Intro

[DarrinE-KY-509]

My name is Darrin. I live in Russell Springs, KY. I am 32 with a undergrad degree, wife and family. I co-own a landscaping company and work for a local governmental office. I have no formal flight training so I am starting at the beginning. I am tired of just working hard. I want to work hard at something I really enjoy. I am sure I will have many questions as I continue to learn. Thank you in advance for any help that you can provide.

[PSA John]

Hello Darrin:
It's great to hear from you. Thank you for joining the forum! I really liked what you had to say about working hard up until this point and wanting to work hard at something you love now. I think hard work is a great reward when you're doing something you love to do.

So, you mentioned that you are starting from the beginning. Does this mean you're currently taking flight instruction there in Kentucky?

I look forward to helping you out in any way I can.

Talk to you soon,
John

[DarrinE-KY-509]

Hello John
I am currently trying to read intro flight handbooks while I complete my medical exam and paperwork. If all goes well I hope to train as much as I can at the Bowling Green, KY location since it is so close to home. Thanks for the post.

Darrin

[PSA John]

Hi again, Darrin:
It sounds like you're preparing yourself well! Keep studying in the books. The more prepared you are the first day of training, the better off you'll do.

You mentioned the medical exam...has anybody given you any advice about the medical yet? Have you located an AME? Do you wear glasses or contact lenses? If you do use correction for your vision, make sure you have an updated prescription before you take your medical exam.

Keep me posted and let me know if you need any help finding a physician, etc.

Talk to you soon,
John

[DarrinE-KY-509]

I have found an AME, scheduled an appointment and completed my paperwork for the FAA. The only advice I have received is what I have read in other posts. I do wear contact lens and my last exam was December 2008 so my lens should be up to date. Is there anything that stands out to you in regards to the exam that I should know?

Thanks
Darrin

[PSA John]

Hey Darrin:
The updated contacts are a good thing. There's not really much else that stands out about the medical. It's a basic medical exam (basic, though comprehensive). Might be a good idea just to make sure you see 20/20 before going in.....they will test. They'll also test your hearing and be prepared to provide a urine sample when you go in.

Also, you'll need to fill out a pretty extensive medical history form. Make sure you keep that form, as you'll use it to fill out future medical exam paperwork as well. They will give you a copy of all you fill out. Finally, just make sure you do get a 1st class medical. Many AME staff members try to give you a 3rd class medical, especially if they find out you're not a current pilot.

It's good you're getting the medical taken care of so quickly - great job!

John

[DarrinE-KY-509]

Hey John

Just checking in. I completed the intro flight, awesome. My instructor was great. I have to research the school financing next. Hope everything is going well with you.

Darrin

[PSA John]

Hey Darrin!
Great to hear you had the intro flight.....very cool! I'm sure that none of us pilots will ever forget our first intro flight What did you fly? How long were you up? Where did you go?

I remember you were getting the medical done as well....did you already complete the 1st class medical?

Talk to you soon,
John

[DarrinE-KY-509]

We flew a Cessna 172 at the Bowling Green, KY location. We flew around the Bowling Green area and were up for about 45 minutes. The instructor was great! She provided instruction while letting me experience the flight first hand. For lack of a better word it was awesome. The medical is taking more time. I went to an AME that was certified for 1, 2, 3 class. He said that even though I qualified for a class 1 since I did not have a private license he could not issue it, only a class 3. I spoke with the FAA and they said this was not correct. I am currently seeking a new AME for an exam. The class 1 and financing are my final steps. Hope to be back in the air soon.

Darrin

[PSA John]

Darrin:
It's so great to hear you had such a good time flying the mighty 172!!! Congratulations on your first couple of steps.

Your AME really sounded off base with that medical thing. Wow....rediculous that he wouldn't issue a class one just because you don't have a pilot certificate. They are two completely separate animals, a medical and a pilot certificate. That's like saying that because you don't have a dog, the humane society won't allow you to adopt a cat...hahaha

Anyway, have you thought about going back to that same AME and telling him the FAA found him in error? You really shouldn't have to pay for two medicals.

Keep me posted....its great to hear from you.

John