Originally Posted by Death2Daleks

Yes, I know all about the joys of NAMI. The power to destroy the bright future of a young naval aviator in training lies in the hands of its many evil doctors!

I actually was just briefed by an AME on the subject of FAA medicals; there are certain things you can get away with, such as a bad heart, but no sign of trauma, you're just taking pills to keep the blood pressure down, that sort of thing. The rules aren't set in stone, either. You have to present your case to the FAA, and all the power of the decision lies in their hands. A doctor's note does not guarantee anything.

The FAA medical shouldn't be generally "feared", but it does deserve a healthy does of "respect" - and proper planning in the case of failure.