Career limiting leg problems?
Hi all,
I'm looking for some info on the effect that some leg problems I have had might have on:
a) Class 1 medical (Australian version - don't know what it's called elsewhere - basically your CPL medical); and
b) Employment prospects - both heavies and other types.
Basically, I'm 31 and considering expanding on my PPL to making a career of it. However 3 years ago I developed 'Necrotising Pyo-mycitis' - which translates to the muscle eating version of flesh eating disease.
After massive anti-biotics and much surgery my left leg was saved (along with me!) and as a once off event it won't come back. Unfortunately, what also won't come back are the 3 muscles on the top portion of my thigh which are gone. If needs be I can go and search for their names but basically they all originate right on the hip bone and run down the front to various parts of the knee.
I have no problems with mobility - walking, limited running (before back gets sore), aerobics, cycling, skiing etc but there is a VERY large scar which gives the game away to anyone who looks. I haven't tried yet but am pretty certain that I still have the strength needed to stand on a rudder with an asymmetric engine failure on a light twin. Issues that I definately have are limping after walking long distances and problems mounting a bicycle from the RHS - i.e. standing up and lifting the left leg outwards is very difficult.
I'm fairly confident that the medical wouldn't be too much of a problem - I have renewed my Class 2 medical recently with no problems (although the DAME did say that if it was a class 1 he would have referred it to CASA), my main concern is that any airline would percieve (real or otherwise) a disability and not want to employ me. Anyway, it wouldn't take too much time or effort (relatively speaking) to find out about the medical compared to getting licensed and then finding out about the job scence.
Anyone with any knowledge or case studies, I'd be very grateful to know.
TIA
UTR.