Trying to get my 3rd Class Medical with prior substance abuse showing up and no legal trouble

[Alex277877]

Hey guys how's it going? I am in the process of getting my pilots license. I have to solo soon and went today for my 3rd class medical exam. I failed it which I was thinking I was going to. I had a drinking problem in the past. I never got into any legal problems just drank too much and sought out help on my own. I did an intensive outpatient program at a place in my town. I completed the program and haven't drank any thing since October 15, 2019 which is almost 8 months. I actually never want to drink again. They failed me because of the prior treatment I had received. I was not court ordered to go there I did it all on my own for a better life. My question I guess is what is the next steps. I want to get them all the documentation I can for them. Does anyone have any resources I can check out. Has anyone else had this issue?

Thank you for your time and the info

 

[PeterNSteinmetz]

No-one gave me any guidance before I was thrown into this mess

Unfortunately many CFIs treat this casually and do not realize the present FAA aeromedical certification process is a minefield of potential gotchas and Catch-22s.

The standard advice from CFIs to their students now should really be to do a consult with an AME before making the application go live.

As Dr. Chien notes, you can make this happen if truly in recovery. It will take some time and money though.

I will also note that there are a fair number of people who when they find themselves in this situation decide to go and learn to fly gliders first. You can fly these without a medical as long as you truly are in recovery and can self certify that you are safe.

The time and effort you spend can be incorporated into the rating for powered planes as an add-on later when you have your medical.

Also, learning to fly gliders is a very good way to learn how a set of wings and controls handles in the air.