I am a pilot who never thought I would find myself in a battle with the FAA for my right to fly. Myleoma and Revlimid have disqualified me in the eyes of the FAA, The result is a denial for a renewal of my medical (required with my licenses) to fly legally.
If that is not enough, I am beginning to see side effects from the Revlimid. I actually feel like my life has been taken away from me. Loosing my wings is the ultimate deprivation and deterioration of the quality of my life. I lost my job, family, and now my wings. Not much more worth living for as far as I am concerned.
But I am not defeated yet. I am looking for another strategy to regain my Medical. There must be another drug/therapy that would allow me to fly and survive. Has anyone had an experience similar to mine?
Regaining my Medical would even allow me to return to commercial operations, their are opportunities for pilots my age and experience. HELP!!!
Gia
Forums
3 posts
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Gia.hera - Name: Gia
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2008
- Age at diagnosis: 61
Re: In a battle for my FAA Medical
Not a doctor.. but I'd have to assume that the reason isn't (only) the cancer, but the potential for performance-compromising side-effects from treatment?
Very sorry for your loss, and totally get it. Lots of us here have to deal with major upheaval with this cancer... it's a life-changer. Not irrevocably a life-ender, tho... so while you take your fight to the FAA, make sure you save a few rounds for other options.
There is a life out there for you, and if you take a bit of time maybe you'll find it, and find it better than before. THAT'S not an uncommon story here either.
I wish you nothing but good things, Gia!
Very sorry for your loss, and totally get it. Lots of us here have to deal with major upheaval with this cancer... it's a life-changer. Not irrevocably a life-ender, tho... so while you take your fight to the FAA, make sure you save a few rounds for other options.
There is a life out there for you, and if you take a bit of time maybe you'll find it, and find it better than before. THAT'S not an uncommon story here either.
I wish you nothing but good things, Gia!
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Snip - Name: John Snippe
- Who do you know with myeloma?: me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Jan, 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: In a battle for my FAA Medical
Hello,
As a physician I have dealt occasionally with flight licenses (military,commercial,private) over the last 20 years. My experience tells me that it is unlikely that they will allow you to return as a pilot. The reasons that folks are not allowed to pilot do not necessarily make good rational sense but nonetheless if one is ill with virtually any disease they are often deemed unfit to pilot. Overall I would have to say that if one is not in perfect health the FAA and the military will usually not allow you to fly. This is a bitter pill to swallow I know. I do not wish to discourage you from continuing your quest to regain flight status but I want to share my honest thoughts with you. Best of luck on this !
As a physician I have dealt occasionally with flight licenses (military,commercial,private) over the last 20 years. My experience tells me that it is unlikely that they will allow you to return as a pilot. The reasons that folks are not allowed to pilot do not necessarily make good rational sense but nonetheless if one is ill with virtually any disease they are often deemed unfit to pilot. Overall I would have to say that if one is not in perfect health the FAA and the military will usually not allow you to fly. This is a bitter pill to swallow I know. I do not wish to discourage you from continuing your quest to regain flight status but I want to share my honest thoughts with you. Best of luck on this !
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Dr. Edward Libby - Name: Edward Libby, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1