Flying with a "disability"

[HeadTrauma]

Hi guys

My first post here...

Been lurking for many years

Anybody know of any pilots that fly ML with a physical disability? I'd like to get in contact with him or her and get some advice if possible.

[Nacho]

What kind of disability are you referring to?

[HeadTrauma]

Well personally I can't use my left hand and I have about 70% usage of my left leg / foot. So anything along those lines...

[Grumpy]

Head Trauma............. I have an artificial right leg above knee amputation as a result of a bike prang in my younger years.
Now here's the thing............ Flying a trike with 'one leg' seemed a distant possibility.
UNTIL, I decided, I'm gonna do this thing.
Found an instructor, who was prepared to help, the buddies in the club went out of their way with ideas mods and chirps, and you know what, today I fly. (With art leg on front steering peg)
Simple actually... Accelerator to left foot and fitted hand brake on left side of my seat. Done

Really no big deal. If you are really keen, then find someone who is willing to go through this with you. (I believe there are a few instructors who will bend over backwards to help a guy with a disability---Imagine the feeling of achievement when you have done it and go off on your own)

But I need not tell you, personal challenges have to be overcome by you first, before you can expect others to assist.
Just your inquiring post tells me you are half the way there.
Go for it........

[Carel]

I have a friend with only one arm (lost lower part from elbow to hand) that successfully done and obtained his PPL. He is however limited to certain types of aeroplanes that he can fly with one arm.

[HeadTrauma]

Ahaa well that is good news!!!

My biggest fear is passing the medical.

I have my heart set on a Cheetah...just trying to figure out what to do with the throttle.

[Grumpy]

My biggest fear is passing the medical.

Again, It's not gonna be a walk (Limp) in the park. You might have to go to the medical authorities at Caa and convince them that you can ...etc etc etc..... Medical evaluations etc etc, Explain capabilities with mods etc etc ...But persevere.
And if you really feel you CAN, then don't take no for an answer..
Also remember Douglas Bader??? (Yawn) But there was no CAA's around in those days..Good luck.

[Jabbanaught]

Hi Headtrauma

We know each other from mails since 2006 , As you know i am disabled on the left side , that means leg and arm and CLAW hand .

MY doctor got me after several medicals and more issues to get a class 2 medical , I completed my PPL on Cessna , MOved to Jabiru , and now am flying gyro's . Nothing is impossible , but like Grumpy said , set your mind on what you want to accomplish , then go for it , it took me 13 years to get me in the air , after numerous people told me that it Would NEVER HAPPEN .

GO FOR IT

[Morph]

Ahaa well that is good news!!!

My biggest fear is passing the medical.

I have my heart set on a Cheetah...just trying to figure out what to do with the throttle.

a Cheetah's throttle is on the left hand, and I understand it is your left leg that is the problem

It is possible to alter 3-axis aircraft to have a dual hand control (joysticks), i.e. right hand forward and back - elevator, and left and right - ailerons, left hand forward back - throttle, left and right - rudder and steering. Brakes would be hand brake on the right hand. C205 on this forum flys somthing like this)

Gathering from your name, was as a result of a head trauma? I would suggest you tackle the medical first, let them give you a clean bill of health before you start spending money.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Easy to overcome. Get medical and then get practical.

[Nacho]

There is nothing stronger than the human spirit, and if you want something bad enough, it will happen.

The reason why I asked, it might be a real problem if you had problems with your vision or hearing. These senses has a direct impact and you will not be able to be safe, if you cant see or hear properly.

All the best! Make it happen, keep us posted on your progress, and remember to always be safe. If it is not safe, DONT DO IT!

[C205]

Hi headtrauma

I am a paraplegic due to a back injury and I have been through the whole shebang with Aviation Medical Board. I had to do a 'flight test with a approved CAA instructor' (according to the letter) to prove that I can indeed control the aircraft with my disability. I have a Quicksilver MXII two-axis microlight which we modified a little for my use (handbrake etc). Its a very old but very simple (control-wise) microlight to fly with no ailerons, only rudder which is controlled with the stick. The pilot can sit either left or right.
If you're looking to buy I know Bantam (Andrew Pappas) can also custom modify one for you.
Unfortunately I have since lost my medical due to medication I have to take, the medical board is unrelenting on this, so if you're taking anything at all consult a aviation medical doctor first. They also seem to be very vary of any head injury, so you'll need to visit every specialist you know and get them to write reports. If you've got the reports/MRIs of your original injury/diagnosis this will also help.

A friend of mine lost his hand to a microlight prop some years ago. He is a CPL and flies anything from a Cessna 206 to a King Air. He's busy converting onto the Atlas Angel (turbine Kudu), a mean taildragger . Some planes (Cessna cropsprayer) he cannot fly, but he makes a plan with just about anything else. Its fun to watch the passenger's faces as they board and his prosthetic hand is attached to the control column before he gets in.
It all comes down to how much you want it! You may need to have hair on your teeth and the skin of a rhino, but its worth it in the end!
Regards
Jana

[Stephan van Tonder]

I don't think that will be a difficult one to overcome. Cheetah specifically - Instead of having the throttle on the left armrest you could simply get it panel mounted like most other airplanes. Don't think Rainbow will have any trouble doing that. Then as for the left foot a little weak - if you put a loop around the right hand rudder pedal that you hook your foot into (ala bicycle stiprrup) then surely you right foot will assist the left by pulling instead of the left only pushing. Get the medical done and form there I think it will be a cinch. DO IT !

[Petrodactyl]

Hi HeadTrauma

I whole-heartedly agree with all the encouragement. Don't take no for an answer until you have exhausted all avenues.

Someone else you need to contact is Bryan - on this forum using that name - from East London. 2 Years ago, he apparently could not get out of a wheelchair. Flies an unmodified trike really well with fairly his extensive disabilities.

Look him up and e-mail him. He is a passionate aviator, a really fine human being and always willing to help.

[Bennie Vorster]

Always been one of my favorite clips ...... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuMHSFPOzpc