Instructor Question

[Rick in Dixie]

Hi Gentlemen, I have a unique question for an Instuctor or any one else that may be able to help, After I graduated High School back in 1980 , I wanted to inlist in the Army or the National Gaurd primarly to get training to be a helicopter pilot, first off I was denied for the Army and National guard due to a neuological condition called Tourrets Syndrom , i was told I would have to seek private instructions to get involved in Helicopters, now question at hand is would I be able to pass an FAA physical ? In reality I've studied heli flight enough over the years to probably go fly with very little instuction , but the problem is passing that physical , I have no type of movement that would interfer with the collective, cyclic or the rudder control and have complete understanding of the dynamics of Heli flight , I was told that I could get a fixed wing with no problem , but thats not what I want to do . Can someone help me or link me with someone that will know where I stand as far as being able to legally fly. I never thought I would be able drive an 18 wheeler untill someone pointed me in the right direction , then I done it for a living for over 16 years , I keep thinking theres got to be a way to do what I love the most. Thanks

[Whirlygig]

There's only one way to find out - go and get the medical examination. Secondly, go and have a trial helicopter lesson - again, that's the only way you'll know if you'll enjoy it.

However, if you think there's a danger you might fail a medical (and eyesight is the most common reason), do not spend loads of money learning to fly first.

Cheers

Whirls

[Whirlybird]

Whirls is right - go and try the medical. I'd tell you that even if you didn't have any kind of problem - no point in spending shedloads of money and getting your hopes up unless you know for certain that you can pass a medical.

Now...
In reality I've studied heli flight enough over the years to probably go fly with very little instuction ,

Look, mate, as an instructor let me tell you something. I don't care how much you've studied, and what you think you know, actually flying a helicopter is very, very different - and you'll still find it difficult in the beginning; we all do. What do you mean by "very little instruction"? You may know about the theory, but you'll still need an instructor to sit there for quite a long time to prevent you killing yourself while you master the controls, and actually, that's most of what we do!!! And while you're doing that, be prepared to listen to what he/she says. I'm met people who think they know it all, or most of it, and on the whole they take ages to learn because they won't listen and refuse to learn from someone with more experience. I'm not saying you'll be like that...but just make sure you're not, or it'll take you much longer than it should.

In fact, when you start learning to fly - if you do - don't start off with any assumptions as to what it'll be like. And, talking of making assumptions, neither Whirlygig nor I are "gentlemen"; we're members of the other half of the population. ;)

[Disguise Delimit]

Tourettes - isn't that the f**#@!**% syndrome where can't control the urge to f**&^%$# swear or make odd noises?

Perhaps they are cautious of allowing someone with this f@@**&% problem to get near a **&&^%$ radio microphone?:eek:

[Floppy Link]

...In reality I've studied heli flight enough over the years to probably go fly with very little instuction...

I got a case of ITTS (instantaneous temporary Tourettes syndrome) on reading this. The other half just came through with a coffee and enquired sweetly:

"Why were you shouting "Bullshoite" at the computer, dear?"

[Heli-Ice]

Quote:
In reality I've studied heli flight enough over the years to probably go fly with very little instuction ,

With this attitude and approach to heli flying you might end up like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPCS6j76bhE&mode=related&search=

[Twiddle]

Tourettes is actually a requirement for driving 18 wheelers, and I bet a lot of ATC pepes probably have a touch after they've unkeyed the mike....

Now, where's my f*&%ing coffee......

[slowtyper]

If you fly these F#$%ing things for long eF%^&ingnough if you didn't already have it you probably F^&*ing will now.

[SASless]

Hellfire, I thought flying helicopters for a while would generate the same symptoms. Sounds like fishing is good in Dixie!

[noblades]

God bless america:}

Only in The goog old U.S of A is it a mental illness to want to :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: . In the U.K and I think Oz isn't far behind, Tmisms are the norm, if a word is too long it is easier to stick a F*:mad: k in the middle without being put in a padded cell and let's face it, you have to be a bit mental to want to sit in a tin can 2000ft about the ground with a VW strapped to your a*s and an egg beater above your head. In short, go for it mate, I know many nutters who fly (some being the more colourful and interesting people I know too)

[EX-PJ]

Rick,

About 25 years ago I had a primary helicopter flight student that shared your condition. When he was under stress (almost every moment in the cock pit) he would get all wiggy. He had more money then brains I think!
I encouraged him to get to a FAA Flight Doc before he ended up hocking his house to pursue his desire to fly.

