Waivers after Wings

[TacetMan]

I've read through the previous posts regarding Waivers through NAMI and it seems like the vast majority of people asking questions about the process are SNAs/SNFOs or applicants looking for a flight billet. I was hoping some of the docs and the more experienced members could shed light on what the Waiver process is like if a medical issue crops up after someone finishes flight school and moves on to the FRS or the Fleet.

I'm interested in anyone's personal experience who had to apply for a waiver after getting winged, but more specifically:

I've heard that waivers are much easier to come by once you're designated - the rationale being that the Navy already spent the time, effort and money to get you winged so they'll be more economically motivated to keep you. Is this true and, if so, is that the reason why?

What is the process like for winged waiver applicants, specifically with respect to the lines of communication? There's no better person to advocate on your behalf than yourself, but it is it inappropriate to contact NAMI directly to ask questions on your own? Should all communication go through your flight surgeon?

If a specialist's consultation/recommendation is required to go in with your waiver application, what's an effective way to help that doctor, who may not be intimately familiar with NAMI and their requirements/policies, understand how his consultation/recommendation will be viewed and how it can affect your career?

 

[Gatordev]

It is definitely easier to obtain a waiver as a 1390/1320 and beyond for things that are harder to get as an applicant. The process starts with your doc, and you work through him and your squadron. If you need a referral, like you said, you may need to coach the doc a bit on the process and show him the Waiver guide so everyone is on the same page. Often times, the specialist used to be a flight doc, so that can help. I wouldn't start with NAMI, but should you end up talking with them, I'd get stuff in writing and not just go off a phone call. It may not be a regular occurrence, but they have been known to reverse their statements or claim they never said what they actually said. Yes, it happened to me.

 

[Renegade One]

Bunch of stuff about "waivers after wings"...

Interesting question…to which there is no answer, I don't think..at least not yet. Certainly not on this forum.

Why do you ask? What might you think you need a waiver for? Have you spoken to anyone in your chain of command or local Flight Surgeon? Sounds like it might be medical or physiological… but if you think you're getting (or have already earned) your wings, why is this popping up now?

I totally get that you might not want to say here what the issue is. Best of luck.

 

[TacetMan]

Sorry about being cryptic with my first post. My chain of command and local flight doc are aware; I'd rather not share the details, so let's leave it that it's a physical issue but an uncommon one, that is waiverable in certain cases but very much subject to doctor's discretion. I would never want to be put into an aircraft where I could be a danger to myself or others or fail to accomplish a mission, but at the same time I feel strongly that this issue will never have an effect on my safety in the air. Obviously I know I'm biased, and I don't intend to start demanding waivers or preaching to the docs about how healthy and safe I am, but I'd still like to know what options I have in terms of who I talk to and how I approach them so that I can have a more intelligent conversation with my flight doc than just going, "so you're sayin' there's a chance?"

 

[exNavyOffRec]

I worked for a Pilot that had a medical issue, he was a helo guy and his condition was waived, but the doc only cleared him for INCONUS flights because it was food allergy and he didn't want to take the chance of him having an issue overseas, he said WTF, and then redesignated.

 

[Gatordev]

You are your best advocate. Start talking to the doc (with the understanding that there really isn't a whole lot of doctor patient/privilege when it comes to your doc and your front office). Also talk to your front office. Nothing can be done until you take that first step.

 

[TacetMan]

Right. My front office, flight surg, and a whole smattering of other people know all the details. My question is: if there are other doctors involved, is it appropriate for me to talk to them (and/or NAMI) directly in order to advocate for myself, or would that be construed as going above/around the flight surgeon?

Edit: I think I caused some confusion by saying I didn't want to share details. I didn't mean I was hiding a medical issue from my command, I meant I wasn't planning on posting specific medical details on this forum -- I already know I need a waiver (and so does everyone else involved), and I'm going through the process now. I'm looking for the most tactful way to go about advocating for myself to the people who will be making decisions about my case. Sorry again for the miscommunication...it's been a long week

 

[Red_]

I had an eye problem that was waiverable but there were a couple of ways to fix the problem. My flight surgeon contacted NAMI to ensure the procedure my civilian specialist was recommending was the best path for the waiver. The specialist on the NAMI staff agreed with my civilian specialist so after a couple rounds of eye surgery, NAMI granted the waiver. I don't think I would have contacted NAMI myself but then again I felt my flight surgeon was in my corner and out for my best interests. Granted, if this occurred during my previous flight surgeon's tenure, I'm not sure where I would be now because she was an idiot.
It seems like from your posts that you are in disagreement with your flight surgeon?

 

[phrogdriver]

If your own flight surgeon is on board, you can get a waiver for two severed legs. Hell, he might just sign your up chit, give you a bottle of Motrin and tell you to see him when you feel better and "keep it on the down low." Without him, things are more difficult, and you'll have to be your own advocate, and the command will also have to advocate for you. Obviously that will depend on whether your CO backs your judgment or the FS's. If your CO is behind you, he can talk to the group CO, who will talk to the group FS, who might influence others to go along and get along.

 

[feddoc]

Don't go behind the back of your FS, not cool and his/her level of cooperation may not be so good later on.

 

[SH-60OB]

I have both my legs attached however, I am still on flight status with an un-waiverable disease and un-waiverable medication. As previously stated, you need to have a flight surgeon as your advocate. If your squadron FS doesn't support you, find one who does. Get smart on what the waiver guide says about your condition and be prepared to fight for it. There is nothing that is not waiverable. Though some things are definitely easier for a helo bubba.

 

[nittany03]

If your own flight surgeon is on board, you can get a waiver for two severed legs.

Can't speak to two, but I do know of a one-legged P-3 guy out there. More true than you might think.

If only BUMED and BUPERS could come up with a way to account for the time some people spend in the healing chair, though.

 

[MasterBates]

They did.. They moved my screen group up because I had spent so much time standing RDO.

 

[phrogdriver]

Can't speak to two, but I do know of a one-legged P-3 guy out there. More true than you might think.

If only BUMED and BUPERS could come up with a way to account for the time some people spend in the healing chair, though.

This guy thinks it should be waiverable.

 

[e6bflyer]

I am on a waiver for hypertension. It should have been an easy no brainer waiver to get. The doc that got me the waiver, however, was not very supportive and ultimately grounded me for a few months while the wheels turned in the whole process.
I have dealt with two types of docs, although I am sure there are more. There are those who want to keep everyone flying and help you out and there are those who want to down everyone with the slightest hint of any condition because that is what the book says to do.
You can guess the type that you are more willing and able to go to with a problem.
What was said above is good advice. Get a doc on your side who is willing to fight for you. Otherwise, all is lost.