Semi-Blindness and JAR Licence

[Lomcovaks]

I've just returned from my end of Summer tour in France visiting friends near Bordeaux.

I was introduced to a lively but very depressed Frenchman who my friend introduced to flying last year. He was immediately smitten and started lessons at his nearest aero-club.

Just before going solo he took his medical and failed as it was discovered he was blind in one eye from birth. He'd never thought to mention it as it's no problem...he drives a car and races his motorcycle.

I took him up for a short aerobatic outing and it re-ignited his enthusiasm and I urged him to contact the senior medical authorities to find out if being blind in one eye is really a bar to acquiring a PPL.

Can any learned reader inform me if the regulations specifically preclude gaining your class 2 medical and consequently a PPL through being semi-blind?

If I can find chapter and verse in the regulations which may encourage him when contacting the French medical authorities I'm sure it would give him heart to continue.

Many thanks in advance.

Lom.

[Flyin'Dutch']

Pre-JAR there were provisions for people that were monocular. I don't know whether that is still the case. Am sure that the DGAC would be helpful in finding out what the rules are.

I know for a fact that the FAA allows monocular people to fly and gain their licence. They have to have 20/20 vision and the refractive error may not be more than 3.5D. They have to do a flight test with an FAA examiner to demonstrate their ability to fly safely.

HTH.

FD

[skydriller]

FD/Lom,

My experience (though limited I admit) of the DGAC says that unless you know exactly who you need to talk to there you will not get much help at all!!

In addition to the DGAC though, there is an organisation in France called the FNA Federation National Aeronautique which supports/encourages/promotes GA flying in France, and I suggest trying them, as they may be more user friendly to your friend.

WebsiteHere (http://www.fna.asso.fr)

Out of interest, whereabouts is your friend in relation to Bordeaux and where was he flying from? I am very surprised no-one at his aeroclub can help him (mine is very friendly & supportive) with info or help him find a way around the problem, especially as he got to solo stage and no-one noticed any problems.:confused:

Regards, SD..

PS, I will ask around at my club next time Im there to see if anyone knows anything about disability exemptions here.

[dublinpilot]

You might also consider posting in the medical forum. Might get more specific answers there.

[Lomcovaks]

Thank you all very much for the suggestions so far.

I'll e-mail my friend with the FNA details to pass on to the chap.

He was flying at Libourne LFDI and I too was rather surprised at the indifference from the flying club.

I'll revert to you with the result of anything I hear about how far this young man gets.

Thanks again,

Lom

[Flyin'Dutch']

Ah, Libourne.

Not had more exposure to the club than that they were helpful in trying to sort out an instructor for some dual.

What a pleasant place to sit in the sun enjoying a beer or two and watching the world go by! Happy memories of a good holiday in Bordeaux.

FD