Now that you know what happened to me and have read the letter from the BOD to me and the Letter from my cardiologist. I think it's time you know just what Carl had to say. First the letter from the BOD.



From: MICHAEL KELLY
Sent:Monday, December 13, 2004 3:57 PM
To"[email protected]
Subject: flying status of a person with medical implant.

Attn: Carl Maroney
My name is Mike Kelly I am a director on the board of the R/C Fliers of Venice AMA #328. My AMA # is 657989. We spoke this morning about a club member by the name of Ken Obeshaw AMA # 454684 and I have his permission to talk about his condition. He has a defibrillator device implanted which has on one occaision rendered him inconsious while flying resulting in his plane crashing and a trip to the hospital. No one else was invo;ved. we as a board requested him to cease flying and get a note from his doctor stating his ability to continue flying. We felt the note was inconclusive and requested him to fly on a buddy box or have a competent pilot stand with him. He now wishes to resume flying on his own. We feel it could present liability problems for the club and or it"s officers if we turn him loose. We would like some feedback on this issue. Has the AMA evercome across this before? Any help or light you can put on this subject would be very helpful. He told me he was in touch with you and sent you his doctors reply which you should have on record. Thank you for your help.

Sincerely
Mike Kelly





From: Carl Maroney <[email protected]>
To:<[email protected]>
Cc: Ilona Maine <[email protected]>: "Amy Wilson" [email protected]>
Sent: Friday, December 17, 2004 8:02 PM
Subject: Flying status of person flying with medical implant

Thank you for your E-mail expressing concern. This is indeed a difficult situation. However, Since Mr. Obeshaw has had an episode that resulted in a crash, we cannot risk the possibility of a similar event ressulting in serious injury. Once the pilot loses control of the aircraft there is certainly the possibility of that aircraft striking someone in the vicinity. Satety is the key component of AMA membership and flight operations. We just cannot justify taking this risk. While we realize that Mr. Obeshaw is an experienced pilot and loves flying, since we have notice of the possibility of defibrillator failure, it presents an unacceptable risk to persons in or around the field. Your suggestion of either a buddy box or experienced pilot to assume immediate control sounds like a reasonable solution. It will allow Mr. Obeshaw to continue flying at minimum risk to others. I hope Mr. Obeshaw will understand this has to be our positiion.


Carl P. Maroney
Special Services Director
[email protected]
765.287.1256X250
AMA HQ
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie, In 47302