Eyes

I didn't want to apply for a pilot slot because I thought that since I didn't have 20/20, 20/15 vision, I'd not get in.

I found out that if you have crappy vision, the air force will fix it, as long as it's correctible to 20/20 (mine is).

I mentioned that Hanscom had an "old" and "new" system. I never told Hanscom that I was going to Ohio for my flight physical. So, they called me yesterday (Thursday, 10.18) and asked for my email address so that they could send me the specifications of what I'd need to do to get my flight physical.

I could have said, "Oh no, I'm taking the flight physical in Ohio".

But I didn't. I wanted to see what I'd have to do to take it at Hanscom. Well. I got an email today with the list of things that I'd have to schedule. There was also an "introductory" letter.

I read the letter and what struck me was this sentence:

"Soft contact lens wearers shall remove their contacts 30 days prior to their flight physical" and then later on "the optometrist will cancel your appointment if you haven't done this. THEY CAN TELL"

Today is October 19. I literally have EXACTLY 30 days until my flight physical. I wear soft contact lenses. If I hadn't gotten that email today, my trip to Ohio would be completely wasted. I can't afford the flight to Ohio, so I'm relying on family for help. How AWFUL would it be if I took the flight and essentially WASTED the physical because I didn't know about the glasses?

My recruiter never told me about the glasses. Once I found out about it (today) I emailed my recruiter saying that I just got information from the flight physical at Hanscom that I can't wear contacts 30 days prior to my flight class I examination. If he had any other candidates going on the 19th, he might want to notify them TODAY about the contact lens thing.

He said
"Hi Ma'am,
Thanks so much for the email and letting me know about the contacts. I'm sorry, but flight medicine never told me about that."

Oy. I mean, I feel like this process should be way more transparent and streamlined?  No?

Clear as Mud

So the good news is, things are...moving.

I had a great run around (again) with my recruiter. I heard back from him 3 weeks after I found out I got in.
He sent a piece of paper that essentially said: "Yes, I'm moving to Boston and need a recruiter there".

Wow.

I signed and sent it back the same day. He REQUESTED that I do that. Same day. Let's just keep in mind, it took him 3 weeks to get together this piece of paper.

I had given him the number of a medical contact at Hanscom AFB to schedule my flight physical. After about 2 weeks of phone tag, it turns out that I was supposed to call and schedule my flight physical on my own.

Great.

I called the number and left a message saying that I needed to schedule a flight physical.
I got a call back the next morning.
They told me that Hanscom AFB was switching from an old system to a new system. The way it is now, I will be registered into the old system, but I will be called in 1-2 weeks (that means 2-3 weeks) about the new system.

I asked about the old system. Apparently, you are put on a waiting list until the flight surgeon can see you. That can take anywhere from ONE to FIVE months. FIVE MONTHS???? That puts me at March. When I already thought I was going to be in Officer training. Hell to the N-O.

The "new" system apparently entails going to your doctor on your own and getting the tests/checkups that culminate in a flight physical. It takes as long as you take to make the appointments, and then when the flight surgeon can see you. Now, I was told by my recruiter that I have "priority" because I'm getting old, but I am DEFINITELY not going to bank on that.

I asked what number I was in the "old system" waiting period.

35.

No offence  but I feel like a doctor could see 4-5 patients a day (my dad who is a doc sees WAY more) and be caught up in 7-10 days. I don't know. Clearly I have no insight into this and I don't presume to judge the Air Force medical process.

Once I heard the 5 month caveat, I asked if there was anywhere else in New England that I could do my flight physical. Apparently, the closest was New Jersey. The gas, the time, the stress...I decided that I'd ask about doing it in Ohio (where my recruiter is based).

He already scheduled the other flight candidates for their flight physicals (no one else is pilot slot, just me, but they have flight physicals II and III...) Anyway. He said, "You're ON, for November 12!", which is just about a month from now. I called my sister and asked if I could stay with her in OH then. She said, "I'm away. That's veterans day. Double check with your recruiter about if that appointment is actually legit".

Good thing she mentioned it. I emailed recruiter man asking if I was REALLY on for the 12th....

NO.

I'm actually apparently scheduled for the 19th. Now, some of you might be reading this and thinking, "are you kidding? How are gov't employees so spacey?" Well, I've worked in the private sector, and I haven't seen much difference.

Despite the fact that it will cost more money, I will have the peace and sanity (and ride, thanks brah) for my flight physical.

Now I just need a new recruiter in Boston (already in the works), and a start to my security clearance.


Le Sigh.