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I honestly don't even see the value in the oversight, as most all of the risk of fraud is in the Pilot not reporting vs the Dr.s cheating on reports. Larry |
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THIS!!! I'm just finishing up the process with Dr Chien. He's VERY reasonably priced, and he REALLY knows the system... along with all the tricks to expedite things as much as possible in the bureaucracy that is the FAA Medical Division. I can't recommend him enough! |
Brian, after all the hard work you've done to improve your health and build a beautiful airplane, what a kick in the head. AOPA and EAA could use your story as a plea for 3rd class medical reform. Best wishes & good luck on this!
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Trying to keep this thread on track and not have it go to a place that breaks the rules.
My purpose for posting is to not only inform my friends here that have kept up with me over the years what is going on with me but to also let folks see what can happen and how it can significantly affect your ability to enjoy your RV you may be building or have built. Just like choosing to become a professional pilot, building an RV is no small task and can tie up massive amounts of money. Most people are one doctor's visit away from being declared unfit to fly. If that happens you are stuck with having to make tough decisions. So glad that I never chased the dream of becoming a professional pilot because if I had, my investment would have been worthless and I would be basically forced with changing careers mid-life. Not good! Sitting here with a huge investment in an awesome airplane is also not good! My family sacrificed much during the build of that plane. While I have been flying on a SI medical since my original 2 stents in 2008, this third stent caught me by total surprise. After keeping BP and cholesterol under control for almost 10 years, losing 135lbs 2 yrs ago, running crazy distances, etc. getting hit with another blockage was hard to accept. I don't want to bash the FAA, just educate others on how the process works and then let them make up their own mind about whether or not change is needed. Will report more as details unfold but since it takes about 3 months of waiting in between exchanges, it could take a while before I know more... I have contacted Dr Chien with my situation and details and am awaiting his reply to see if there is anything he can do other than what I have already learned to do over the past several years renewing my SI medical. On a lighter note: I am planning to run my second full marathon Sunday in Knoxville...:p Ironic hu? |
I had a doctor in the cardiac division at Oak city tell me, Del you need to understand that the first priority of a federal employee is to protect their job.
We will not sign or approve anything unless someone has signed or approved it ahead of us. ( Sad ) I have been dealing with SI for 14 years. |
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But this is beatable. Good luck, Brian! |
I think the key is finding the right AME, specifically one that does lots of SI. I had always viewed AME's as the enemy until I attended a forum at Oshkosh about SI. I think Dr Chien was on the panel. They suggested consulting an SI-friendly AME well-prior to the FAA exam to get the ducks in a row. It's been working for me. I carry a 2nd class after being treated for afib in 2011. I use Dr. Richard Hecker in Bulverde, TX. He likes to do SI and has a mission to keep us flying. About 75% of his exams are SI. I got on to him from a CAF buddy. Others like him and Dr. Chien are out there. Ask around in flying groups and with commercial pilots. Find one and talk. It's confidential and normally free, at least the initial. FWIW, AOPA was worthless to me. YMMV
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In reality who is safer to act as PIC? Someone who sees a cardiologist twice a year, routinely completes proactive diagnostic testing and understands their heart health like the back of their hand or the guy that won't go to the doctor for fear of losing their medical (or they lie on their application)? |
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Life is full of obstacles. This is another one you have to figure out how to overcome. Fortunately, based on the many positive responses, you're not alone. You have friends and associates to encourage you and cheer you on. There is a process. Hold them accountable to it. Based on your past performance, you will overcome. You go Brian! |
So here is an update on where I stand with Dr. Chien.
I have had a detailed email conversation with him regarding my situation. He was very quick to respond with a couple more questions and possible alternatives. Based on my answers, he was unable to state that working with him would save me much if any time vs me just doing what I have always done for the last 8 years on an annual basis; representing myself by being very careful to send them exactly what they ask for the first time. The bottom line is that he says there is currently no option for expediting 3rd class medicals. It seems that only "Revenue" cases can possibly be expedited. He also stated that even he cannot call the FAA and represent me for at least 30 days after they receive all requested followup documentation. The alternative would have been using the regional flight surgeon as a time saver. Unfortunately my region does not have a cardiac authorized reviewer so Dr. Chien said that option won't work for me. :( I mailed the letter back today requesting re-authorization of my special issuance medical. I will update the thread when they respond to tell me what hoops I must jump before consideration can be made. Anyone want to take odds on how long that simple task will take?:confused: |
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