Well, I flunked my medical, now what ?

Scott,

The gentleman who sold his plane to us lost his medical for a short
time years ago for several serious medical issues (two heart surgeries
and diabetic condition). He managed to get it back and continued to
fly until he decided to stop at the age of 78.

When I first learn to fly, it took me 8 months to get the medical
certificate due to an unexplainable fainting spell which lasted for few
months few years back. The FAA rejected my initial application and the
appeal which included complete medical record & reexamination by my
neurologist and his verification statement that I was in perfect health
condition for flying. Being persistent, I kept calling Oklahoma's
office asking to talk to an FAA doctor. After half a dozen tries, one
returned my phone call and was extremely helpful. He suggested me to
obtain a new MRI. When the result came back clean, I got my medical
within few weeks. BTW, I did contact AOPA's office after the initial
rejection and the only advise I got was to send the complete medical
record.

So most likely that you will be allowed to fly again. Just knock
on as many doors as you could to speed up the process.

I'm glad to hear that your wife had decided to learn how to fly.
It's great to have a two-pilot family. This has allowed us to
undertake many long cross-country fllights both VFR and IFR in our
plane which is not equipped with an autopilot.

Best wishes to both of you.

Hai Longworth