I just opened the email from the HIMS evaluators. They are recommending medical certification to start my flight training. I'm at a lost for words right now. My eyes are full.





atp

 

Congrats!

Long road, man.

 

Congrats ATP. Good luck in the future...

 

Thanks chuck.

@ rickair: yeah man, it's been a long road. Based upon the way his recommendation reads is for me to be awarded the 3rd class which would allow me to start my training. He says in 12-16 months, I'll be re-evaluated for a higher class medical.




atp

 

Good deal ATP. Glad for you. Remind us though, what was your original health issue?

 

Alcohol abuse. I had attended a treatment facility back in the 90's and answered "yes" on the Form 8500. Also, the FAA had concluded that the 3 dropped charges and the misdemeanor conviction were all "alcohol" related. So, in order for me to be medically certified, I'd have to go the Special Issuance route; thus the Intensive Outpatient Program; two HIMS evaluations; Aftercare program; AA mtgs and having a sponsor. My initial medical app is dated October 3, 2007. It's been 3 years and 4 months since submitting my initial app.


I guess I can best sum it up with what I wrote over @ jetcareers.com to someone that is going thru something similiar:



"You know Blk_Dynamite, for me, initially the process was all about getting medically certified, flying, becoming a pilot, etc, etc. Although it's still a goal, it's not the primary goal. You see, becoming a pilot isn't gonna make me a better person able to make good life quality decisions. In a fact, its the other way around. Becoming a better person will make me a much more effective and safety conscience pilot. Even if I'm not certified, it'll hurt and I would be highly disappointed and it would take time to get passed the disappointment, however knowing and understanding why I thought and think the way I did and do....and why I said and say the things I've said & say......and why I acted and behaved the way I did & do.......is priceless.

If you do have to go through this process, just remember, it's all about expressing your feelings and emotions and how they affect you. As crazy as it sounds, you'd be surprise how much they affect what we think, say and do. In the beginning, I had absolutely NO clue!!!"



atp

 

Best of luck! Not many people can beat that demon. (alcohol, drugs and/or FAA: take your choice)

 

All the best ATP. You are a hero to overcome such an obstacle. That's huge. Keep up the good work! Very proud of your accomplishments as well as those yet to come.

 

Well done.

Now go out and solo. Because ... you can.