Perhaps My Final Flight

As we say in England, a turn up for the books.

After everything I've been through, especially the family matters, I have to go on meds for hypertension, perhaps for the rest of my life.

Just as I've reached a point where I'm getting enough money together to get currency back on my pilots license. Bugger! I feel that it's the responsible and expected thing to do to stop flying, so my final flight will be 35 minutes of aerobatics in a Robin tomorrow morning 08:30 WST. I have the option to get this one put on DVD, so hopefully in a few days I should have a fun Youtube upload.

Whilst I'm a little sad, I've had my license since I was 26, now 53, so I got a reasonable run I guess. I realise there are many people out there who can't achieve the dream, so I'll think myself lucky as I do one final approach.

C'est la vie

Eh, bad news mate. I feel sympathy for you, not an easy hobby to easily give up on I expect. Will you perhaps pursue it virtually or do you feel there's no comparison?

Sorry to hear that FT. It's good to hear from you though. It's been a while!

No offense, FishTaco, but 53 isn't nearly old enough to stop living your dream!

At 40 I felt like a washed up old man, couldn't walk to my mailbox without catching my breath. At 52 I feel like conquering the world (or at least NYC on foot)! I'm also on hypertension meds, but they've been reduced twice and I'm working on being taken off of them completely on my next annual physical. I'm doing this by lowering my weight and raising my cardio endurance, which seems to have the most impact on regular home testing. It may not happen or be temporary (like my wife getting off high cholesterol meds [Lipitor], may be back some day with age and genetics) but we'll keep fighting the good fight and feeling great in the process.

Just saying, *if* there's any improvements you can make in this regard, use the passion of your hobby as motivation. In any case, looking forward to your video.

Also, are there no programs like Light Sport or Basic Medical which would allow you to fly as long as you are not flying commercial or larger aircraft ?

Like Mark said, it's not the end of the world by any means.
I take something for blood pressure, but since have been in the best shape of my life. Diet, exercise, healthy lifestyle and you may end up getting off of it. Mine's been cut to a bare minimum and I may end up coming off of it entirely since my bp has been excellent for a couple of years. I'm in no rush, it's not a big deal to take.
Only you and your doc know your exact situation, but you shouldn't feel bad just for going on the meds.

After my cancer I was told by some that I probably wouldn't be allowed to fly, anymore. But I went to a doctor who said that he'd have to send my records to the FAA and we'll have to see what they say. I got the okay, and went back to flying. Hell, I even bought myself an airplane, a homebuilt SONEX. So, all might not be lost. And there are ways in the U.S. that you can fly without even having a medical certificate. I don't know about Australia, of course.
Now, if no more flying is self imposed because you don't think you will not be safe, anymore, that of course is another story. Hell, with VR, today, it's almost like really flying in these flight sims. Get yourself a fancy flight simulator setup at home, and you might not even miss flying the real ones!

I guess I should thank my lucky stars, because this is the first time I've been put on any meds at all, if you discount meds for injuries.
Going to test myself too, I've booked an aerobatics flight... Lol.

Do have some solice though, been on the FS2020 ALPHA.

(can I say that?).... Lol

Why must you give up flying because of hypertension? In the states, there are ways around this, depending on your blood pressure level.

You're an FS2020 Alpha Tester!? Why you lucky dog. I know if you tell us anything you'll have to shoot us, so I won't ask.

You can't fly with hypertension? I've had hypertension since I was 23 and I definitely am fit and still take meds.

Timothy,

Nothing appears to be totally clear on the government (CASA) webpage regarding this. I will discuss with the instructor today pre-flight.

But ex woman drove my BP up so high I was admitted to hospital before I had a coronary. It really was that high. I'm assuming my BP is high now because I lost my job due to COVID-19, and I've been stuck in the house for at least 2 months.

Will give y'all an update post flight.

Thanks for the encouragement everybody.

Sorry to hear.
As other have stated here, it's might not necessarily be the end of your flying. For your sake I hope not. 52 is still young. Well maybe not young, but it's not old. BTW, I'm 52

Just got down.

Strange that today my BP was only 127/85. Perhaps I need flying to help me stay calm? Lol.

Happy to say it appears that I have forgotten very little. Approach procedures at my local airport have changed a little. Pulled around 5g in this flight, handled it without issue. I like to throw myself in the deep end!

So, chat with the quack soon, and God willing, airborne again!

Cant remember the last time I was this happy.

Oh my rebound ex was such a nightmare I greyed extremely fast. Neither of my brothers have grey hair but I am peppered. The stress was so much the Army gave me a month off as medical leave. The doctor said he never truly seen someone with so many sores from stress. He was shocked I was running the company's office, the Bat/Group Rep with the G3 on Main Post and managing my own squad and dealing with that stress.

I do have the cutest daughter ever and love her to death. Maybe I should post some photos sometime.

My daughter gets me through.

She is priceless!

Now 70, two years ago after routine check-up, I was told that my cholesterol and BP was slightly high. Went 99% Vegan (dislike any substitute for cow milk in my mug o'tea)
Both down to acceptable levels for my age. But oh, the flatulence.