Well, heck...

Mon Nov 10, 2008 7:10 pm

Never trust an AME with a sad look on his face....

After 42 some-odd years and a thousand some-odd hours, they finally got me. No renewal, no new medical. Sez the doc "The only flying you'll be doing is as a passenger in the back..."

Well, heck...it was fun while it lasted! :wink:

Mon Nov 10, 2008 8:31 pm

Ouch! Sorry to hear that.

Ryan

Mon Nov 10, 2008 8:36 pm

Oh no, that really sucks.

Les

Mon Nov 10, 2008 10:21 pm

How about a 2nd opinion? Can you get a physical from someone else?

Thanks,

Tue Nov 11, 2008 7:50 am

Geez that sucks. I can't imagine what your feeling right now. I would probably be pissed, bummed, sad, and depressed.

Well keep trying dont give up.

Tue Nov 11, 2008 10:43 am

Where you officially denied by the FAA in OK City? Or did your AME just say that you don't fit the bill and its not worth sending the paperwork in?

If it's the latter, then you can always go Sport Pilot as long as you can get a Drivers License. Won't be able to fly a T-34 though, but at least you can fly?

(If you were officially turned down by the FAA then all bets are off.)

Pete

Tue Nov 11, 2008 8:17 pm

You need to talk to Dr. Stacy Vereen @ Flighthealth in ATL. He's the man to get a 2nd opinion from.

Tue Nov 11, 2008 8:54 pm

Dr. Ned Beiser here in Dallas is also a great person to go to for a second opinion.

Wed Nov 12, 2008 12:58 am

Wow, that must have just knocked the wind out of your sails.

I'm sorry to hear that, but I trust that you'll find a way to still get your kicks.

-David

Wed Nov 12, 2008 5:47 pm

Thanks for the sentiments, folks. But really, I was kind of expecting something like this since my "main event" about three years ago (2 month hospital "visit"). The doc warned me when we submitted that it might happen, so like I said, kind of expected it.

What the heck, I can still look over someone's shoulder, or sneak some right seat time. As for the Sport Pilot thing, welllll.......nah.

Like I said afore, it was fun while it lasted.... :wink:

Wed Nov 12, 2008 6:16 pm

c'mon youre not gonna give up that easy are ya?!? your from texas!!!!!!

Wed Nov 12, 2008 9:15 pm

SAR, we all find that our bodies won't keep up with our hearts at some time. Sorry that time had to come for you sooner, or later, than others. I know the feeling of having to give up something you love against your will. It's not an easy thing to do for any of us, and no amount of sympathy makes it better. That said, I'm sorry to hear the news and hope you don't let it eat you too much! At least now you can start fishing

Muddy

Wed Nov 12, 2008 10:02 pm

Groundpounder wrote:

c'mon youre not gonna give up that easy are ya?!? your from texas!!!!!!

I second that, quit on your own terms, not some know it all in a white suit.

Wed Nov 12, 2008 10:48 pm

I'm sorry to hear that Old SAR pilot! It doesn't mean you can't fly, you just can't do it solo or as PIC. Just fly a two seat airplane with another pilot - no big deal! IIRC, when the FAA attempted to ground Bob Hoover with his medical problems, he continued to fly, but he just always had a licensed pilot on board with access to the controls. If you really care about flying, you can make this work, it just depends on how bad you want it. What about at your local airport. Is there not some young private pilot that you could mentor and perhaps work out a deal where you provide him flight time with your plane and he acts as your "safety pilot" as PIC? There are ways around this, you know. Don't give up so easily!