Statement of Demonstrated Ability
02-06-2011 | 02:38 PM
#1
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From: Airbus
Statement of Demonstrated Ability
I have a SODA for a lower leg prosthesis (below knee). I have a first class medical with "must wear corrective lenses" as the only restriction. I have been flying for 6 years and have had no problems flying with a prosthesis. My real questions come down to disclosure of the SODA on applications, and how it will be viewed during the application/hiring process.
If an application asks if your medical has any "special instructions," should this include 1) restrictions such as wearing corrective lenses? 2) mentioning of the SODA?
I don't want to put something down that I'm not supposed to. I am not trying to hide the fact that I have a SODA, just don't know where/when it should be brought up. I fully expect, if I get the chance to interview, to explain the SODA and answer any questions that may arise.
Also, will a SODA negatively impact my chances of getting an interview or somehow not get me through a review board? I know there are airline pilots out there that fly with the same condition as me, but it still worries me. This is the only thing I want to do.
If an application asks if your medical has any "special instructions," should this include 1) restrictions such as wearing corrective lenses? 2) mentioning of the SODA?
I don't want to put something down that I'm not supposed to. I am not trying to hide the fact that I have a SODA, just don't know where/when it should be brought up. I fully expect, if I get the chance to interview, to explain the SODA and answer any questions that may arise.
Also, will a SODA negatively impact my chances of getting an interview or somehow not get me through a review board? I know there are airline pilots out there that fly with the same condition as me, but it still worries me. This is the only thing I want to do.
02-06-2011 | 03:21 PM
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From: Engines Turn or People Swim
I have a SODA for a lower leg prosthesis (below knee). I have a first class medical with "must wear corrective lenses" as the only restriction. I have been flying for 6 years and have had no problems flying with a prosthesis. My real questions come down to disclosure of the SODA on applications, and how it will be viewed during the application/hiring process.
If an application asks if your medical has any "special instructions," should this include 1) restrictions such as wearing corrective lenses? 2) mentioning of the SODA?
I don't want to put something down that I'm not supposed to. I am not trying to hide the fact that I have a SODA, just don't know where/when it should be brought up. I fully expect, if I get the chance to interview, to explain the SODA and answer any questions that may arise.
Also, will a SODA negatively impact my chances of getting an interview or somehow not get me through a review board? I know there are airline pilots out there that fly with the same condition as me, but it still worries me. This is the only thing I want to do.
If an application asks if your medical has any "special instructions," should this include 1) restrictions such as wearing corrective lenses? 2) mentioning of the SODA?
I don't want to put something down that I'm not supposed to. I am not trying to hide the fact that I have a SODA, just don't know where/when it should be brought up. I fully expect, if I get the chance to interview, to explain the SODA and answer any questions that may arise.
Also, will a SODA negatively impact my chances of getting an interview or somehow not get me through a review board? I know there are airline pilots out there that fly with the same condition as me, but it still worries me. This is the only thing I want to do.
- Your condition is stable.
- You have demonstrated it is a not factor in your flying.
- Many airlines do not ask about anything other than what is written on your medical.
As far as the question on the app, it really comes down to the exact wording..."special instructions on your medical" would include insignificant things like corrective lenses, as well as the more ominous special issuance. A SODA does not (as far as I know) appear on your medical at all...it is a document which allows you to obtain a medical despite some condition. So you have to read the question and try to interpret what they are asking.
Also, and best of all... most pilot medical issues do not trigger the ADA, since they are usually not severe enough to significantly interfere with daily living (ex. the need to wear glasses or contacts). A missing limb however will almost certainly qualify you for ADA protection, which means an airline which DID become aware of it would need very good reasons to justify NOT hiring you, since otherwise they would lose the lawsuit. I think you might WANT them to ask about it...once that is disclosed your odds of getting hired are probably better than mine (average white dude).
But I would like to hear what Lori thinks about this one (drum roll)...
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