Disabled/Amputee Pilot Support

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AcroGimp

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AcroGimp
Just wanted to post up here that I am a below-knee amputee (right leg) who also is a pilot.

I have successfully earned and held up to a First Class Medical, have experience with applying for, testing for, and receiving a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) Waiver, and would be happy to offer whatever guidance and encouragement I can with respect to becoming a pilot for aspiring disabled pilots.

When I was a kid my parents and I thought, incorrectly, that I would not be able to learn how to fly due to a birth defect, but with perseverence and a little willingness to work within the system (including a special SODA checkride with the FSDO), I now hold a Commercial license with Instr. Privileges.

I am fortunate to have flown 33 different make/model aircraft over the last 27 years including ultralights, many certified and experimental aircraft, aerobatic planes (Extra 300L, Christen Eagle II, Grob G103), a couple warbirds (T-6A Texan II, Yak-52) and even the Robinson R-22b helicopter.

IMAG0084-2.jpg


I have had to adopt several techniques to effectively and safely operate these different aircraft and am glad to share any of that experience if it might help other pilots.

You can read more about me and my flying adventures on my blog (in my signature) if you are interested.

So if you have any questions about how disabled folks can learn how to fly and earn their license, please use this as a place to begin (not intending to take anything away from the excellent guidance Dr. Bruce provides BTW).

Blue Skies!

'Gimp
 
Isn't this a refreshing change from pflemming's attutude about his checkride?
 
So nice to see people overcome the negatives and be positive role models.

Wish he would do the FAASTeam seminars.
 
Cool, dude. I read an interesting article by Budd Davisson regarding teaching an above the knee amputee how to fly a Pitts.

That's a good looking plane in your picture.
 
The process of SODAs for amputees is pretty straight forward in my experience, but it's the unknowns that makes an applicant worry. Just talking to someone who has "been there and done that" is a huge help.
 
Jeanie said:
Cool, dude. I read an interesting article by Budd Davisson regarding teaching an above the knee amputee how to fly a Pitts.

That's a good looking plane in your picture.
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That is my friend, aerobatics instructor and air show pilot Chuck Coleman's Extra 300L. Marvellous airplane, total blast to fly.

Budd's article is great and is one element that convinced me to try the Extra - I have since also flown a Christen Eagle II. I wasn't sure I would be able to handle a high-performance tailwheel airplane without an ankle - ended up a no-brainer.

'Gimp
 
Then you saw how the man modified his one ankle to have a swivel activated by a handle at his "knee" I thought that was brilliant.
 
John, and Brian:

You guys are bad-ass. While the world scurries around making excuses why they cannot succeed, guys like you are refusing to accede to failure.

It reminds me not to **** and moan.

Come to Dallas, I buy beer.
 
Good job, man

Forwarded your blog to a guy I know. He wants to come out to the US of A to learn to fly here, as there's no provision for SODA in his country. He's a skydiver with hundreds of jumps, over 2/3 of which he made being an amputee.
 
moonshine said:
Good job, man

Forwarded your blog to a guy I know. He wants to come out to the US of A to learn to fly here, as there's no provision for SODA in his country. He's a skydiver with hundreds of jumps, over 2/3 of which he made being an amputee.
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Thanks Max, any help I can be - aviation is a lot about paying it forward to me.

I did a tandem jump about 22 years ago, from 13,500 - it was a blast. We were of course a little worried my prosthetic leg might come off so the instructor told me he would yell in my ear before he deployed the main chute so I could pull my leg up close and hold on to it.

As should have been expected, between the excitement and the wind noise I didn't hear him and we went on to have what he described, and which the video confirmed as one of the most violent chute openings he had ever experienced. My prosthetic, which is a suction fit, actually slipped about 2-3 inches down my leg.

We were joking before we took off about how bad it would be for my leg to come off when we popped the chute and to fall to earth, landing near some poor Kansas farmer giving him a heart attack - actually discussed using duct tape around the leg of the dive suit.

I had to put my artificial foot on top of my good foot and try to push back down into my leg but I couldn't get good enough leverage to do it due to the harness so I had some swelling that was uncomfortable but we were OK once we got on the ground.

Skydiving is a sport I could see taking up, but with regular and aerobatic flying and motorcycles I already have enough spendy hobbies.

