I'm Dead Meat

[WhiteCloud]

A NASA form will do you no good. I don't understand why pilots think that it is a "Get OUt of Jail Free Card". A NASA form is an aviation safety reporting form that they use to compile statistics and improve aviation safety awareness. The only protection that it gives you is that the FAA cannot use the information disclosed on the form to initiate certificate action against a pilot. If the FAA has found out about your violation through other means, they can take certificate action against you at their discretion. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. A good lawyer is your best bet. Best of luck.


Flame away ...

No need for flames. If you file the NASA form you can use the fact that you filed to avoid serving a suspension. It doesn't negate the violation. It just allows you to keep working instead of serving a suspension for an unintentional violation. It's a good idea to read up on the details of what a NASA for does for you and keep one (or two) in your flight bag just in case something happens.

 

[Mkay?]

Hey good point Whitecloud. I just went to the ASRS site and read through it. It does say that:

The filing of a report with NASA concerning an incident or occurrence involving a violation of 49 U.S.C. Subtitle VII, or the FAR is considered by FAA to be indicative of a constructive attitude. Such an attitude will tend to prevent future violations. Accordingly, although a finding of violation may be made, neither a civil penalty nor certificate suspension will be imposed if:
the violation was inadvertent and not deliberate;
the violation did not involve a criminal offense, or accident. or action under 49 U.S.C. Section 44709 which discloses a lack of qualification or competency, which is wholly excluded from this policy;
the person has not been found in any prior FAA enforcement action to have committed a violation of 49 U.S.C. Subtitle VII, or any regulation promulgated there for a period of 5 years prior to the date of occurrence; and
the person proves that, within 10 days after the violation, he or she completed and delivered or mailed a written report of the incident or occurrence to NASA under ASRS. See paragraphs 5c and 7b.


So I guess that although you still have a violation on your record, at least it'll save you some cash and allow you to keep working. Nice call on that one!

 

[CFIcare]

Wow. My troubles seem so ridiculously petty. I'm praying for you. I can't imagine what you must be feeling. I went to your website, and I don't even know you or Amy but I felt a loss.

As for the medical, consult AOPA, but I think anyone in the FAA who would throw the book at you considering your situation would have to be a heartless monster. There are a few in the FAA, but the vast majority are regular people doing a job with a bad image.

God bless you, and try to stay strong.

 

[redline]

Check PMs. It happened to me so I might be able to give you a little of my first hand experience .

 

[flylike44]

so sorry

i can't imagine the pain you must feel right now. my fiancee left me a few days ago, and although it has been gutwrenching, it seems inconsequential compared to what you must be going through. the website brought me to tears. stay strong. every day that goes by is another day you've survived. at some point, it won't be about survival anymore. it'll be about living again. your education and career are things that can be put on hold for at least a little while so you can adequately grieve. just don't give up. there are people out there that love you just as much, if not more, than you love her. fly safe.

 

[Ty Webb]

It sounds like you are getting some good advice.

It's a terrible tragedy, that is for sure. I don't know if I would be "fit to fly" right now, but everyone is different. Whatever you do, be sure to not let it turn into two tragedies. Take care of yourself . . . . it will get better.

 

[LegacyDriver]

*FIND A GOOD AVIATION LAW ATTORNEY ASAP!* The NASA form may not save you. Since it is a first offense, with a good lawyer you might get smacked around a little (a suspension or a fine maybe). You aren't the first guy to do this and you won't be the last.

 

[Jetboy]

You have recieved good advice, and I would follow most of it. First and foremost though, you need to talk to a grief counselor who will be able to help you sort out your feelings and thoughts, and try to come to terms with the sadness you surely feel. Others may discount going to a "shrink", but I can assure you it is worth the time and a vauable part of the healing process. Catholic Charities (you don't have to be Catholic nor are you preached at or counseled by a priest, but a by a licensed tharipist) has many services all across the country, and most of them are free or significantly reduced cost. I would encourage you, if this isn't available through your current insurance or is cost-prohibitive, to contact them or at least someone. I hope this info will help you in dealing with your loss.

Best to you.

 

[flytheblue]

ShyFlyGuy-
Just curious about something.....
you said the medical was due on the 1st of the month..it's my understanding that medicals are actually valid till the end of the month no matter what the printed date is.

