[misc.handicap] Disabled Pilots

John.Lynch@p0.f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (John Lynch) (07/18/90)

Index Number: 9197

To W.K. (Bill) Gorman,
 
Bill can you rach me on the National Disability Conference.  If so, 
I guess we can discuss disabled pilots here, unless the conference 
echo moderator has a problem with it.(Speak up Mr. Moderator if there 
is a problem, I am not usually on this echo, and thus unfamiliar 
with the policies.)
Finding a good instructor can ge critical for you.  If it takes you 
a few minutes longer to get into and out of the plane, plus some 
time to hook up your hand controls, he may feel that you are demanding 
more of his time then it is worth to him.  Dump him and get another 
instructor.  I would suggest that you sit around the FBO and talknto 
the instructors to get their feelings and let them understand your 
needs.  Talk to the owner or manager of the FBO, Fixed
Based Operator, and finjd out his policies.  There is a need for 
new pilots, so he should be willing to meet your needs.
As far as the medical is concerned, you need to go to a FAA authorized 
doctor and get a third class physical.  You will most likely flunk 
it, depending on your disability.  At that point contact the local 
FAA office and find out the address to send for a request for waiver 
of disability form Oklohoma City.  They wil probable send you a physical 
that allows for instruction and solo flight.  When you go for your 
liscense, the FAA check pilot will then give you a new medical and 
a waiver of disablility for use when you get your next medical.  
Don't loose it.  But you will not need the physical to flynwith an 
instructor, so you may want to try flying with anninstructor, and 
talking to the FAA about obtaining the waiver before you actually 
go for the physical.
Well, that is a start.  Let me know your physical problem, and I 
can probable give you some more advice and addresses.
About myself.  If flew B-52s in the Air Force, and became a paraplegic 
from a motor cycle accident.  I started flying again about 2 years 
later.  Since I all ready had a commercial liscense, I just need 
a medical.  But I needed to demonstrate to the FAAthat the disablity 
didn't affect my ability to fly the plane.  I needed about 12 hours 
of instruction to get back up to flying speed, get use to flying 
small planes again,  after flying 488,000 lb. planes in the AF.  
and get use to the hand controls.  Heck it took me an hour just to 
get comfortable taxing again at a small airpoir with narrow taxi 
ways going up and down hills.  but I know paras , quads, and triple
amputees who have learned to fly.  So go for it.  Drop me another 
note and lets discuss some more.  If this echo isn't good, drop me 
a letter at 15103 Priceville Rd., Sparks, Md 21152.
Regards, John 

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Joe.Chamberlain@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain) (07/18/90)

Index Number: 9214

 UO> From  uunet!CMUVM.BITNET!34AEJ7D
     
 UO>      A while back someone posted part of a message from you about
 UO> disABLED pilots to this echo, but didn't know your E-address. I
 UO> don't have the Aviation Echo available, but I am definitely
 UO> interested in disABLED aviation. I have tried a time or two,
 UO> but I usually just get the run-around from FIs. Lots of
 UO> simulator time, only a few hours stick time. I would like
 UO> to hear your comments. Seems like the obstacles to getting a license
 UO> as a disABLED pilot get thicker the farther along in the process
 UO> one gets.
 UO> Thanks.
 UO> W. K. (Bill) Gorman
     
        There is a disable pilots organization and I posted the
information about a gathering in Minn. this month.

        The primary reason that you are most likely getting the
run around by the FI's is that they don't know or down want to
take the time to know.  Depending on the aircraft there are
numerours type approved hand controls to fly everything from a
Cessan 172 to a Beech Baron.  Some aircraft like the old aircoup
are crosslinked and can be controlled with just the yoke.

        Where have you been doing you flying and in one type of
aircraft?  There is a fellow here in Delawsre who was
instructioning several years ago.  Lots of times it is good to
tie into a private instructor who belongs to a club.  You buy a
block of time from the club on his account and you both benefit

        If you want to discuss this further keep in touch.

                                -=joe=-

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Bill.Baughn@f10.n130.z1.fidonet.org (Bill Baughn) (07/18/90)

Index Number: 9216

 
TO: Bill Gorman uunet!CMUVM.BITNET!34AEJ7D 
 
BG>  Seems like the obstacles to getting a license as a disABLED pilot get 
BG>  thicker the farther along in the process one gets. 
 
 
Bill, 
 
      One of our members who was a corporate pilot lost both legs just 
above the knees when he hit a power line in a home built aircraft. 
 
      Since that time he has requalified for his airline transport rating 
and become active in the Wheelchair Pilots Association. Every time I try to 
get in touch with him he seems to be taking an FAA check ride to become 
certified in another multi-engine jet.  I think he is certified in nine 
different types now. 
 
      He definately know the ins and outs of dealing with FAA.  If you 
would like to write to him you can do so through my office 
 
                                Bob Yarmey 
                   c/o North Texas Amputee Support Group 
                               5427 Redfield 
                             Dallas, TX 75235 
 
                             Other Resources: 
 
                      Wheelchair Pilots' Association 
                         11018  102nd Ave., North 
                              Largo, FL 33540 
                              (813) 393-3131 
 
                  American Wheelchair Pilots' Association 
                              c/o Dave Graham 
                            1621 East 2nd Ave. 
                              Mesa, AZ 85204 
                              (602) 831-4262 
 
                      California Wheelchair Aviators 
                              Bill Blackwood 
                           1117 Rising Hill Way 
                            Escondido, CA 92025 
                              (619) 746-5018 

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John.Lynch@p0.f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (John Lynch) (08/10/90)

Index Number: 9669

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

Ok, Joe, found the addresses.  The power group is tbe California 
Wheelchair Aviators, 1117 Rising Hill Way, Escondido, CA 92025.  I am 
pretty sure this is Bill Blackwood's house.
The other group for sailplanes is Freedom's Wings International, 277 
Malapardis Road, Morris Plains, NJ 07950.  Phone (201)267-0479.
Phome number of California Wheelchair Aviators is (619)746-5018.  
Tell your friend good luck and good flying!
Regards, John

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