Career limiting leg problems?
Thread Starter
When you live....
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 59
From: 0.0221 DME Keyboard
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.
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.
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 2
From: Europe
Hi UTR,
I am not a CASA AME but would reason that if you are fit enough and have the required strength to fly on a class 2 then I can not see why you would not fullfill the requirements for a class 1.
After all in principle both allow you to fly twins.
The FAA and the CAA (UK) have some differences in requirements and standards that have to be met for the different classes but none is related to strength in legs/arms.
I doubt whether there is much case study work available as your case will be pretty unique and as such it will come down on your specifics and the view that the certifying authorities will take.
Can't say anything sensible about employability after getting your tickets. Over here it would be difficult not to employ someon for having a scar on their leg if they are otherwise suitably trained and qualified.
I am not a CASA AME but would reason that if you are fit enough and have the required strength to fly on a class 2 then I can not see why you would not fullfill the requirements for a class 1.
After all in principle both allow you to fly twins.
The FAA and the CAA (UK) have some differences in requirements and standards that have to be met for the different classes but none is related to strength in legs/arms.
I doubt whether there is much case study work available as your case will be pretty unique and as such it will come down on your specifics and the view that the certifying authorities will take.
Can't say anything sensible about employability after getting your tickets. Over here it would be difficult not to employ someon for having a scar on their leg if they are otherwise suitably trained and qualified.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 13
From: Australia
CASA may want to do a functional assessment. Do you have a multi rating? If so, you could get a friendly FOI and DAME to organise an assessment flight.
CASA are quite flexible, as long as you can demonstrate the ability to control the aircraft, emergency egress, etc. I know of a bilateral amputee flying KingAirs for the military. He also holds a CASA Class 1, and a MECIR. There was a similar process to be followed with him.
AS FD said, most employers are only worried about whether you are appropriately qualified and experienced.
Cheers,
BM
CASA are quite flexible, as long as you can demonstrate the ability to control the aircraft, emergency egress, etc. I know of a bilateral amputee flying KingAirs for the military. He also holds a CASA Class 1, and a MECIR. There was a similar process to be followed with him.
AS FD said, most employers are only worried about whether you are appropriately qualified and experienced.
Cheers,
BM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: uk
UTR
Just to give you some moral support, I suffered from polio in the 1950's and as a result have no calf muscle on my left leg. My degree of mobility sounds similar to yours and I also walk with a limp which becomes more pronounced after long walks.
I was apprehensive about my first CAA Class 1 medical (over 30 years ago) but the doctor reckoned that I should'nt have a problem with assymetric flight and passed me. In all the medicals I have had since, it has'nt even been commented on!
I have had a long career with a major national airline and still have a current class 1 medical. I also know of two or three colleagues who do'nt have 100% mobility through illness or accident but are still flying.
As FD and BM say, I do'nt think you should have a problem with most employers.
Anyway good luck and keep us posted as to your progress
Just to give you some moral support, I suffered from polio in the 1950's and as a result have no calf muscle on my left leg. My degree of mobility sounds similar to yours and I also walk with a limp which becomes more pronounced after long walks.
I was apprehensive about my first CAA Class 1 medical (over 30 years ago) but the doctor reckoned that I should'nt have a problem with assymetric flight and passed me. In all the medicals I have had since, it has'nt even been commented on!
I have had a long career with a major national airline and still have a current class 1 medical. I also know of two or three colleagues who do'nt have 100% mobility through illness or accident but are still flying.
As FD and BM say, I do'nt think you should have a problem with most employers.
Anyway good luck and keep us posted as to your progress
Thread Starter
When you live....
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 59
From: 0.0221 DME Keyboard
VBG
Just a quick update to let you know that as of today, I am the proud owner of a JAR Class 1!
No problems whatsoever (with the leg - my colour vision gave me a few shaky moments though......)
Thanks to all for the advice and support.
Now, where's that number for Bristol GS gone.........:-)
UTR
No problems whatsoever (with the leg - my colour vision gave me a few shaky moments though......)
Thanks to all for the advice and support.
Now, where's that number for Bristol GS gone.........:-)
UTR
