Good evening, all!
I’ve been lurking in the forums incognito for some time now, if only to keep myself sane waiting on my 1st Class to get issued. Just wanted to share my story in case it could help ease another’s apprehension in a similar situation.
Let me preface this by stating something I learned that could have saved me all the headache:
Do Not go for your medical unless you are absolutely certain you are fit to fly, including any pre existing medical issues you could even potentially have or had. I had kidney stones, but made the mistake of visiting my AME before being fully cleared by my doctor. This was The third week of August. Even though I went for my simple outpatient procedure to get the stones shockwaved into powder (100% successful), I was deferred. I forwarded all applicable paperwork to the Aerospace Medical Division up in Oklahoma on September 12th (FYI, faxing is the absolute fastest since no one seems to remember it exists). I called almost every week, but was disappointed every time to hear my file was still “in review.” I did everything I could to keep myself occupied, waiting on the simple little piece of paper that would let me pursue my dream career, but this is the government we are talking about.
Finally, on November 5th, my 1st Class Medical was issued. I had called on the 7th just to check, expecting the same response of it being in review. You couldn’t imagine my happiness when the gentleman on the phone had simply asked if I’d like a copy emailed over.
So now I sit here, anxiously awaiting my Admissions Flight on the 13th. I will be taking a 3 hour bi-annual and refresher out of Henderson Executive just to knock off the rust and get myself back in the left seat. I had been flying my paramotor a lot around the Vegas area (but well clear of the Bravo!) to at least scratch that aviation itch. My final plan is to start the 3rd week of December after my best friends wedding, and really put the hammer down. I will definitely be getting all my written exams done prior to, but can’t wait to get going down in Phoenix.
So, TLDR, if you’ve been deferred try not to stress about it too much. Understand that it is the government, and while their unofficial motto is “Were not happy until you’re not happy” they are just trying to keep the skies safe by making sure we’re all healthy. My total time from submission to response was just under 2 months, but YMMV.
Also, if there’s anyone down in the Mesa area the 13th to the 15th of November, I’ll be around to do my flight, as well as chat with a few instructors just to get a feel for the campus. I went a few weeks ago for the open house/Envoy visit, but I’ll be apartment shopping this time. Can’t wait to get started!
feel free to pop by and ask any questions you have