I Learned About Flying From That

Chuck Wenk

Thursday, February 15, 2007 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

An 80-year-old pilot was grounded after a fainting spell led to a pacemaker implant due to a slow heartbeat, temporarily revoking his FAA medical certificate.
Despite the initial setback and deep personal connection to aviation, he diligently pursued reinstatement by working with his medical examiner to submit all required documentation to the FAA.
After several months, the FAA reinstated his third-class medical certificate, with the condition of submitting pacemaker tracings semi-annually, allowing him to return to flying.
The author encourages other pilots facing medical challenges not to give up on getting their medical certificates reinstated, emphasizing persistence and proper procedure through their medical examiner.

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Those are the two words that can change a life, disrupt a business or curtail a profession forever! I heard them unexpectedly from my FAA medical examiner of several decades, Dr. Ed Klemptner, in July, just a few weeks after my 80th birthday.

The actual birthday started out in great fashion. I had nixed the idea of a big party with all my old friends (those that were still ticking!), clients and relatives. Happily, my son, daughter and wife, Gail, all pilots, arranged a spectacular substitute. I would throw out the first pitch at Wrigley Field in Chicago.