cancer??

~D~ wrote in
:

That's something I never could understand. I was treated for thyroid
cancer (surgery & radiation) in 1996. I've been cancer free ever
since. Yet when I went in for my student pilot medical last year, the
cancer seemed to be an issue. I don't understand why, as I have not
had cancer for 10 years. Why would not having cancer be an issue? Are
they afraid I'm going to have an attack of cancer while flying and be
incapacitated? Just one of those FAA mysteries I suppose.

Debbie

So maybe it ISN'T just me!!!

I had cancer about 12 years ago. Surgery and a year of chemo... no
problems since. Technically, I never even lost my medical - since I had
a brand new medical not long before the cancer was detected, and I self-
grounded as necessary during the treatment. Afterwards, I sent them 14
pounds of documentation (yes, I paid for the shipping, that's what it
came to) at their request, and that was that. No special issuance, just
a normal third class medical.

About three weeks ago I suddenly got a letter from the FAA (remember,
I've had a medical continually during the intervening 12 years) saying
that because I have cancer they are reviewing my right to continue
flying. I have 30 days to respond or emergency revocation. yada yada
yada.

So I sent them a letter from my oncologist saying that I was still
alive, etc. Haven't heard anything since. We'll see...




-----------------------------------------------
James M. Knox
TriSoft ph 512-385-0316
1300 Koenig Lane West fax 512-371-5716
Suite 200
Austin, Tx 78756
-----------------------------------------------

James M. Knox wrote:
About three weeks ago I suddenly got a letter from the FAA (remember,
I've had a medical continually during the intervening 12 years) saying
that because I have cancer they are reviewing my right to continue
flying. I have 30 days to respond or emergency revocation. yada yada
yada.
So I sent them a letter from my oncologist saying that I was still
alive, etc. Haven't heard anything since. We'll see...

The chief problem with FAA medical cerificates is that they still use
the national clearing house (my term) method. That is, it cannot be
settled at the local level (your Town; not even just your State). All
decisions are made in Oklahoma City.

Now, for that remote soul sitting at his or her desk in Ok City, a
plethora of data must be presented identifying you, your doctor, his
treatent, results and outlook. Until all of these artifacts are
accumulated and viewed in one sitting, nothing ever happens. It used to
take 6 months and loner. More recently, with the advent of the FAX
machine, Internet, and E-mail, not to metion huge AOPA advocacy, it may
be pared down to as little as two weeks(?). but it is still not as
immedaiate as, say, a driver's license.

My experience has been that the only expediting that can be found is by
contacting AOPA (whether or not you are a member, they WILL talk to you)
for expediting advice in this very complex central clearing house
matter. Follow all their instructions precisely.

Now, is anyone voting for Hillary Care?

Angelo Campanella