Hi everyone,
I've been in contact with Ken and he sent me the following e-mail, which he said is OK to post here on RCU. After reading the doctor's statement, which seems very clear to me, I just can't understand the reasoning behind the BOD's refusal to rescind their actions.
This whole issue is similar to someone who is on disability. When the doctor determines that the person can go back to work he gives the employee a note for his employer stating that. No where in the note is any statement this condition will never happen again, etc. I take the note and put it in the employee's medical file, I DON'T try to interpret or read between the lines or guess what may happen in the future. The company is protected from any liability in the future arising because of the medical condition because we have documentation from a "qualified medical authority", and, as the club has documentation, they too are protected.
There's a club meeting this week and hopefully this issue can be resolved and everyone involved can start enjoying the hobby again.
Brg
Jon

March 18, 2004

Attn: Ken Obeshaw

Officers and Board of Directors of the R/C Fliers of Venice Fl.

In response to the event which occurred last week when you became physically incapacitated and unable to control your plane, we the officers and Board of Directors of the R/C Fliers request that you:

1. Relinquish your instructor's status and cease teaching prospective new pilots to fly. Should you have anyone in training now, turn them over to another instructor.

2. Curtail your personal flying activities to (Assisted Flying), using a buddy box with a competent pilot or have a competent pilot assist you while you

are flying so they may take over control should this problem recur

It is with deep regret that we have to take this stance, however, in lieu of the safety factors involved we have no choice.

Sincerely

Allen Wilder

President, R/C Fliers of Venice, Inc.



South County Heart Center

1225 Jacaranda Blvd. Veniice, Fl. 34292

Patient: Obeshaw, Kenneth
Account # 8694
DOB: 12/13/31
Date: 05/18/04


Mr. Allen Wilder
President- R/C Fliers of Venice, Inc.

To Whom It May Concern:

Kenneth should be medically cleared to continue flying radio-controlled flyers and should be able to continue teaching. Kenneth has an inplantable defibrillator and dilated cardiomyopathy, however, his defibrillator went off inappropriately due to an atrial arrhythmia. His defibrillator was reprogrammed and he should not have any inappropriate shocks. From a cardiovascular standpoint, Kenneth should be stable to continue both teaching and flying radio-controlled flyers.

If there are any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

L.J.E. D.O.,F.A.C.C.