'Gimp
 
A line will form to ante up for subsequent rounds.

SCCutler said:
John, and Brian:

You guys are bad-ass. While the world scurries around making excuses why they cannot succeed, guys like you are refusing to accede to failure.

It reminds me not to **** and moan.

Come to Dallas, I buy beer.
Click to expand...
 
Jeanie said:
Then you saw how the man modified his one ankle to have a swivel activated by a handle at his "knee" I thought that was brilliant.
Click to expand...
Yes, and that was a cool part of the article however, my amputation and my prosthesis are very different - the guy in the article was above the knee so he couldn't effectively move his foot without the neat pivot he designed. I am below-knee with a long residual limb/stump that goes down to just above where my ankle would be, so that kind of technology/mechanical approach was not an option in my case.

For example, when using the brakes, I have to lift my foot up and move my whole leg to get onto toe brakes, so I basically mash with my right leg and then modulate/steer with my left foot. Sometimes takes a while to smooth it out but it works. Even when I had a left side brake lock-up on a Piper Warrior a bunch of years ago on landing, my right leg is my 'weak' side, but I was still able to keep the plane on a fairly narrow runway.

I haven't flown any heel brake planes, but in the Pipers for example, I use the parking brake handle (carefully) when I need max braking on landing.

'Gimp
 
I guess I'm OK to say I had the pleasure again of Brian's presence this week. He's a pretty serious aviator, and understands the traps and pitfalls of the 150 hp Cardinal available to him....

And he can do all the stuff :)
:)
 
bbchien said:
I guess I'm OK to say I had the pleasure again of Brian's presence this week. He's a pretty serious aviator, and understands the traps and pitfalls of the 150 hp Cardinal available to him....

And he can do all the stuff :)
:)
Click to expand...


I've put 45 hours in the last 3 months on this airplane and dad has owned it for about 8 years now, so I probably have around 150 hours total in this one.

She does...a few things well. Climbing & go-arounds on HOT days is NOT one of them...and full flaps are a trap ie pretty much committed on those hot days.

Been grossed out more than once. But when the temps are pushing 85 degrees, I really want to be 150#+ under gross. Even when the DA is only 2,500. Because the climb gradiant is...:yikes:

I've practiced a bit of step climbing on the hottest days too 95+. Back cylinders hover about 415 as I reach 5000 MSL and oil temp over 2/3. Let it cool off a bit then go up more if need.
 
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bnt83 said:
The process of SODAs for amputees is pretty straight forward in my experience, but it's the unknowns that makes an applicant worry. Just talking to someone who has "been there and done that" is a huge help.
Click to expand...
Brian, this is exactly why I wanted to start this conversation. The process can be easy or hard, but the not knowing if/how a disability might effect flying and the ability to get a medical can be tough to deal with.

Is your arm myo-electric or cable-operated? My leg is straight carbon fiber as well. They offered to cover it in a light fiberglass and make it skin-colored like normal but being an engineer I just really dug the carbon look.

'Gimp
 
The previous owner of my Pitts, and current IAC Advanced competitor, is a below the knee amputee from birth. I'm amazed he handled the airplane, but I bet he's not - having never known the difference.
 
AcroGimp said:
Brian, this is exactly why I wanted to start this conversation. The process can be easy or hard, but the not knowing if/how a disability might effect flying and the ability to get a medical can be tough to deal with.

Is your arm myo-electric or cable-operated? My leg is straight carbon fiber as well. They offered to cover it in a light fiberglass and make it skin-colored like normal but being an engineer I just really dug the carbon look.

'Gimp
Click to expand...

Myo...
 
whifferdill said:
The previous owner of my Pitts, and current IAC Advanced competitor, is a below the knee amputee from birth. I'm amazed he handled the airplane, but I bet he's not - having never known the difference.
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Would you be able to share his contact info via PM? I'd love to talk to him - hoping to begin competing next year if I can get a plane.

Thanks

'Gimp
 
i have stumbled across this forum whilst googling various things, i am tempted to do an add on commercial seaplane to my existing commercial rotorcraft but after reading this topic i felt i needed to post something in the spirit of helping anyone who needs advice or questions answered regarding SODAs in the rotary wing world.

