Introduction

[VinceT-TX-808]

Hi Bob! I want to say that this site is very helpful for the aviation minded individual to find out as much as one can before making that decision to go for it. Most of everything I have learned is from this site. Thankyou!

A little about myself; I'm 39 yrs old and live in The Woodlands Tx....About 10 miles from atp site(Hooks). I have wanted to be involved in aviation for a long time now. I was in the Army in "88" and was an OH-58 scout helicopter repairer, I did very well in AIT and would have liked to fly but my eyesight was not perfect and had to be corrected with glasses so that kept me from flying. I have flown in many types of Helo's and really enjoy the feeling. I was going to attend Rice aviation back in the day but due to some unforseen circumstances I had to put it off and I ended up Driving a truck for the last 18 years. Not really a job that I was happy with but the pay has been very good. I dont have any college behind me but have been looking in to the Utah State Valley college online school. I have a wife and 2 boys, 10 and 13 who are in just about every sport you can think of including Motocross which I also have done since I was young, I enjoy hobbies such as RC aircraft flying, Riding MX and playing the drums for 2 bands right now. While I have been wanting to make this step for some time now it just never seem to be the right time and recently, March 2nd I had a pretty bad crash at the Motocross track and I havent been back to work since.... Recovering from 2 surgeries....I figure this would be as good as any to go ahead and make my dreams come true of becoming a commercial pilot. I'am considering just to cash out my 401k and using it to live on and maybe put some towards atp for full training to get started to becoming a airline pilot. I just spoke to Greg Ferris recently and I was very excited about trying to get things started. Any Advice would be greatly appreciated.

I figure I've said a mouthful but atleast you know where I've been and what direction I'm heading....Thanks, Vince

[ExpressJet_Bob]

Vince,

Welcome to the forums!!

Also... thanks for your service as well. It's definately appreciated.

UVSC is a great option... I know a lot of pilots currently in their online program and they really like it. It's extremely flexible and that helps for guys like you and me with families.

I'm sorry to hear about your motocross accident too... I feel for you. I've taken many a tumble myself... but I don't race. I have a Yamaha YZ426 that I take to the trails and mountains for Cross Country MX riding mostly... I hit a few riding parks here an there in between the big trips, but nothing like what you do, I'm sure. Keep the healing process going!

If you have troubles with getting a first class medical... there are some AME's who can help. I can help you track them down. So don't give up.

Regarding the 401K cash out... I'm not entirely comfortable with that scenario... especially with your age, and the fact that you have a family. I'd start getting creative with your finances a bit before I'd consider touching a 401K. But... I don't know your financial situation... so I'm just shooting from the hip here.

Anyway... Welcome again, and thanks for the intro. It gives me a bit of perspective on your situation. Let's keep the momentum going. First things first... we need to get your 1st class medical. How far do you think you are from that goal?

Bob

[VinceT-TX-808]

Hey Bob, Maybe a couple of weeks out or so on the first class med. but hopefully I wont have any problems with it. I've taken many Dot test and never failed. I need to go to the doc. a couple of more times to get the ok. I will definately let you know when I'm ready for it, sure cant hurt. Thanks

COOl ...That you ride! I rode when I was younger too and recently got back into it a couple of years ago. I had just bought a new crf450r a few months before this happened too. Needless to say I've decided to stay off the track in the future, I ride really aggressive and it just goes to show you that it can happen to anybody.

As for the test to try and complete before you start class, I've been looking and there are quite a few of these gleim books out there. Which ones should I be looking at to study to get the writtens out of the way? Thanks.

[ExpressJet_Bob]

Hey there Vince,

How's the healing going??

Sorry I didn't get to your last question... but if you haven't figured it out already... each test has a Gleim book that is used specifically for it.

You can go to http://www.gleim.com/aviation/produc...ReferenceBooks and find the appropriate books... but if you attend ATP then just remember that those books and all training materials are sent to you.

Bob

[VinceT-TX-808]

I've been researching a lot lately on what I need to do and I did talk with a retired AME about my situation regarding my motocross accident. I unfortuanately developed a pulmonary embolism because of that crash in March and I was put on Coumadin at that same time, it looks as though everything is good and clear now but my doc says I need to stay on for a total of 9 months.(2 1/2 more to go) I do have some minor issues that were also a result of that crash but I think I'm ok on those.... I tried to schedule a consultation with an AME out here and seems as though I cant just have a consult about my problems. They want me to go ahead and have the exam and then find out what needs to be done. My whole issue is eligibility.. I know i'm going to have to jump through some hoops per say, and show all my medical records which I'm gathering up so I will have them at exam time. The FAA site, while very informative about medical issues, specifically doesn't give the answers I'm needing.

But if there's anything you can help me with I appreciate it.

Thanks Vince