, just showed him the paperwork/test results that showed: I had it, saw my regular doc, and got rid of it (name the movie). Medical issued.

Was on CPAP for a while, then opted for the surgery. Presented that paperwork at the next medical and was good to go.

Insurance paid for all. (Fed BC/BS)

Well, my neck size will NEVER be less than 15.5" and according to my Fitbit, I sleep like a BABY!!

I think it's interesting that if you are over 50, a male, and one other malady, such as high blood pressure, you are considered high risk. Two of the three can't be corrected. I thought high blood pressure was accepted if controlled by medication, now they link it to osa. In many situations, high BP can be linked to genetics, or can be hereditary, and nothing to do with weight.

I have no problem with the faa requiring osa being treated, but the witch-hunt style of detecting it will be costly, burdensome, and ineffective since osa can occur in individuals that are normal weight and neck size. Also the path back to the cockpit needs to be expidited. In addition every ATC, faa, tsa, A&P employee need to be screened as well and not be exempted from the process as these positions are of a safety sensitive nature as well.

Where the duck is ALPA, NBAA, and AOPA??

You are correct. I didnt read that part. :rolleyes: I was under the impression this was for everyone haha. Was up late last night on vacation, didnt bother to read the whol article. Oh well.

It seems AOPA blew their wad on getting the 90 day allowance which changes nothing. Meanwhile the FAA tightened the screening guidelines that were originally BMI over 40 and neck size over 17".

Don't go in to your next medical fat, dumb, and happy! (Pun intended).

I don't think that is a universal form, but one that a specific office uses.

The AME I use, has a whole page on its website for OSA and never says nothing about neck size. He has links to a journal and a couple tables.

FAA Flight Physicals Michigan Advance AME and Super AME

The Journal specifically references neck size of > 17in for men (bottom right of pg 265). http://www.aasmnet.org/Resources/cli...OSA_Adults.pdf

Table 2 and 3 are used for risk assessment according to the journal. http://pilotdr.com/sleep_apnea/aasm.pdf

The STOP BANG form is right off the FAA website. The "Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine" is not an FAA source.

First, "Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine" is linked in the FAA Guidance to AME's for OSA. It was published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (Pg 3, under the link "risk criteria")

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...0materials.pdf

Also, yes I stand corrected that that is an FAA form and is contained above. It is one of three forms in the OSA info provided to AME's in the AME Guide.

It sounds like the the AME is given some latitude to determine what they deem as "high risk" for OSA. There is a lot of information in that link for anyone concerned, but I don't a see cut and dried criteria that says you must use a certain form or points criteria.

Which surgery did you have?