Disabled Pilots

[AbledFlight]

I've always had a massive passion for flying and cant get enough of being in the air. I am and will do all I can to fly more and more throughout my lifetime, and feel that trying to break into this competitive industry or at least getting a liscence for private flying is the way forward.

Unfortunately, I am classed as "disabled" as I have LG-MD, however I am not too severely affected by it and my mobility is good. When at OASC for a flying scholarship earlier this month, I had a med with a CAA doc and he assured me I'd be fine for a class 2, and he could see no problems with a class 1 cert.

Now with that in mind I have two questions for anyone reading:

A) Have you any experience with working disabled pilots, challenges or success stories?

B) What would you suggest as the best way "forwards" - whether that be flying for a regional airline, helis, anything! Remember I'm flying mad, so to be honest I dont care what I'm in, although I'd rather avoid international flights/airlines. At the end of the day, I'm problably fighting here with one hand tied behind my back, so it's even more a case of "whatever I can get"!

I thank you in advance for your replies!

[QDMQDMQDM]

Go and see if you can get a Class 1 and then you can do whatever you like.

Good luck.

[2close]

Although I do understand that you don't have a mobility issue, there is definitely 1 x wheelchair user working as a CPL (ex-Harrier pilot, fan stopped 100+' AGL and dropped out of sky) and I do believe there is another wheelchair user working as a CPL so the door is definitely open.

Get in touch with the British Disabled Flying Association, who should be able to help you.

http://www.bdfa.net/

Also, speak to Old Sarum Airfield (well, a person at the airfield - talking to the airfield itself won't get you very far!!). They run courses for disabled persons and have accessible accommodation in the way of converted static caravans on site.

Please keep us posted with your progress.

HTH

2close

[AbledFlight]

I was assured by the CAA doctor a class 1 would be fine. I was at Cranditz undergoing selection for an FSD scholarship, and am in the process of joining the BDFA, unfortunately I didn't get the FS(not told why) but was invited back next year.

As for my progress, I've been keeping a "blog" here. - Should give you a better picture, and also explains more!

Is there any particular route/area of flying careers that you think would be most suitable. (i.e. wouldn't discriminate)

Thanks for your help and encouragement!