 

[trybysky]

so sorry

I am so sorry to hear about your current life situation. It brought tears to my eyes seeing your web site. I lost my brother (16 yrs old) three years ago. The hardest thing I have ever had to go through as we were very close. All I can say is that it really did make me a stronger person. Give it time, take a break like everyone is saying.... Everything will work out. My prayers are with you. Don't give up flying if you truely love it, you'll end up resentfull and even more down in the long run. Good luck and God bless.

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

Flytheblue, my medical examination was on 2/14/03... FAA had the base inspection on 4/12/04 and found my medical to be out of date (by 1 month and 12 days).

As for everyone else, thank you so much for all your concern, advice, and sympathy. I couldn't have dreamed that a paniced cry for help with a medical issue could have led to such an outpour of support. You guys have overwhelmed me with your grace. I've never been so well looked after. Although there will never be a light at the end of the tunnel for Amy and I, there has been a glimmer of hope with the medical issue...

The FAA came by the office yesterday and spoke with the Owner/Dir. of Ops.. They had decided, due to the extenuating circumstances, to write me some sort of letter of repremand which they will give me on Friday or Monday when I have a meeting with them. It will stay on my record for 24 months, and, provided I don't do it again, will dissappear. Thankfully, the company will not be fined, and I don't believe my Chief Pilot or Dir. of Ops. will get in any trouble. That is great news.

I have been in contact with a friend of mine who is looking for help on a project he's got going in China, not related to aviation. I think I'm going to take a leave of absence from work and spend some time out there. The pay is good, no one speaks english, and I'll have some time away from this town. Perhaps it'll be good for me.

 

[Boz]

Ha ng in there brother!

ShyFlyGuy,

Wow, you have certainly gone through a tremendous amount in the last couple of months. My heart goes out to you like so many pilot that have posted before me. We all have so much going on in personal lives and this career can be tough on it at times. I can assure you that this is not going too kill your career as a pilot in any way. The folks in pilot hiring are very resonaable and are not looking for the perfect pilot. just regular guys that can do there job safely, efficiently, and be customer focused in delivering the best possible customer service and promoting the company.

Like others recommended...Take a break and get your life sorted out. At some point you will come to terms with what has happened and you will be back in the game. You sound like a stand up guy, that has some soul searching and decisions to make. Rember what you love in your life and follow your heart and instincts. This is a crazy profession, but in the end when you retire from it one day, you will look back and realize there simply is no life like it. Flying a plane is a great job and I certainly can;t imagine doing anything else. Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do...You are going to be fine brother!

 

[belchfire]

God Bless.

Good luck, and know that you can PM
me or just about anyone else here if
you need anything.

Belch

 

[BellyFlyer]

If the FAA has already learned of your violation, there is no reason not to fully admit your mistake and ask for some remedial training in-lieu-of certificate action. The FAA is authorized AND encouraged to assign this option in cases where the violator has not done this offense recently, shows a cooperative attitude and interest in furthering their safety as a pilot, and does not involve gross negligence.

As a CFI authorized by the FAA to conduct this remedial training, I can assure you it is similar to writing "I will not fly without a medical" 100 times on a chalk board.

An hour of ground training would probably satisfy the local inspector in charge. So, if anyone finds themselves in about to have certificate action or offered remedial training, a great attitude will go a long way!

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

I Can Explain...

I started a new thread called "I'm Dead Meat (Explained)" with the full story posted on there. I did my best to give a complete picture of what has happened leading up to my initial post on here. Again, thank you all for all your input and advice. Much love.

Jon

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

Hey fellas,

I can't believe it's almost been a year. I can't begin to tell you all how much you helped me through this time of my life that was, no doubt, the most difficult I will ever go through. Because of the kind words and support from you guys on this forum, I have held my stuff together pretty well and kept on flying and returned to school.

Today, I was visiting with my mom and told her how hard it was to return to school without Amy's help. She was there for me when I really needed her, and I feel terrible I couldn't do the same for her.

It still haunts me. I frequently dream about Amy in the Jeep. They said she'd been gone for so long that when they found her, she was stiff. She'd vomited. I talked to the first responding EMT and he said that he'd responded to a lot of suicides/attempts, and you can tell a cry for help from a serious try. He said that he was impressed at how determined Amy seemed to be at getting this done. "She wasn't crying for help." I wish she had.

Fellas, I can't tell you how much I miss her. This is so hard. I miss her so bad. I've continued to work on that website I started, and it sure has come along. It's just a labor of love.

I was flying one night, listening to the radio (FM), when a commercial came on for this overnight walk to raise awareness for suicide. I joined that night, so I'll be walking in Amy's memory later on in June.

