Fact or fiction?
When someone ‘tells on you’
The AOPA Pilot Information Center occasionally gets 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 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.
Obviously, the affected pilots are angry, frustrated, and concerned that their medicals are at risk by the actions of someone, often known to the pilot, but sometimes totally anonymous.
From the FAA’s perspective, many times the accusations are so outrageous that the credibility of the reports are suspect. However, the FAA must follow up on the report and will reach out to the pilot to verify that the pilot is medically qualified by requesting supporting medical documentation, not to disprove the accusation, but to ensure the pilot is qualified to safely exercise privileges in the national airspace.
These situations are 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 has a bone to pick with the pilot.
If you receive a “letter of investigation,” reach out to the AOPA Pilot Information Center (800-872-2672) so we can provide guidance on how best to respond to the request.
