INFO -FAQ'S
INTERNATIONAL WHEELCHAIR AVIATORS
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Can A Paraplegic, Amputee, or Person With A Leg Handicap Fly?
If the handicapped person has normal health and can counter their disability with quick
reflexes or a suitable alternative control, they can probably fly. Flying does not require great
strength, but does demand good headwork. Several hundred paraplegics, quadriplegics,
and amputees have successfully flown over the years and proven their abilities to the FAA
and other controlling authorities throughout the world
If the handicapped person has normal health and can counter their disability with quick
reflexes or a suitable alternative control, they can probably fly. Flying does not require great
strength, but does demand good headwork. Several hundred paraplegics, quadriplegics,
and amputees have successfully flown over the years and proven their abilities to the FAA
and other controlling authorities throughout the world
How Do I Start?
Go on out to the airport and make some inquires about what kind of training planes they
use, price, etc. Then see about getting yourself a hand control. It’s not as easy as it
sounds, there’s a big demand for them.
Once past that hurdle, get your medical exam out of the way because you can begin
without it, but you can’t solo. Check with one of the flight school operators at the airport
and find out who the designated medical examiners are in your area. If possible go to a
flight surgeon that has previously examined other disabled applicants and treated them
without prejudice. Apply for a 3rd class medical. If your disability prevents normal
compliance with the regulations, the examiner will forward the results of the exam to the
aeromedical office for evaluation and approval. This can take six weeks or longer and
would be a good time to enter into ground school and study for the private rating.
After you receive your 3rd class medical and student pilot permit you will be ready to
start flight training. If you can afford to buy your own plane, equip it with a set of hand
controls and proceed. An alternative is to rent an aircraft and use a set of portable hand
controls. The problem is finding a set of approved hand controls that will fit the rental
aircraft.
Go on out to the airport and make some inquires about what kind of training planes they
use, price, etc. Then see about getting yourself a hand control. It’s not as easy as it
sounds, there’s a big demand for them.
Once past that hurdle, get your medical exam out of the way because you can begin
without it, but you can’t solo. Check with one of the flight school operators at the airport
and find out who the designated medical examiners are in your area. If possible go to a
flight surgeon that has previously examined other disabled applicants and treated them
without prejudice. Apply for a 3rd class medical. If your disability prevents normal
compliance with the regulations, the examiner will forward the results of the exam to the
aeromedical office for evaluation and approval. This can take six weeks or longer and
would be a good time to enter into ground school and study for the private rating.
After you receive your 3rd class medical and student pilot permit you will be ready to
start flight training. If you can afford to buy your own plane, equip it with a set of hand
controls and proceed. An alternative is to rent an aircraft and use a set of portable hand
controls. The problem is finding a set of approved hand controls that will fit the rental
aircraft.
What Kind Of Airplanes Can I Fly?
Disabled pilots are flying are flying all kinds of airplanes: Cessna: 150, 172, 182, 210,
337, Cardinal, Cutlass Piper: Cherokee 140, 180, 235, Warrior, Arrow, Six, Saratoga,
Lance Beechcraft: Bonanza, Debonair, A-36, Baron, Duke. All of these planes have been
successfully equipped with a hand control for leg-handicapped pilots. Used airplane
prices can range from $20,000 to $300,000. A good used 4 place Cessna or Cherokee
can be purchased for about $35,000.
Disabled pilots are flying are flying all kinds of airplanes: Cessna: 150, 172, 182, 210,
337, Cardinal, Cutlass Piper: Cherokee 140, 180, 235, Warrior, Arrow, Six, Saratoga,
Lance Beechcraft: Bonanza, Debonair, A-36, Baron, Duke. All of these planes have been
successfully equipped with a hand control for leg-handicapped pilots. Used airplane
prices can range from $20,000 to $300,000. A good used 4 place Cessna or Cherokee
can be purchased for about $35,000.
Flying Organizations
The International Wheelchair Aviators (IWA) has over 250 members world-wide. To join
the IWA, complete and mail in the enclosed application. You do not have to be
handicapped to join. We welcome all interested persons.
Each member will receive the bi-monthly newsletter and membership roster. The roster
details the injury, aircraft flown, kind of hand control used and contact information for
each member. It’s helpful to be aware of handicapped flying activities and be able to
contact others with similar disabilities that may be able to assist you in your flying
career.
The International Wheelchair Aviators (IWA) has over 250 members world-wide. To join
the IWA, complete and mail in the enclosed application. You do not have to be
handicapped to join. We welcome all interested persons.
Each member will receive the bi-monthly newsletter and membership roster. The roster
details the injury, aircraft flown, kind of hand control used and contact information for
each member. It’s helpful to be aware of handicapped flying activities and be able to
contact others with similar disabilities that may be able to assist you in your flying
career.
A WORLDWIDE ORGANIZATION OF DISABLED AND ABLE BODIED PILOTS |