Ultimately the FAA denied his medical, not for the condition, but for the meds he had taken to control it.

As stated that was a loooooooooong time ago and things may have changed.

As an additional note. If you still have a burning desire to get into helicopters. You can always be a ENG camera operator or on air talent!
Most of them are very good and professional, then again, with some your condition would be a welcome disorder on board!:8

[ShyTorque]

Quote: "Now, where's my f*&%ing coffee......"
Mine's sprayed all over the keyboard and monitor...... :}
Many of us old farts have overcome this condition. With regard to bad language, the trick is to let go of the transmit switch at the correct moment, i.e save them all up until after you have acknowledged the ATC instruction to continue holding or go around their airspace....... :E

[Rick in Dixie]

It appears that a lot of you speaking only of what you have heard about Tourrets , and not of what you know for fact. The fact is that only a percentage of people with this condition have verbal ticks ,and a percentage of them also have muscular ticks that totally disable them , but I on the other hand have only a mild head movement that is hardly noticable , and as far as the Meds, some do work but they come with a price , and that is not being able to function at anything other than holding down the couch . Yes the fishing is good in Dixie but on if you on Perihadinol , you can't even fish worth a damn. I've not taken any meds since Junior High School so that would not be an issue. In select enviroments I have a good element of control of my condition, so meds are not nessesary. Now let me rephrase myself on not needing instruction , what I was refering to is not having to cram day and night in the books , just a read through to refresh what I've alread learned . I for one know that hands on flying is not a walk in the park , its a skill learned over a long period of time and even a professional pilot can get killed in the same amont of time it takes for the engine to spool up. Take Nascar Driver Davy Allison for example, he had been flying for almost a year when he experienced "Settleing With Power" while trying to land in between two large buildings at Talldaga Speedway . Even with his experience, he was unable to save his own life . I know this will be a long row to hoe for me at 46 years old , but in my heart its worth it. I just wanted some opinions and I guess I got some , as to some of the comments , it takes a whole lot more than that to hurt my feelings and in no way will turn me away from pursueing this . Thanks

[ShyTorque]

Rick, some here were obviously not sure if you were a genuine poster or not. I wasn't sure but I do believe you now, my apology for any (minor) doubt I might have had. I wish you well, some good advice was given with regard to a medical check as your first step. Good luck!

[rudestuff]

Well, the medical required for a F/W license is the same one for helicopters (although as we all know helis require FAR more skill!) so get yourself to a AME and ask for a class 2. Obviously its up to him/her whether or not you're fit - and obviously if you're a complete nutter you shouldn't get it. If not, you should, and best of luck to you. Shell out $100 and you'll have the answer to your question.

[Shawn Coyle]

Rick in Dixie:
I'd go have the medical - a very good friend of mine in Canada has what sounds like a worse case than you have, and I've not seen anyone with as smooth a touch on the controls. He not only has a commercial license (FW), but also an instrument rating.
It was a bit un-nerving to watch this gentleman when I first met him, but he very quickly impressed all with his intelligence and drive.
When he has what I would call a spasm, he lets go of the controls and picks them up when it passes with nary a bump. It's actually quite incredible to see him in action.
So - go for it! (but don't be surprised if you don't do as well as you might think at the flying bit first time!)
Good luck!

[Heli-Ice]

RiD

Please accept my apologies, I am with Shy on the misconception on your posting.

The AME is your next step but do not stop posting here in the future, we are bunch of nice people you know. ;)

[Head..er..wind]

Well done Heli-Ice, it'd be nice to see a few others do the same and pull their heads out of their bum at the same time. Why can't some of you just jump down from your high horses occasionally and say something sensible, and at the same time maybe show some of us low timers that the number one requirement to be a high time super chopper pilot is NOT actually to be a ******? C'mon people, there are some who do actually admire what you do for a living and would like to be able to do the same. Is that so bad, and does it mean you have to attack individuals. Maybe next time if you think that someone isn't a genuine poster just ignore them.

[ShyTorque]

Did someone just say sumthin'? :E

[topendtorque]

Did someone just say sumthin'? :E

Nope just a bad wind me thinks.

eighteen wheeler, the guys over here that drive them and the much larger variety with many wheels, have a touch and perception for control input that would leave most of us for dead.

i've even had a go at a few myself, but the kamikaze tourists that seem to just love ending up underneath them really puts a downer on it as a sport.

A mate of mine gave me some real good advise, to be a truick driver requires slightly less intellingence than a very average ab. which is probably somewhere around what we need. good luck.