VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics


Go Back   VAF Forums > Main > RV General Discussion/News
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #71  
Old 06-08-2012, 05:50 AM
Geico266's Avatar
Geico266 Geico266 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Huskerland, USA
Posts: 5,862
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by steve91t View Post
Hey everybody, I thought I'd post a quick update.

Unfortunately the ANG isn't going to happen. My bleed is a disqualifying condition and I will never have a flying status with the military. I can't explain the disappointment. But, life goes on.

In April, we sent all my information to the FAA and 6 weeks later they got back to me saying all I needed was a follow up MRI and doctor visit. I hoped a plane to PHX and saw my surgeon. Kinda weird shaking the hand of the man who touched my brain Anyway MRI is great and he was more than willing to write whatever the FAA required.

The FAA has my stuff and I'm just waiting for them to send me my medical! Should be sometime this month!
Life does in deed go on.

Good luck, and don't be a stranger.
__________________
RV-7 : In the hangar
RV-10 : In the hangar
RV-12 : Built and sold
RV-44 : 4 place helicopter on order.
Reply With Quote
  #72  
Old 06-08-2012, 07:13 AM
David-aviator David-aviator is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chesterfield, Missouri
Posts: 4,514
Default

Steve,

Good news on the medical situation as far as the FAA is concerned. Hope they come through soon.

Is your company on board with all this stuff?

Years ago the company I worked for has their own medical department and another set of hoops to jump through. With the economics of airlines today, most companies probably have done away with such departments and let the FAA decided such matters.

Good luck with all this, it is kind of nice to have a job these days.
__________________
RV-12 Build Helper
RV-7A...Sold #70374
The RV-8...Sold #83261
I'm in, dues paid 2019 This place is worth it!
Reply With Quote
  #73  
Old 06-08-2012, 08:27 AM
ppilotmike's Avatar
ppilotmike ppilotmike is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 1,967
Default Great News

I'm glad this story is headed towards a happy ending. It truly is inspiring.
__________________
Mike Rettig
EAA Chapter 301 www.eaa301.org
VAF Dues Current
RV-10 Working on the "Dreaded Doors"
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/index....ig&project=803
F-14 (Pedal Plane - Daughter's Project) "Flying"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKCyX2FXrlw
Reply With Quote
  #74  
Old 07-07-2012, 10:22 PM
steve91t steve91t is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Huntersville, NC
Posts: 138
Default

Damnit......this was not expected. Just got this letter on Friday. I know it's zoomed in, but right there in the middle says it all.




It says I can appeal it, which you know I will, but it's just doesn't make sense. My flight doc (who deals with trying to get a lot of US Airway's pilot's medicals back) sent my stuff to the FAA in Jan of this year. 6 weeks later they said they needed a current MRI and a doc's note (expected). 5 weeks after they got that, the come back with some BS letter that doesn't volunteer any information. Denied. Even if I appeal and win, it's going to be another 2 months probably before I'm flying again. I'm just afraid they are going to make me wait another couple of years before they will even reconsider.

It seams like just yesterday I started this thread. I was 29 and flying the Dash 8 900 hrs a year. Been doing that since I was 23. Now I'm 31 and haven't flown a plane in a year and a half. I can't even fly sport pilot now that my medical has been denied.

I have to get my butt off the ground. I flew gliders from 13 to 18 years old. I'm going to get checked out next week. I can't wait to get back into that sport.

You know, the military said no ONLY because they had to put me under a category that was already in the books. Unfortunately this category didn't really appeal to me, but because it was the closest thing to it, that's all they had and that meant I will never be able to fly for them. Fine, 1 dream that I worked my *** off for was gone, but it wasn't the end of the world. Everyone thought I'd have no problem getting my medical back from the FAA, and everything seemed to be just fine until Friday when they pulled a 180 on me. This letter makes ABSOLUTELY no sense.

Anyway, just had to vent a little. It's tough when it's not only your passion, but also your income. I think what bothered me the most was this letter was so nonchalant. My entire career was in their hands and they blew me off.

Once I start flying gliders again, I'll be much happier. Maybe I'll post a picture or three of me taking my wife for a ride. That's something I've been wanting to do for a long time.

This thread has been a kind of release for me. You guys have been absolutely the best therapy one could ask for.

