Membership Services
AOPA got member his medical back in ten minutes
When prostate cancer grounded Jim Anderson, the impact was great. He is an aerial photographer, so not only did he lose his privilege to fly, but he also lost the way he earns his living. His surgery had gone well, he was on his way to a full recovery, his tests were clean and it was time to get his medical back.
As a long-time AOPA member, Anderson had already taken advantage of AOPA’s Legal Services Plan. A minor infraction had been totally resolved by AOPA without his having to spend a dime, he says, and so he was impressed with the efficiency and effectiveness of AOPA’s support.When his doctor told him he was fit to fly, he contacted AOPA as a member of the Medical Services Plan. The staff member told him she would check on his status. At that time, she also gave Anderson a phone number so he could check himself within a week. According to Anderson, he “badgered” the FAA a few times while several weeks went by.
Growing impatient, Anderson called AOPA back. That day, he was promised by AOPA, “You will have your medical in 10 minutes.” Anderson reported, “Ten minutes later, my fax machine rang, and there it was. Clearly, AOPA knew the right person to call to get my medical off the bottom of the pile so I could fly again.”
Anderson added, “I don’t know how much longer I would have to wait without AOPA’s Medical Services Plan.” His advice for other pilots? Anderson said, “I tell them about AOPA and the Medical Services Plan. I’ve been healthy all my life, but things happen.”Today, Anderson is back to playing basketball three days a week. What’s more, he’s back flying—and earning a living.
January 5, 2012
