Real life flying with a disability?

[BiggBaddWolf]

Hey, I was just wondering about some things if someone could supply me with answers?
First of all I am disabled, confined to a wheelchair, but I LOVE flying, and go to flyins and airshows whenever I can, and go for rides when I can. What I was wanting to know if there is a way for disabled people to get a pilots license? I talked to a couple pilots and they THOUGHT maybe I could, but didnt really know. They even told me that some planes do not use rudder pedals, such as the Ercoupe and thought if I decided to give it a go that might be the type of plane to use?
Also throw into the mix, I just found out I am a type 2 diabetic......grrrrrrr. Would that keep me from getting a pilots license? My diabetes is very much under control though and I take pills and not shots.....I just want a basic pilots license, maybe they call it a recreational pilots license and not a commerial license. Any info will be GREATLY appreciated....Thanx

[Hagar]

Hi Wolf. I know of one such scheme in the UK. http://www.guide-information.org.uk/guide/search_index_detail.lasso?RecID=G4887
I'm not sure of the medical requirements but believe the actual training is done in the US & South Africa. There must be similar schemes in other countries.

I also found this in Australia. They use a specially modified Piper Cherokee.
http://www.ausaviation.com.au/backgrounders/backgrounder12.html

[ozzy72]

Diabetes isn't restrictive these days. Recently an American won the right (and his licence) to fly in aerobatics competitions, so no problem there as the precedent is already set.
Also type 2 isn't considered "dangerous" as you don't have hypos or anything.

Ozzy

[OTTOL]

You're gonna need a soda.............


....at least if you are in the US that is.....

A S.O.D.A. is a statement of demonstrated ability and is issued by your local FSDO(flight standards district office). I knew of a Mountain Air Cargo(FedEx Feeder)pilot who operated on a SODA with no hands! So I would assume that if this commercially rated Captain can fly, so can you. I DO know that the process takes longer than the normal license but is not impossible.

[BiggBaddWolf]

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm soda as long as it is diet

But seriously, yes I am in the USA, and I really dont care about a commercial license, just something like a single engine or maybe a twin

[zeberdee]

Hi an ex RAF pilot is wheelchair bound ( his Harrier fell from a hover!!) He went to the USA and got his licence again his plane has a hand control for the rudder! Hope this helps and good luck with it. Regards Chris

[zeberdee]

Hi an ex RAF pilot is wheelchair bound ( his Harrier fell from a hover!!) He went to the USA and got his licence again his plane has a hand control for the rudder! Hope this helps and good luck with it. Regards Chris

[zeberdee]

Hi an ex RAF pilot is wheelchair bound ( his Harrier fell from a hover!!) He went to the USA and got his licence again his plane has a hand control for the rudder! Hope this helps and good luck with it. Regards Chris

[bricks4wings]

Wolf, I've got a niece who is  paralized and has always been interested in flying. She was told by our local FSDO that a plane can be set up for her. and she can earn her license. So It  is possible. But it might be a bit harder to find a willing instructor.
Also with the new sport pilot rating. i believe the only physical requirement is that you have to be healthy enough to have a drivers license. (or so i've heard.).
If all else fails theres always ultra-lights. which here in the states currently have no rules.