Ten years ago, I let my medical expire when I found out my right eye was losing sight because of an angioma on my retina. At that time I was working for MartinAire flying freight in a Caravan. I had been an instructor at American Flyers before that and a graduate of Embry-Riddle before that. I started flying at 16 and was hooked from my first flight. My passion and career was flying. My airline goals were delayed because of 9/11, but I was putting in my time to get the career I had always wanted.

I was gutted in August of 2002 when I couldn't pass my medical exam. I went to a retina specialist and had hope that he could fix my eye. Because the angioma was right next to my optic nerve, he couldn't operate. He sent me to the NIH in Bethesda where I was part of an experimental program to inject a new drug into my eye to try to shrink the angioma and limit the damage to my vision. After 18 months of treatment, I realized there was no hope saving my vision. I was crushed to know that I couldn't get a 1st class medical and continue my career. I walked away from flying and have had a hole in my soul since.

I made the call today to start the process for a waiver. My appointment is Monday and I'm scared to death about what may come. I'm going to try for a 2nd class so I can instruct in the future, but I'll be satisfied with a 3rd class. I'll have to do a SODA but I don't think that will be a problem if I get some recurrent training before the ride.

If everything works out, I plan on buying a plane to fly myself and my family to our family ranch 400mi away from home. I'll be flying about twice a month, sometimes at night and sometimes in weather. I'm considering an A36 or a B58. The last plane we owned for this mission was a PA-31P, or P Navajo. It was a maintenance and fuel hog in the mid 90's and now fuel is more than twice what it was then. I'm a bit apprehensive about maintaining and fueling a twin, but the added safety is attractive.

Anyone have any experience with the waiver process or any insight? What a/c would you prefer for my mission and why?

Peyton, welcome to BT.

I developed a macular degeneration in my rt eye 5 years ago which effectively gives me 20/80 vision in that eye even after correction. I did the SODA at a local FSDO after 10 hours of dual and everything went fine.

Good luck getting this worked out.

The SODA involved mostly engine out approaches both between airports and at an airport.

Paul,

Thank you for the words of encouragement. My right eye is maybe 20/1000 if that is even a scale. Basically it's toast. With some dual, I'm sure I can be ready to demonstrate the ability to conduct the required skills.

What class medical are you able to hold? I'm hoping for a 2nd.


Any input on the best a/c for my needs?

My father is completely blind in his left eye, like pitch black, nothing. He had a third class many years ago circa 1977-1983. Maybe things have changed, but a third class was not a problem. If you could get a class 2 there are plenty of great flying jobs that only require a class 2.

If I can get a 2nd, I might instruct for half price just because I love to fly. Some of the most rewarding times in my life were when I was instructing.

good luck!

First off, you need to make a decision about what you want. 3rd is a little easier to get than 2nd, but I'm not sure your condition will matter at all relative to this. You can't fill out the form without selecting which class you're asking for, and its not within the doctor's power to give you whichever you're eligible for. You choose, they say yes or no.

Second, you don't need a medical to instruct. None at all. If you are acting as PIC or a required flightcrew member you will need a third class medical. Under no circumstances do you need a 2nd class to instruct. The FAA determined long ago that a flight instructor is being paid to instruct, not to fly. Therefore, since you are not being paid to fly, you do not need a C2 medical. (See FAR 61.23 a 1 3). I retain only my C3 medical and teach regularly.

Third, you don't need any medical to fly if you haven't been denied your last medical. You can fly as a sport pilot with just a valid driver's license and your doctor's OK.

I have a 3rd class medical, flying on annual Special Issue because of heart disease.

I don't know what flying you have done recently, but hours matter, so if you have to rent, get something cheap until you get the SODA. Transitioning to a Beech should not be a problem with a good instructor. These are easy airplanes to fly, fast but with impeccable pattern manners.

Payton:

Contact Dr. Bruce Chien, NOW!

www.aeromedicaldoc.com

Dr. Chien is one of us - a committed pilot, an AME and a real prince of a guy. No one is better at shepherding a Special Issuance through the channels, and (most importantly) helping you to avoid making a grievous error, unintentionally, which could seriously delay or prevent issuance.

Contact him BEFORE you commit any paperwork.

That's an interesting blog. He thinks the AOPA/EAA proposal to eliminate the medical requirement for non-complex a/c is DOA.

That's an interesting blog. He thinks the AOPA/EAA proposal to eliminate the medical requirement for non-complex a/c is DOA.

I just got off the phone with Dr Chien. He was extremely friendly and helpful!

THANK YOU for the recommendation

He answers the phone????? What an amazing doc. The only way I can get the attention of most of my MDs is to send them a fax or pay for a visit.

He answers the phone????? What an amazing doc. The only way I can get the attention of most of my MDs is to send them a fax or pay for a visit.

I got my BFR done today after 2 flights I start instrument refresher work on Monday and my FAA Med Flight Test is on Wednesday. On Thursday, I'll be closing on a 58P! Once I have an IPC or close to that, I'll start the multi refresher training. When the annual is finished in about 2 weeks I'll be training in my 58P with Gerry Parker

It's been a long 10 years but things are looking up, way up.