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Pilot Accomplishments

At Lanier Flight Center we recognize that our pilots are the heart of the business. It is with great pride that we join in celebrating their accomplishments and we wish a hearty congratulations to each of our pilots who have completed milestones in their training.

Neal Anderson - First Solo

Intro

A number of aspiring pilots run into difficulty attaining an FAA medical certificate. While the medical certificate exam and application process is perhaps daunting for those with certain health issues, it is not necessarily an insurmountable hurdle.

Neal Anderson is one of our shining examples of how perseverance and cooperation with the FAA's Aeromedical Division can yield positive results in the form of the much coveted Medical Certificate.

Neal came to us for a Discovery Flight back in April of 2006. He'd been in small planes previously enough to know that he loved flying and wanted more. After his Discovery Flight, he was hooked and decided to pursue training toward a Private Pilot Certificate.

The Problem

A few lessons into his training, Neal began to anticipate his first solo and made an appointment with Dr. Edward Galaid, a local Aeromedical Examiner, for issuance of a Student Pilot/Medical Certificate. Neal passed all of the tests in his medical exam, but his admission of having had a procedure to insert stents to clear a partial vascular blockage raised a red flag on his application.

Dr. Galaid deferred issuance of certificate due to the stents and sent application to FAA Aeromedical Certification Division in Oklahoma City.
Aeromedical Services in Oklahoma City would respond with a request for required documentation of fitness including results of a stress test, bloodwork, medical records for past 2 years from cardiologist and general physician. Neal began assembling all of the required documentation and records and submitted them to Southern Regional Flight Surgeon's Office

Development

After his submission of all of the requested documentation, Neal was dismayed to find that the FAA had dropped the ball on reviewing his paperwork. Finally, in July of 2006, Neal received correspondence back from FAA requesting current cardiovascular evaluation including, medical history, medical family history, personal/social history, record of previous medical care and general physical exam along with all supporting laboratory data.

Kind of like all the material he had already compiled and sent.

So, Neal scheduled more tests and began assembling all of the medical records required. During the stress test (his 2nd in 3 months), Neal's cardiologist detected 'either a possible partial blockage or a false positive'. Neal, concerned more with his health than his certificate, underwent a heart catheterization exam This exam revealed a false indication on the stress test and a reduction in the size of the previous, stented blockage The results of the stress test and the catheterization were sent to the Southern Regional Flight Surgeon on or about the 1st of August.

The Flight surgeon, in reviewing the results, noted knee pain and insisted on an evaluation from an orthopedic surgeon.

Knee pain? What does that have to do with flying an airplane?

Fortunately, the Orthopedic Surgeon signed off a clean bill of health.

Resolution

On or about October 20, FAA Southern Region Flight Surgeon's Office approved issuance of a 3rd class medical! The only limitation is a 12 month expiration. Dr. Galaid may examine Neal and issue a new medical certificate upon expiration based on the results of the exam and his knowledge of Neal's case. Dr. Galaid has the option to ask for any additional cardiology tests and has the authority to issue the certificate pending the results of those tests.

This is a great example of applicant, Examining Doctor and the FAA working together to ensure proper Medical Certification balanced with the reasonable issuance of Medical Certification.

After a 3 month break to resolve the medical issuance problems, Neal finally soloed on 12/3/2003 in G1000 equipped C172SP, N822TK! This PIC experience was the culmination of a tremendous amount of hard work and crossing hurdles on Neal's part.

Perseverance was key.

Neal not only soloed and continued his training, he made some important health decisions too. After initial blockage stent procedure, Neal made some lifestyle changes, He cut back on fats and began exercising more, swimming and flatwater kayaking. Neal attributes the reduction in the size of his blockage to these changed habits.

Throughout the process, Neal didn't spend money on any medical consulting or waiver 'specialists', preferring to act very 'hands on' and becoming something of a medical certificate. The staff at Lanier Flight Center, Dr. Galaid's office and the staff at Southern Regional Flight Surgeon's Office helped Neal navigate the whole process. The teamwork, coupled with Neal's driving determination and leadership throughout the process eventually resulted in the issuance of his certificate.

If you are facing similarly discouraging medical issues that you feel may prevent issuance of a certificate, don't give up.

Persevere!

Become an expert and see the process through to the end. We've seen that the FAA is willing issue certificates even in the presence of prior health issues, it just takes the right documentation and reasonable health.