and make peanuts? I wouldn't advise someone I considered a friend to pursue academia. The OP needs a fed job that doesn't require a medical. ASI jobs I believe are out on that count, but there's other LOBs that take ya without one. The private sim gig would be an easier transition, though with a lackluster retirement compared to the federal jobs.

hs2020:

It was a suggestion; not a directive.

Av8tor, are you NW Florida? Say up around the PNS or TLH area?

atp

actually in South Florida, WPB area

and I appreciate all the ideas and well wishes

Thanks to all

Would love to get a sim job and not worried about the lack
of retirement at this point. Thing is, have applications in at all
3 major sim contractors in the Miami area, yet not a peep and fear that unless I know someone on the inside, I am never going to hear when a position becomes available.

Very sad to hear that APA is discontinuing the use and services
of Aviation Medical Advisory Service. Now those of us making
an attempt at regaining our FAA medicals will be forced to pay
for an outside consultant directly out of pocket at a time when most
of us don't have any extra funds available.

Is any kind of medical out of the question?

As far as I know, I cannot hold any class of FAA medical at this
time.

If it's not to personal, what is your disqualifying condition?

aortic dissection, aneurysm was repaired but dissection will always remain
though physicians do not see it as an issue as long as it's monitored yearly...
problem is with the FAA consultant's view which differs

Same condition as John Ritter had but an obvious early discovery, very fortunate. I hope you can work it through.