FAA PASSED/Life Goes On/15 months post AVR

[Natanni]

We would like to wish all here on this board Happy Holidays, and all the best for a happy and healthy 2007. Thank you all so much for all that you contribute to this board. I am not sure how WE would have muddled though the last 1.5 year without you. I would like to update everyone that Nathan has passed his FAA physical at 15 months post AVR We found out early last week during the middle of UPS "peak"....the timing could not have been better...

I "The Wife" continue to the check the board daily and update Nathan with all the new posts.

Check out the family blog for a couple of pics from this year:

http://www.flyingfinn-ann.blogspot.com

Again, thanks everyone for being here.

 

[Philip]

Wow! what a great Christmas present! If you feel comfortable sharing the details of your experience in obtaining your FAA medical either here or by PM it would be appreciated.
I am not current but want to resume flying and am afraid of FAA Medical denial. I know the light sport aircraft rule remains an option if I don't take the medical exam but would prefer to not have those limitations.
Congratulations on your medical!
Philip

 

[Susan BAV]

My husband is jazzed about that bit of info. He is just about ready to get his private pilot's license and he would like for me to be able to fly with him but we both figured there would be no way for me to get a license too. I still don't think I would be able to do it -- it's so complicated and, while I can learn things well, I tend to forget things also -- but it's inspiring to note that it can be done. Congratulations!

 

[Susan BAV]

quick followup question

quick followup question

My husband just asked me to ask if your husband was given any restrictions on it (if you don't mind our asking)?

 

[Philip]

Susan, The FAA will issue medicals to those with valve replacements, we just get a lot more scrutiny.
Recently the FAA has adopted the "sport pilot rule" and created a "light sport aircraft category" You can operate these aircraft with a sports pilot license without a FAA medical.
Light sport aircraft have the following limitations:
1. Max. stall speed 45 knots
2. Max speed in level flight 120 knots (138 MPH)
3. 2 place aircraft
4. Max. gross weight 1320 lbs.
The sports pilot license limits you to:
1. Daytime VFR (visual flight rules) you can obtain an endorsement allow VFR at night.
2. Range of operation is limited, you can also obtain and endorsement to waive this.
Both of the above have additional limitations but I think I covered the big issues.
A word of caution: If denied a FAA medical you can not obtain a sports pilot license. I recommend that you visit the FAA wed site and read the guidelines for medical examiners before pursuing a medical.
Regardless of the license your husband pursues you can learn to fly, obtain a license and have fun together.
Go flying and have fun!
Philip

 

[Natanni]

Hello again!

Feel free to PM for details or specific questions, and I can refer those to Nathan. He has no restrictions. You are right on with the sport license Phillip.

We submitted over 150 pages of valve data, INR reports, echos, stress tests, operative reports, pathology...twice....

 

[Ross]

Hello again!

Feel free to PM for details or specific questions, and I can refer those to Nathan. He has no restrictions. You are right on with the sport license Phillip.

We submitted over 150 pages of valve data, INR reports, echos, stress tests, operative reports, pathology...twice....

And you can bet they'll keep hounding him too! God I miss flying so bad. Tell him I said Congrats.

 

[Susan BAV]

Hello again!

Feel free to PM for details or specific questions, and I can refer those to Nathan. He has no restrictions. You are right on with the sport license Phillip.

We submitted over 150 pages of valve data, INR reports, echos, stress tests, operative reports, pathology...twice....

Natanni - Excellent to hear -- no restrictions! Thanks!

Philip - Thanks for the info!

Ross - I didn't know you had been a pilot!

One day recently we were eating at a (small) local airport's restaurant and an adorable old couple was in there having their breakfast. I noticed that after they paid their bill they walked out the door to the tarmac and I thought to myself how cute it was that they loved airplanes so much that they would take a drive to the little airport and watch the planes come and go.

Well, the old man helped his sweet creaky little old wife up on a wing and into the cockpit of a plane parked right next to the restaurant and he climbed in the other side and away they flew! I wish I'd had my camera with me! It was a beautiful and heartwarming sight!