I'll stay in touch,
Steve
Reply With Quote
  #75  
Old 07-08-2012, 12:05 AM
jetjok's Avatar
jetjok jetjok is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Sutter Creek, CA
Posts: 842
Default

Steve,
In the eyes of the FAA, it is much easier if you just go away, and that is what they are trying to get you to do. You are likely going to need a group such as Virtual Flight Surgeons http://aviationmedicine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home to assist you.
I have done a lot of work on stuff like this at my airline, and our Union has VFS on retainer. They have done a great job of getting some of our guys back in the saddle. You may already have access to VFS or a similar group through your airline or union.
If I can be of any assistance, PM me.
Good Luck,
__________________
Mark Ohlau
RV-6 N506MM VAF #1410
2017 Donation Made
Reply With Quote
  #76  
Old 07-08-2012, 04:46 PM
gear1 gear1 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Pagosa Springs CO
Posts: 243
Default Help with FAA

Steve,
I have been following your saga with great interest. Many possible venues have been offered, but I would like to offer one more:Pilot Medical Solutions of Bethany OK. My problem, prostate cancer, was not as exotic as yours, and I was only going for a third class, but I was very pleased with their service. They first gathered a great deal of information from me, then worked with my doctors to be sure that they wrote the letters exactly as the FAA wants (The FAA won't disclose the format). Pilot Medical solutions took about six weeks to gather and organize the paperwork. From the time they submitted the paperwork until the certificate was signed was about a week. They are certainly are expensive, but I am convinced that they saved a year's time in getting my medical.

Best wishes in your path back to the cockpit!
__________________
Craig Taylor
RV8 flying
2020 VAF dues paid with thanks
Navy A7E Vietnam era
Ret. Corporate Pilot: G1159, IA Jet, Jetstar, Falcon 10, 20, 50
Reply With Quote
  #77  
Old 07-08-2012, 05:15 PM
sailvi767 sailvi767 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Charlotte NC
Posts: 1,167
Default

Steve, The advice in the above post is spot on. You need to use the link and contact them ASAP. They are the best in the world at getting your medical back. The company is the former ALPA Aeromedical Office. It was spun off from ALPA and is now a private company but still provides the same services for all ALPA airlines and many other pilot unions who contract with them.
Again there is no one better at dealing with the FAA on medical issues. You might even find it would be covered by your airline union. If its not covered spend the money. They are your best option to preserve a flying career.

George
Reply With Quote
  #78  
Old 07-08-2012, 06:29 PM
panhandler1956's Avatar
panhandler1956 panhandler1956 is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,686
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sailvi767 View Post
Steve, The advice in the above post is spot on. You need to use the link and contact them ASAP. They are the best in the world at getting your medical back. The company is the former ALPA Aeromedical Office. It was spun off from ALPA and is now a private company but still provides the same services for all ALPA airlines and many other pilot unions who contract with them.
Again there is no one better at dealing with the FAA on medical issues. You might even find it would be covered by your airline union. If its not covered spend the money. They are your best option to preserve a flying career.

George
I second that! My company works with AMAS (new name) and they are awesome!
__________________
Brent Owens
EAA Chapter 9 Tech Counselor/Flight Advisor
Columbus, OH
RV-8 'Contrary Mary' flying
N784DE S/N #82614

www.fixedwingbuddha.com
Follow me on Facebook
Reply With Quote
  #79  
Old 07-08-2012, 07:27 PM
NickAir's Avatar
NickAir NickAir is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: McMinnville, Oregon: HOME of the SPRUCE GOOSE
Posts: 540
Default FAA

Steve,
You have had quite a ride with your situation. I could only try to imagine what you have had to go through. You are a winner. Never give up.

If you are ever out my way, you can fly with me any time.

There is a lot of support out here for you.

Keep us posted.

Nick
__________________
Tailwinds...

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Leonardo Da Vinci

Working on a RV-4
Citabria 7GCBC
Cessna 180
RV7 I0-360 C/S, Slider, AP, Glass, etc. sold.
RV6 O-320 F/P, Slider, AP, Steam, etc., sold
Citabria 7KCAB rental
Piper Cherokee, sold
Sparrowhawk, sold

Proud -VAF- Supporter - Exempt, Dues Paid Anyway.
Reply With Quote
  #80  
Old 07-08-2012, 07:55 PM
Skykingbob's Avatar
Skykingbob Skykingbob is offline
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Bealeton Virginia
Posts: 557
Default Keep at it Steve!

Steve,

Just got my second class back after 11 months of no medical. Had to go back and forth with more doctor info submitted before I got the medical back. Have to get one every year....for any class. Don't be too discouraged.....losing a battle doesn't mean you lost the war!!! Keep firing new rounds and listen to these posts and use all possible resources!!!

Yol Bolson!!!!!
__________________
Bob "Skyking" Corriveau
"PRINCE TRAPPED IN A PILOT'S BODY"
Yes I paid my =VAF= membership dues!
RV-8 QB Reserved N212KB
ATP
CFI/CFII/MEI

Build Site: http://www.mykitlog.com/skykingbob/

"Nothing worthwhile has ever been accomplished without inspiration, determination, and perspiration!"
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:57 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.