I am a bi lateral below knee amputee. with a damaged shoulder and limited vision left eye.
i walk, drive unadapted vehicles (manual and automatic) and fly with 2 prosthetic limbs.
i hold FAA CPL(H) IR(H) EASA/JAA CPL(H) IR(H) FI(H) R22 R44 B206 EC135.
i understand i am the only one in the UK (and possibly the only one in Europe) with these ratings and disabilities.

i was a pilot before my motorbike accident and was initially told by my FAA/JAA AME i would never likely fly again (at that point i had only lost one leg) needless to say i don't give up and with the help of a UK CAA Dr. (sadly now retired) and the FAA in OK. i passed a couple of medical flight tests 1 in UK and 1 in USA and carry an FAA SODA with no restrictions or limitations. My EASA/JAA has a couple of limitations.

I would say to anyone regarding flying and disabilities, do not be put off, it is possible.

If i can help anyone move forwards in aviation or rehabilitation terms i will gladly do so.

Chester
 
AcroGimp said:
Just wanted to post up here that I am a below-knee amputee (right leg) who also is a pilot.

I have successfully earned and held up to a First Class Medical, have experience with applying for, testing for, and receiving a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) Waiver, and would be happy to offer whatever guidance and encouragement I can with respect to becoming a pilot for aspiring disabled pilots.

When I was a kid my parents and I thought, incorrectly, that I would not be able to learn how to fly due to a birth defect, but with perseverence and a little willingness to work within the system (including a special SODA checkride with the FSDO), I now hold a Commercial license with Instr. Privileges.

I am fortunate to have flown 33 different make/model aircraft over the last 27 years including ultralights, many certified and experimental aircraft, aerobatic planes (Extra 300L, Christen Eagle II, Grob G103), a couple warbirds (T-6A Texan II, Yak-52) and even the Robinson R-22b helicopter.

IMAG0084-2.jpg


I have had to adopt several techniques to effectively and safely operate these different aircraft and am glad to share any of that experience if it might help other pilots.

You can read more about me and my flying adventures on my blog (in my signature) if you are interested.

So if you have any questions about how disabled folks can learn how to fly and earn their license, please use this as a place to begin (not intending to take anything away from the excellent guidance Dr. Bruce provides BTW).

Blue Skies!

'Gimp
Click to expand...
So I recently had my feet partially amputated and I'm wondering if it's possible to obtain a pilot's license as a partial amputee, I know this post is very old but it popped up on Google when I was doing research.
I still have enough foot left to be able to operate pedals on an automobile so I'm thinking I should be able to operate the rudder on an aircraft as well.
Any information or help is greatly appreciated thank you.
 
AcroGimp said:
Just wanted to post up here that I am a below-knee amputee (right leg) who also is a pilot.

I have successfully earned and held up to a First Class Medical, have experience with applying for, testing for, and receiving a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) Waiver, and would be happy to offer whatever guidance and encouragement I can with respect to becoming a pilot for aspiring disabled pilots.

When I was a kid my parents and I thought, incorrectly, that I would not be able to learn how to fly due to a birth defect, but with perseverence and a little willingness to work within the system (including a special SODA checkride with the FSDO), I now hold a Commercial license with Instr. Privileges.

I am fortunate to have flown 33 different make/model aircraft over the last 27 years including ultralights, many certified and experimental aircraft, aerobatic planes (Extra 300L, Christen Eagle II, Grob G103), a couple warbirds (T-6A Texan II, Yak-52) and even the Robinson R-22b helicopter.

IMAG0084-2.jpg


I have had to adopt several techniques to effectively and safely operate these different aircraft and am glad to share any of that experience if it might help other pilots.

You can read more about me and my flying adventures on my blog (in my signature) if you are interested.

So if you have any questions about how disabled folks can learn how to fly and earn their license, please use this as a place to begin (not intending to take anything away from the excellent guidance Dr. Bruce provides BTW).

Blue Skies!

'Gimp
Click to expand...
Hey Acro,
I know this is an old thread and I hope you're still watching it. I'm a left arm total amputee. No stump, no prosthesis. I'm also a sport pilot. I've found that most LSA aircraft can barely carry two people. My wife and I are a little heavier than most pilots and we can't carry the two of us and full fuel in ANY light sport aircraft. The two of us and 15 gallons of gas is about the best we can hope for. Since we like traveling, this is a big issue. I want to get my private pilot certificate but I'm scared to death that I'll fail my medical. If I fail my medical, I can never fly again according to sport pilot rules until I can pass a medical.

