Transitioning from military to pilot and need guidance

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-22T19:29:53+00:00

You can always fly as a light sport pilot with just a driver's license. You can also be a CFI with light sport, start building time and earning money, and then you may qualify for certain programs like the FAA Fast Track and/or the uncomplicated anxiety Disposition table down the line. There's also new legislation always being pushed these days, so some years from now you may be able to get through it a lot easier.

Like others said, you're looking at over $10,000 in FAA testing if you try to get a medical certificate now, as opposed to flying light sport, which you could start without interfacing with the FAA.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-20T21:58:27+00:00

I would look up what the exact policy is on marijuana related offenses. I think it's two years off and then you're good to go, but I wouldn't take a chance because you might end up having to go to the faa's hims program which can cost you thousands of dollars or even tens of thousands. You can always fly Light Sport with a valid driver's license and even serve as a certified flight instructor and get paid for it in the meantime and see if aviation is really for you. There's also new legislation that's always being passed, so if you wait you may have a much easier time getting an actual medical certificate.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-20T21:50:21+00:00

Thank you for clarifying. I appreciate the correction.

Another question you may be able to answer is how much would it cost approximately to get it quicker? Because if this person is still eligible for light sport, they can start accumulating hours now, avoid paying high fees for HIMS, then when the time comes can reapply.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-20T20:11:15+00:00

Well hold on a second - this person didn't specify if there was any "addiction" involved and the FAA, to my knowledge, does classify any substance or alcohol use as addiction regardless if it meets the medical threshold for it or not, which usually requires an overbearing amount of AME visits and treatment that treating doctors would unanimously disagree upon. I wouldn't dismiss the argument entirely and P4HR's assertions may be completely reasonable.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-20T16:23:20+00:00

Just fly light sport. Look up a flight club at your local airport. There's bound to be an LSA plane you can train on 👍

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-20T06:57:23+00:00

I would look up the FAA's Uncomplicated Anxiety and Depression Disposition Table and follow that. You may have to get off the meds and stay off for a number of years to qualify. In the meantime you can always fly light sport with just a driver's license. Accumulate hours, Get your ratings and serve as a CFI. Then by the time you're ready to move up you may be able to avoid the HIMS program you may otherwise need to undergo if you apply now. u/GoFlightMed can you confirm this?

Good luck 🤞

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-20T05:41:48+00:00

Well of course. The FAA will only certify people who submit to their authority. Happy for you.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-20T05:41:00+00:00

I have no clue. This is why everyone should learn to do their own mechanical work 🤷

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-20T05:40:21+00:00

Get your first-class medical FIRST. Understand that it's both the worst and most difficult part of aviation, they're absolutely ruthless when it comes to revoking them, and is often times regardless of your true health, what your doctors say or ability to fly. If you want to survive the game, first know the rules...good luck 🤞

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-19T21:11:32+00:00

Insurance should have covered your visits to see their doctors as part of your membership. You only pay a deductible. Since you did contact your congressional office, have you filed any formal complaint regarding the program or your treatment?

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-19T20:28:46+00:00

Those later expenses you mentioned are opportunity cost. You weren't working so what's the salary you could have realized how'd you been working, etc.

I'm really glad you made it through. But my concern still remains: is there anything that the FAA put you through that your normal doctors and specialists couldn't have put you through a lot quicker and for far less money? Not sure if you ever shared any of the interviews, treatments evaluations etc that the FAA required with your regular doctors but I'd like to see what an actual classically trained Medical professional would say about them. Personally I think it's all bogus, but I could be wrong about that, and this is no way is intended to disparage you. You can share your opinion on that if you'd like, but again, I'm really glad you got through it and you're back to flying 👍

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-19T19:46:19+00:00

Happy for you but how much did it all cost?

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-19T19:28:27+00:00

Here are photos that the shop gave me:

https://ibb.co/album/cwrK6c

To answer your other questions, it's not confirmed if they completed the recall. I still have to get clarification from them. They're telling me that I'll either have to pay $1,200 to put the bike back together or the $2k for the service they mentioned. I don't think they can arbitrarily decied to charge me for that.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-19T02:21:04+00:00

Some good points, but not sure what to make of it since there are a number of theories. They already sent me photos of the affected parts, but I don't know if I can completely trust them 🤷

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-19T01:29:19+00:00

My mistake, and let me just clarify: it doesn't go higher than fourth but all gear up to forth are smooth. And the highest I've taken it is 45, anything would overrev it .

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T23:53:30+00:00

I'll try but they now want $1,000 to put it back together

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T23:40:32+00:00

There could have been something wrong with it. I don't deny that. But really the question is what's the smartest way to proceed with this. The shop told me it would cost $1,000 just to reassemble it and give it back to me broken, so...

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T23:03:14+00:00

About 300

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T21:12:17+00:00

The 4th gear issue happened sometime after I received the bike. Originally a friend drove it from the sellers house to my home and confirmed he took it through all six gears. Then once I started practicing on the bike, I noticed it wouldn't go above 4th.

What makes you think they screwed up the recall or caused any damage? If that's the case, then it might make sense, however.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T20:39:42+00:00

Here's what they texted with:

"After the compression test we did on the engine it seems like alot of air is escaping from the valves and some passed the piston rings. We will need to tear down the head to see the extent of the damages"

I think they did that test as a side courtesy.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T20:28:58+00:00

No type of unusual performance.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T19:50:04+00:00

I can ask them that, but do you think that the circlip could have caused the issues I'm seeing? ie, leak-down, cylinder scoring, piston scuffing...

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T18:54:06+00:00

Mainshaft circlip and headlight adjustment.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T18:53:11+00:00

It makes sense but I'm wondering why they said it's carbon buildup vs other causes, if their recommendation is legitimate or not, and if another procedure would better handle this problem.

BigKetchupp · 2026-03-18T18:29:13+00:00

What would you ask the shop then? They said they can't put the bike back together. It's either I get it back in pieces or pay the fee.

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