Kevin Young wrote:

My class 3 medical has been deferred to the FAA. I'd be grateful for any
advice on how to proceed and what to expect. Is this really as long and
convoluted a process as I've heard?

A few years ago, the typical time was running about 3 months. That went up when
the Iraq war started as two of the surgeons were called up. I saw a notice in
either AOPA Pilot or Sport Aviation a few months ago that the FAA has hired a
few new people, which is expected to reduce the delays.

There are 2 companies that provide expediting services - Virtual Flight
Surgeons and Pilot Medical Solutions ... I've contacted both of them.

I would say to save your money. It will take several weeks for them to process
your file. If you don't hear anything for 30 days, you can call the FAA in
Oklahoma City at 1-800-350-5286 to check the status of your medical. If you
feel you help, join AOPA; it's a much better use of your bread. They have a
medical advice department.

George Patterson
A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something that can be learned
no other way.