Glad to be back at work

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Hey Folks I'm back at work tonight for the first time since November 30th and am happy as a clam to be here despite it being 17 degrees outside with lower wind chill.

I received my exemption and First Class medical today. Good for another year. No changes to my follow up protocol.

Seems after starting 65 days late then taking 35 days to review my records the FAA Doctors came to the same conclusion my Cardiologist had 4 months earlier and that was my health had not changed.

[dmacdw]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but a First Class medical is only good for six months.
Good luck!
Dan

[hilltop170]

Glad to hear it! It's about time.

[DaveF]

Great news, Bruce. Any chance for an improvement next year, or will you have to restart the process in August?

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Yes Dan the First Class is only good for 6 months but the EXEMPTION, the really important piece of the puzzle, is good for a year. Actually my job only requires a Second Class per the FARs but contractually a First Class once a year. So for the second six months my First Class reverts to a Second Class.

Dave, who knows what will happen next year. Hopefully by then the FAA will have hired replacements, have a full staff and be back up to speed. There is little chance they will get more efficient.

Surprisingly (and probably a mistake) the date of my exemption runs from yesterday until the end of January 2011 so I will get a full year out of it not less than a full year which has been the norm.

[SteveF]

Fantastic news Bruce!!!!!!!!!!

You deserved the bonus of extra valid time after sitting on pins and needles for two months.

Happy New Year

[Bill Hart]

Good news Bruce, but it has taken so long are you current in the bird?

[W.J.Langholz]

Bruce



W.

dang I knew I shouldn't have brought that barrel of oil up to the shop

[15A]

That's good news Bruce.
Now you can focus all your attention to the 'other' project!

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Good news Bruce, but it has taken so long are you current in the bird?

Bill flying a helicopter is no problem. But since this helicopter was a new to me helicopter a month and a half ago and I only had 5 hours in it for initial training, well, I took it for a spin last night to figure out what all those fancy buttons do again before I might have had to take it on a real mission.

Despite pushing several wrong buttons I survived, and we can reuse the helicopter.

[DWood]

Great news Bruce and congratulations. Now you need to get your 170 going again.
Dan

[blueldr]

I sure wish my medical could be good for a year. If I see my AME on Janary first and he sends it to OKC, I'll probably get it back in about four months, and it will expire on the next January first. That's why I just gave up and quit getting FAA medicals.

[Drat]

Glad to hear it finally got done. Better luck on the next one.
Doug

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

I sure wish my medical could be good for a year. If I see my AME on Janary first and he sends it to OKC, I'll probably get it back in about four months, and it will expire on the next January first. That's why I just gave up and quit getting FAA medicals.

BL, I deal direct with Oak City not throught my AME. Don't know that it works any better. If your case doesn't have to be approved by Oak City, and they all don't, it probably would be better dealing through our AME.

Either way I was surprised to get the full year. Actually a year and a few days. I've heard of another person also getting a full year so maybe it is a new policy or maybe it is just a way to get caught up right now. I'm not complaining or inquiring with Oak City.

[170C]

Great news Bruce! Sure glad that OKC finally got it done. I know this takes a lot of pressure off of you. Getting that medical cleared is important to all of those of us that fly for pleasure/hobby, but is critical to those of you fortunate enough to do it both for pleasure, but more importantly as a profession. Any final word from the insurance company regarding the final settlement on the Rat Plane? Gotta get you back in the 170!!