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Calling for engine starts en français
For the last few years I have been getting my first class from a guy in Texas that charges an astonishing $40 bucks (It use to be $35 I think, if you paid cash). Brad Griffin in Roanoke, but if you live in the area, you probably already knew him.
Anyways, I was unable to make it work for me to get down to Dallas and get my medical this year from Griffin so I looked for a local option in Chicago. I just moved into the area so I didn't know anyone nor have anyone in particular in mind. I went on the FAA website and found a list of doctors in the area and I picked the closest one to me that was also a rated pilot.
When I booked the appointment on the phone, the lady said $152 bucks for a first class. Steep increase from what I'm use to, but it's last minute (medical expires tomorrow!) and the office was only a few blocks from my new apartment.
Today when I showed up and passed over my plastic debt [sic] card, she handed me back a receipt for $227 bucks! I smiled, "I was told on the phone that the fee was $152, why the difference?" First class medicals have always been $227 dollars and a third class was $152. After I politely declined the offer for a third class I sat down.
Now, I wasn't exactly thrilled to go from $40 to $152. My thrill level from $152 to $227 was much less. I know I've been living in a dream world by paying $40 bucks, but it got me thinking about what the "norm" is for other people. When I was flight instructing I was paying $100 bucks. I thought that was normal.
So, How much do you pay for your first class medical? Would you pay $227?
Anyways, I was unable to make it work for me to get down to Dallas and get my medical this year from Griffin so I looked for a local option in Chicago. I just moved into the area so I didn't know anyone nor have anyone in particular in mind. I went on the FAA website and found a list of doctors in the area and I picked the closest one to me that was also a rated pilot.
When I booked the appointment on the phone, the lady said $152 bucks for a first class. Steep increase from what I'm use to, but it's last minute (medical expires tomorrow!) and the office was only a few blocks from my new apartment.
Today when I showed up and passed over my plastic debt [sic] card, she handed me back a receipt for $227 bucks! I smiled, "I was told on the phone that the fee was $152, why the difference?" First class medicals have always been $227 dollars and a third class was $152. After I politely declined the offer for a third class I sat down.
Now, I wasn't exactly thrilled to go from $40 to $152. My thrill level from $152 to $227 was much less. I know I've been living in a dream world by paying $40 bucks, but it got me thinking about what the "norm" is for other people. When I was flight instructing I was paying $100 bucks. I thought that was normal.
So, How much do you pay for your first class medical? Would you pay $227?
