Back In The Air
Donation protected
On Memorial Day 2016, I had double bypass heart surgery and received an FAA-mandated six-month medical stand down from the career I love, being an airline pilot. I had been wanting to fly since my earliest days, and I had earned that spot in 1989 with American Eagle Airlines, then disaster struck...
Take a step back to October 31, 1994 when our airline lost an ATR-72 when it fell from icy skies into a farmer's field in Roselawn, Indiana. Sixty-eight lost their lives that day, including four crewmember friends of mine. We all knew what happened, the aircraft had a horrible reputation in icing conditions.
Though the pilots did nothing wrong that day, the aircraft, FAA, the French manufacturer, and the airline let them down. Within a month, selective leaks from inside the investigation began to paint a negative picture of the crew, diverting attention from the real culprit.
When my airline would do nothing to help protect the reputations of two dead pilots, and the Air Line Pilots Association was afraid to move against the ATR, I became a whistleblower. I pointed to the secret behind the curtain, and aviation history was made.
Unfortunately, my airline found out who was talking to the media, and they eventually fired me, at the same time working with the FAA Associate Administrator to asssure I would never fly again.
That grounding lasted 17 years. I thought my dream was gone forever, but I had done the right thing. Sometimes knowing the truth I had help reveal and the sacrifice of my career helped so many others helped salve the devastation of losing my dream.
Then, out of the blue, I was invited to a meeting of pilots. Hearing my story, they prompted me back in the air. The FAA was petitioned, and given the passing of time and the passing of mantles of authority, I was back in the cockpit. Hired by a small airline in June of 2013, I was back in the Captain's seat, flying small airplanes, and loving every minute.
On May 28, 2016, I had chest discomfort and went to the Emergency Room. Two days later, having survived what they call the 'Widow Maker' by fast action and a couple of aspirin, I had the double bypass.
My recovery has been fantastic, well above the curve. I have been down for six long months, and have passed every test so far. My doctors feel there is no reason I won't get back in the pilot's seat.
One last test has been requested, a heart catherization again to ensure the vessels remain open. The problem comes from the fact that I have had such a wonderful recovery and insurance will not pay for a procedure which they feel is not medically necessary. I will have to pay the estimated $20,000.00 out of my own pocket, which I will gladly do to get back in the air.
I'm not one to ask for charity. I never sought anything from anyone for what I gave up for the dead of American Eagle Flight 4184 and airline passenger safety. I don't ask people for help; I am the one who usually gives it without being asked. Asking for aid is against my self-reliant nature. But, this time, I find that asking for assistance in paying my medical bills is desperately needed.
If you've ever lost your dream and then found it again, you'll understand how much getting this test cleared and me back into the air means to me. I'll make this happen somehow, so I can get back to helping young aviators make their dreams come true through my mentorship. I'll continue to have a positive impact on aviation safety. I'm not finished doing good things yet.
Take a step back to October 31, 1994 when our airline lost an ATR-72 when it fell from icy skies into a farmer's field in Roselawn, Indiana. Sixty-eight lost their lives that day, including four crewmember friends of mine. We all knew what happened, the aircraft had a horrible reputation in icing conditions.
Though the pilots did nothing wrong that day, the aircraft, FAA, the French manufacturer, and the airline let them down. Within a month, selective leaks from inside the investigation began to paint a negative picture of the crew, diverting attention from the real culprit.
When my airline would do nothing to help protect the reputations of two dead pilots, and the Air Line Pilots Association was afraid to move against the ATR, I became a whistleblower. I pointed to the secret behind the curtain, and aviation history was made.
Unfortunately, my airline found out who was talking to the media, and they eventually fired me, at the same time working with the FAA Associate Administrator to asssure I would never fly again.
That grounding lasted 17 years. I thought my dream was gone forever, but I had done the right thing. Sometimes knowing the truth I had help reveal and the sacrifice of my career helped so many others helped salve the devastation of losing my dream.
Then, out of the blue, I was invited to a meeting of pilots. Hearing my story, they prompted me back in the air. The FAA was petitioned, and given the passing of time and the passing of mantles of authority, I was back in the cockpit. Hired by a small airline in June of 2013, I was back in the Captain's seat, flying small airplanes, and loving every minute.
On May 28, 2016, I had chest discomfort and went to the Emergency Room. Two days later, having survived what they call the 'Widow Maker' by fast action and a couple of aspirin, I had the double bypass.
My recovery has been fantastic, well above the curve. I have been down for six long months, and have passed every test so far. My doctors feel there is no reason I won't get back in the pilot's seat.
One last test has been requested, a heart catherization again to ensure the vessels remain open. The problem comes from the fact that I have had such a wonderful recovery and insurance will not pay for a procedure which they feel is not medically necessary. I will have to pay the estimated $20,000.00 out of my own pocket, which I will gladly do to get back in the air.
I'm not one to ask for charity. I never sought anything from anyone for what I gave up for the dead of American Eagle Flight 4184 and airline passenger safety. I don't ask people for help; I am the one who usually gives it without being asked. Asking for aid is against my self-reliant nature. But, this time, I find that asking for assistance in paying my medical bills is desperately needed.
If you've ever lost your dream and then found it again, you'll understand how much getting this test cleared and me back into the air means to me. I'll make this happen somehow, so I can get back to helping young aviators make their dreams come true through my mentorship. I'll continue to have a positive impact on aviation safety. I'm not finished doing good things yet.
Organizer
Stephen Fredrick
Organizer
Kahului, HI