What was the medical evaluation and SODA flight experience for you? What can I expect?

Thank you for your time!
 
Thanks for the uplifting!

I have a friend that is currently taking lessons for a sport certificate. He has some cerebral palsy and sadly some folks have given him a bit of mocking over it.

He's a couple of hours away from his check ride and I expect him to do well. Took him for a ride a couple of years ago and let him fly my plane a bit. Got him totally hooked! :)
 
Hi all. was trying to find some info and google brought me here. I've been reading the posts and have been finding them very informative. I am not sure if this is somewhere to ask but thought I would give it a try in case anyone was still following the thread. In my current book I am working on there is a character who ended up with above the knee amputation on one leg and below the elbow on the opposite arm from the MEDEVAC she was piloting being shot down. She has the means for getting top of the line prosthetics. Would someone with these 'limitations' be able to pilot an airplane and helicopter as a private contractor?
 
I had a friend who worked for the NTSB and he said there was (this dates it) an Eastern pilot who lost his arm in an accident. He got his first class back but the airlines wouldn't take him back. He ended up at the NTSB. Jack told me it was amazing watching the guy flying the simulators when researching accident scenarios.
 
Wolfbard said:
Hi all. was trying to find some info and google brought me here. I've been reading the posts and have been finding them very informative. I am not sure if this is somewhere to ask but thought I would give it a try in case anyone was still following the thread. In my current book I am working on there is a character who ended up with above the knee amputation on one leg and below the elbow on the opposite arm from the MEDEVAC she was piloting being shot down. She has the means for getting top of the line prosthetics. Would someone with these 'limitations' be able to pilot an airplane and helicopter as a private contractor?
Click to expand...
As there is a lady pilot with no arms currently flying, I'd imagine so, though they'd have to demonstrate for the FAA they could do everything required, and get a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA).
 
flyingron said:
I had a friend who worked for the NTSB and he said there was (this dates it) an Eastern pilot who lost his arm in an accident. He got his first class back but the airlines wouldn't take him back. He ended up at the NTSB. Jack told me it was amazing watching the guy flying the simulators when researching accident scenarios.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your help :) I didn't expect a reply so quick with seeing how long ago the last entries were. I appreciate the help :)
 
Kenny Phillips said:
As there is a lady pilot with no arms currently flying, I'd imagine so, though they'd have to demonstrate for the FAA they could do everything required, and get a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA).
Click to expand...

Thank you for your reply. From what you and flyinggron have said, I should be good to go with the plotline I was hoping to use. You all have been very helpful :)
 
Wolfbard said:
Hi all. was trying to find some info and google brought me here. I've been reading the posts and have been finding them very informative. I am not sure if this is somewhere to ask but thought I would give it a try in case anyone was still following the thread. In my current book I am working on there is a character who ended up with above the knee amputation on one leg and below the elbow on the opposite arm from the MEDEVAC she was piloting being shot down. She has the means for getting top of the line prosthetics. Would someone with these 'limitations' be able to pilot an airplane and helicopter as a private contractor?
Click to expand...

Sounds similar to the Senator Tammy Duckworth story. She wasn’t flying MEDEVAC though.
 
Wolfbard said:
I haven't heard of her. I'll look her up :)
Click to expand...
LADDA TAMMY DUCKWORTH
Medical Information:
Medical Class: Third Medical Date: 7/2014
MUST WEAR CORRECTIVE LENSES.
Certificate: COMMERCIAL PILOT
Date of Issue: 3/11/2020

Ratings:
COMMERCIAL PILOT
ROTORCRAFT-HELICOPTER
INSTRUMENT HELICOPTER
PRIVATE PRIVILEGES
AIRPLANE SINGLE ENGINE LAND

I wold note that "date of issue" may just be the date of an address change or similar - not the date the actual certificate was originally issued.
 
Wolfbard said:
I should be good to go with the plotline I was hoping to use.
Click to expand...
FYI: there were a number of Vietnam pilots that continued into civilian rotorcraft careers with various missing appendages. Good luck.
 
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