Medical delays

I just spoke with someone at AOPA about the status of my medical
appliation with the FAA, which unfortunately was deferred to Oklahoma
City when I went in for my 3rd class evaluation in March (2005). I can
understand why there is such a backlog right now due to staffing issues
and the fact that at least one of the staff physicians there was called
up to Iraq, but it's going on 4 months now since my exam, and still no
medical.

One thing I learned which I think is just downright hilarious is the
fact that when I do get my medical (and there is no reason I won't, the
condition I had to get deferred for is very common and benign), it will
be valid as of the date of the exam, not as of the date of issuance.
Now for me, being under 40, and only needing a 3rd class certificate,
it's not really a big deal. What about the airline captain who needs a
1st class certificate every 6 months, and gets deferred for the first
time for a similar benign condition? He's out at least 4 months because
our wonderful government can't appropriate money where it's needed, and
the sad thing is, that delay is only growing... pretty soon it'll be
possible to apply for a medical and receive a certificate in the mail
from the FAA which is invalid upon receipt!

It's ironic to me too the timing of those pilots in California getting
busted for lying on their medical applications, while I'm sitting here
on the ground patiently waiting for clearance to fly again.

--
Guy Elden Jr.