Her parents gave me Amy's dog, Montana, since she was a little too much for them. She's such a great dog, and she brings back wonderful memories. I'm so lucky to have her.

I don't know what the point of this most recient post is, but maybe keep me in your prayers or thoughts or whatever. I'll need it. March 6th will come only too soon.

Yours,

Shy

http://forums.flightinfo.com/showthread.php?t=32649
www.AmyKrueger.net

 

[hobbsmeter]

Hey Dude,

Glad you're doing allright. I don't think I posted in your other thread but I've always wondered how you've been, looks like things are getting back on track.


PS: How did your expired medical fiasco turn out?

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

PS: How did your expired medical fiasco turn out?

They ended up writing me a letter and putting it in my file for 1 year. If nothing happens within that year, then they toss the letter. It's been 10 months.

 

[mamba20]

I'm pretty new to this site and new to the 121 world. Its tough the first year with a regional but after reading what you went through it really put things in perspective. No one should have to experience what you did. I'll never bitch about petty stuff again thats for sure.

 

[Northern Lights]

Hey Shy,

Thanks for the update. Just the other day I was wondering what ever happend to you.

Sounds like you're dealing with it as well as one could.

 

[N4niner206]

Shy,

Im new to the forums, and I understand this happened a while back. But I want you to know that I read all the posts and the whole situation touched me (and family) deeply. I may be a little late on this, but you and your lost love one and families are in our prayers tonight.

Cory

 

[Ailerongirl]

Hey Jon,

Glad to see you hanging in there so well! *hug* We'll be here whenever you need us!

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

Thanks again, everyone. All the responses and PMs... it's very touching. Thank you.

 

[belchfire]

Shy...glad to know that you are toughing
it out...I have had some personal losses this
year (not quite so much as yours), but it
has been a rough few months at corpex
with the loss of flt 5966 and one of our
CA's a few weeks ago in a car wreck.

Hang in there man and thanks for the
update.

Belch

 

[acaTerry]

I don't believe this. It's been a year already? It sounds like things are slowly getting together for you. Glad to hear you are still "in the game"!

Hang in there, and we're all hoping the best for you.

 

[Mel Sharples]

Thanks again, everyone. All the responses and PMs... it's very touching. Thank you.

Dude... I can't even begin to say I know how you are feeling.

Sometimes I think life isn't going so well, and then I hear about something like this. Makes me realize how trivial my own "problems" are.

The good news in this whole mess is that you are living proof that crappy times can get better. Hang in there. Live strong!

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm wishing you smoother, clearer skies for the future.

Regards,

Mel

 

[Boris Badenov]

Nothing to add but another "Thanks for putting my BS problems in perspective and I wish you all the best. You'll be in my thoughts. Good luck."

 

[another cfii]

Hi Jon,

You have my condolenses, even though i've never met you. Nothing we can write will ever bring your friend back, but it is important that you continue to live, move on with your life, she'd be proud of you.

Flying is fun and stuff, but when it all comes down to, is all about what you want in life. You have to treat yourself, then worry about your flying career. I wouldn't worry about a silly violation like that, and when you interview with your first airline job, you'd be surprised most interviewers are more impressed with a candidate's strong personality than how many hours they logged. God bless!

 

[sleepy]

I work for a small 135 company and we got a base inspection Monday and it turns out that the numbers on the board were wrong and my medical was due March 1... I've had 26 duty-days without a current medical.

I fly night cargo and go to school full-time durring the day, plus my girlfriend killed herself 6 weeks ago, thus further distracting me. Things couldn't get worse... but wait, they do. She's the boss' daughter. I had a post in here at the beginning of the year, in case any of you remember that (about school vs. airlines). Now things couldn't get worse.

Any idea how the FAA will handle this?

(see further details below)

Really, are you for real. You were dating your boss' daughter and she killed herself? He didn't fire you right then? And now you forgot that your medical was due, and flew trips for almost a month?

If true, it sounds like a sad situation. My guess is that your boss, in addition to losing a daughter, will be fined $10,000 per leg that you flew (that is the standard FAA fine). I suggest that you get a really good aviation lawyer (if you want to continue to fly for a living). You will probably get a 30 day suspension (since it is a hardship case, they may wave any fines for you), but the NASA form may help. Ultimately, it was your responsibility as a professional pilot to keep track of your medical, not solely the company's responsibility. So, you do share some of the blame here.

 

[wingnutt]

Really, are you for real...

dam dude, are you for real? scoll up...youre a day late and a dollar short