Aspiring Flyer

Thanks for reaching out Rf15, I sent you a private message with my cell number, would love to chat whenever you have time.

Hey Docs, I’m in need of some advice here. I’m a student pilot at a UPT base but haven’t started UPT yet. One of the flight docs saw my history of back pain and sent me to get an MRI. (I had 3 separate cases where my lower back flared up from working out in the gym. At the time I was simply told it was a muscle spasm and it went away within days and some muscle relaxer. Since eliminating deadlifts from my workouts I’ve prevented it from occurring again). Well, turns out the MRI report states that between my L4-5 “Disc space is narrowed. Loss of water signal. Mild diffuse disc bulge with minor annular central tear” and between L5-S1 “degenerative disc space is narrowing. Left paracentral disc protrusion”. I am currently asymptomatic but the flight doc says I’ll need a waiver to go to UPT. I know that being an untrained asset with an FCI, my chances of getting a waiver aren’t great so I’m trying to avoid having to request a waiver if I don’t need one. The AF waiver guide states that you need a waiver if you have a history of a frank herniated disc. From what I’ve read, a bulge or a protrusion is a non-frank herniated disc but the doc said he considers this a frank herniated disc. Was hoping to get some additional opinions. Is this frank because the report says “loss of water signal”? What are the odds of getting this waiver approved? For what its worth the doc is recommending that I be returned to flight duty in the waiver application. I'm already at the UPT base and there is a pilot shortage, will those be factored into the decision? Thanks in advance

I created a group chat for the retreads headed to Vance (regardless of class) to share housing/in-processing info. DM me your number if you'd like to be added

Finally got my UPT base/dates!! Headed to Vance with a RNLTD of 29 Aug and start date of 6 Oct. I'm looking to get a place off base with 1 or 2 people and pocket the rest of the BAH. If anyone is interested shoot me a message!