You could buy one of those telescopic walking sticks, carry it in your flight bag and then use it to help support your weight as you squeeze, one leg at a time, into the command seat. It might be a little painful on the ego, using the thing for a month or two, but it's nothing compared to the fairly extended agony that a tumble could cause, let alone a further grounding. You might even hit your head and knock yourself out. Cockpits are full of pain inflicting knobs!
Having had a Birmingham resurface some years ago, I'd say that the time scales are about right. It's not so much about what you think you can do but rather the damage you can cause if you slip up.