Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The Long Wait...

As you have no doubt noticed, I have not updated my flight blog in a while. Part of it was frustration, the main part was... there simply was nothing to update! In short, I submitted my application for a medical certificate back in June and I got to witness first hand the complete inefficiency of the FAA. I FINALLY received word back on October 6th, they have received all the information previously submitted, but "based upon our review...we are unable to establish your eligibility to hold an airman medical certificate..." Grrrrr! You have got to be kidding me?! I submitted my complete medical history and that was not enough. Basically, they want me to return to my normal doctor and receive a current update on three specific "issues", i.e. migraines, GERD, and GAD.

Oh, and the letter was dated September 29th (it took a week to get to me), and if I don't respond by October 29th, I get auto-denied. If I get denied, then I got a big hole to dig myself out of. There is an appeal process, but if I thought the application process was fun, I am sure an appeal would be fantastic! Apparently, my normal physician is more popular than Barack Obama, I couldn't even get into see my her until way past the deadline. I have been attempting to get lucky with a cancellation, calling basically everyday, unfortunately unsuccessfully.

So, I requested an extension, which I was told was granted and I will receive written confirmation. Meanwhile, I have an appointment scheduled on November 11th, hopefully to get the magical piece of paper that says I am "eligible to hold an airman certificate."

In the meantime, my Dad, my brother Bryan, and myself are heading to Colorado for a week long elk hunt. Please pray for our safe travel and safe hunt!

See you all later!