Finally back at work, after injuring myself in Feb 2014. Led to back surgery in Oct that year, and having AV Node Recurrent Tachycardia led to heart ablation surgery in Apr of 15. For good measure followed that up with a hip replacement in Nov of 15, something that had been coming for some time.

I was finally fit enough to apply for my medical in July of 16 and spent months on more doctor visits, gathering medical records and test results to submit. Took several months for the FAA to approve my medical, but they finally came through in Jan of 2017.

I started training in Feb, had a tougher time than I'd hoped (had to knock off a lot of rust after all that time) but was eventually able to get through the program. I completed IOE (initial operating experience with a Line Check Airman, i.e. instructor) last week and had my first trip last Saturday.

Like, Otto, I get to fly with my favorite Captain again, as I checked out in the left seat of the B757. I'd been a Captain in the B727 before they were retired, but only for about 6 months, and then I was excessed to the right seat of the B767. So its been over 4 years since I was a Captain.

It feels really good to get out of the school house and back on the line, and I just had my FAA medical renewed and my Cardiologist visit yesterday went well too, so I'm good for at least another 6 months, hopefully much longer. I don't take too much for granted any more health wise, as I never expected what seemed to be a fairly benign injury to morph into a 3 year odyssey of doctors visits, surgeries and delays, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks to Para and the mods for having this board and for all the members for sharing their experience, knowledge and wisdom. Lord knows I've spent a ton of time on here while recovering and really appreciate all the banter and information.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sigfan Roy,

Congratulations! Great news!

"Fly safely"

Glad you're back after fighting a good fight.

Amazing, what you had to go through! Congratulations on succeeding!

Now that is perseverance. Congrats on being back in the cockpit!

That is great to hear! Congratulations on your recovery.

Good for you!

Wow what a battle. Congratulations.

That's just WOW. That the FAA didn't screw you is amazing. Have fun and enjoy!

Congrats! Any hints who you fly for so we can look for you up front?

Dam fine work Roy. You have my respect for your hard work and commitment to bounce back. I hope you have a long and successful career.

Great news

Great News!!

I'm happy to hear it all worked out for you after jumping through all the darn hoops!

I'll bet the smile is a mile wide!

Don

I'm glad you're back in the saddle again.

Congratulations, that is Great news! Best wishes for many happy landings!

CONGRATULATIONS!
Btw, which airlines?

Glad to hear its all coming together for you. It nice to hear people getting back to doing the things they enjoy.

Good for you!

I need to get organized and get my medical back. FAA declined to renew it when I reported (successful) radiation treatment for prostate cancer.

Since then, I have had diverticulosis, supporting infrastructure inserted for fractured femur / hip, and when almost recovered from that, along came Guillain Barré. Oh yeah, cataract surgery too, for both eyes.

I have been flying legally as CFI, but can not act as PIC until I get everything coordinated between an AME and the physicians who dealt with my problems.

Thanks for the kind words. I fly for the big purple box hauler out of Memphis