Indeed. As an example - I knew of a pilot who inadvertently took a medication prescribed for his son (I believe it was for ADD, but I could be mistaken). He recognized the error and self disclosed the mistake. I may be wrong on the specifics, but the FAA stripped him of his privileges (I don't know if they just took the medical, or did a revocation), he had to go through rehab (for an addiction he didn't have), and then train for and pass a rating ride (again, I don't know if it was a 609/709 or a complete re-test) to regain his privileges. I believe he was out for over a year, for an honest mistake that he disclosed.

And the FAA is easy compared to Asia, Europe, the Middle East...

 

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 dose of "respect" - and proper planning in the case of failure.

 

I know that. Something that I see a lot around here is: "Airlines don't care if you have a degree in basket weaving!" I'm not getting a degree to get hired by the airlines. I'm doing it to better myself in a field in which I'm truly interested in.

First of all, the "Embry-Riddle name" is not a selling point for me. I know that it's not as prestigious as it once was (if ever). I don't care if it was called "Big Jim's Kool 'n Awesome Flight College." (Actually, that name would make me hesitate, but still...) I'm attracted to it because of (a) what they teach and (b) how they teach it.

(A) I'm interested in the actual topics in the Aeronautical Science curriculum. (http://daytonabeach.erau.edu/degrees...nce/index.html; click on "Requirements")

Courses like Aerodynamics and EFMS and Flight Safety and Aviation Legislation excite me; they're topics that I genuinely enjoy learning about. College is supposed to be interesting! And aviation is the most interesting topic to learn about in general for me. As I'll say below, I am aware that this component is available at aviation-specialty state colleges.

(B) I like the flight training model. First of all, I'm getting the PPL before college. But the way, for example, my Instrument Rating would be taught is a two-step process. First it's taught in a traditional classroom setting. But the difference at ER (and other similar places) is that for example, that very afternoon, I could be seeing what I was taught in real life application. You literally walk from classroom to aircraft. I know that you can do ground school at a state college and fly at a separate place, but this way, it's coordinated and really is synchronized. I know I've said it before, but this is the best way, for me, to learn.

Finally, a misc. benefit - some major airline internships (United comes to mind; Delta strongly prefers it) only accept applicants from certain aviation or aviation-specialized institutions. (ERAU, UND, etc.) Internships could be the key to (a) bypassing the regionals [God, are you listening?] or (b) spending less time at a regional.

I'm not trying to "sell" anyone on ERAU. But I want to justify my point of view as I make my decision.

 

Just wondering, how many airline pilot (% approx.) have their medical revoked?

 

skylover, are you against going into the military? I think you'd love it.

 

I believe the doc told us something like 500 a year get denied.

 

Exactly....about NAMI and CAMI.
Ah no - I didn't say CAMI was unreasonable. I've actually found them to be quite reasonable in my dealings with them, but it certainly wasn't as easy as waltzing in a single note from my doctor either, nor is it that easy every year with the little *extras* I have to do either.

USMCFLYR

 

To be honest, I've really never been a gun/fighter plane/bomber/war-type person. It just isn't a good fit for me, I think.

 

Who do you think usually wants peace more than the ones called upon to participate skylover?
Ever see the cargo guys or helos lifting in tons of supplies after a tsunami or earthquake?
Enjoy that freedom of choice you have; others only dream of it.

USMCFLYR

 

You're absolutely right; again, I just don't think that I'm really a military person.

Of course, I believe our military is comprised of the bravest, most dedicated and determined people of our country and what they do everyday for our country and the rest of the world is nothing short of amazing.