Hi vfrrider481,
OAA will train me no problem with the Class 1 OML medical, I still have to investigate the training we do in Arizona where I will need to obtain a FAA Class 3 medical, I'm going to call the examiner there, but as its 5am there at the moment I will have to wait!! If thats all OK there is nothing stopping me doing the full training through OAA.
I've looked into sponsored schemes, but sadly they look great but rarely help. I managed to get my way through FlyBe's MPL scheme all the way to the final candidates, but when looking in-depth into the course you would end up pretty much bankrupt by the end of it with their requested repayments and their wages.
As for how I have battled with the CAA, its been fairly simple actually if more long-winded and expensive than I would so wish.
To summarise how I've done it....well I've just thrown a lot of money into it, sadly. I've done all the tests the CAA can provide, and had outside advise and reports written on me by some very high profile doctors in Papworth Hospital.
I have been fortunatly deemed fit to carry out a normal life with very little wrong with me and unlikely anything ever to go wrong with me (within reason).If it wasn't for the CAA needing me to hit a number he would say that I would be fit to pass, but as my QTc is 10ms too slow, its not happening.
So from here I will be doing further privately funded testing, I've found the leading researcher into LQTS in the world who happens to work 1 mile from my brothers house in New York (convenient!) and will be booking an appointment. LQTC can be either genetic (which is strange as all my family are still alive) or very rarely caused by other things in life which hopefully she could explain.
I'm not going to give up on this one, I want a full un-restricted class 1 medical and I'm happy to invest in getting it. A OML class 1 might make me able to train, but as a lot of people have said, its no sure sign of ever making a return on my investment by getting a job.
I certainly believe that getting outside info helps, doctors are a big network of old boys it seems, and my specialist in Papworth knew all the doctors at the CAA and visa versa. Although they didn't agree on some points, they do listen to each other it seems.
And best of luck with your outcome vfrrider, hope everything goes to plan for you
Ian