Got my Special Issuance

[RyanHawkerXP]

Last March I had my aortic valve replaced. My company was nice enough to put me in scheduling. After the 6 month wait I did all of the testing and used a "Service" to "expedite" my S.I. Well it seems this "Service" defrauded me of $650.00 and 5 months of time. I was lied to several times as to where my records were (I was told everything was at the FAA as early as the first week of October).On December 1st I was put on unpaid leave and now it looks like I might have lost my position. My advice to anyone who has a problem similar to mine is not to use any of these services until you check them out. The reason I did this was to demonstrate to my company I meant business in getting my S.I. It backfired and cost me my job and maybe my house soon. I used AOPA and they got everything done in about 60 days, by the way, on January 2nd AOPA found I was missing several records and I had to redo some tests as they had expired.And the owner of this "service" told me via Email everything was with a "consultant" on January 4th.The file isn't looked at till it is complete. So be carefull out there.My contention is that AOPA can do everything you need. They performed in a stellar manner.

 

[five-alive]

Can you give us a heads up about which service? You could help someone else

 

[RyanHawkerXP]

I am sorry but I have to refrain from disclosing the service at this time for fear of a lawsuit. Safest alternative would be AOPA they did a great job. Just be carefull if it seems to good to be true it is.

 

[tathepilot]

Congrats Ryan..

 

[RyanHawkerXP]

Thank you sir!

 

[Prof. ATP]

I'm on my tenth year of special issuance and think I have the process pretty well wired. I have never used a service; I just do exactly what the FAA tells me, and have seen turnarounds as quickly as 3 days. I have their phone number on speed dial and if I have a question I just call. They are always, and I mean always, friendly and competent. They get you a correct answer quickly (not always what you want, but correct). I never pressure them to speed things up, but with 3 day turnaround why would I?

They have computerized a lot of their paperwork and it makes it very easy for them to track down your information.

 

[RyanHawkerXP]

If I knew then what I know now I would have done it myself also. I figured I dealt with honest people. Next up I will get everything done and send it in myself. You have to watch even the Doctors like a hawk. But AOPA got me out of a bad jamb. First Class cardiac S.I.s sometimes take up to 60 days lately. It has to go either to the panel (every other month) or the cardiac consultant.

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org.../offices/aam/ame/guide/dec_cons/disease_prot/

 

[Prof. ATP]

First Class cardiac S.I.s sometimes take up to 60 days lately.

My 3 day approval was for a first class due to cardiac issues. I even called AOPA and told them about it, hoping that it would reduce the gloom and doom they tell people.

Stay healthy!

 

[lowtimedriver]

Safest alternative would be AOPA they did a great job.

They always do. AOPA is the best alternative available.