Is it possible to be a pilot with...?
07-21-2019, 06:30 PM
#1
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2019
Posts: 1
Is it possible to be a pilot with...?
Hi everyone!
I am 20 yo male currently in Illinois, US and decided to become a pilot. Know steps to do for achieving my goal but the only concern that I have is a health condition. I have scoliosis (thoracic scoliosis, right curve, visually can see minor disorders, no influence on my movement and productivity. Doing sports to prevent progressive.) and astigmatism (right eye doesn't have normal objective focus and it requires glasses )
Read faa.gov but didn't find any clear answer on my questions. Hope you will help me.
1. Can I become a pilot of all classifications ( PPL, CPL , Airline pilot etc) with these conditions?
2. Should I try visiting Aviation Surgeon or it will be a waste of money and time ? Saving for gaining PPL
Any suggestions , tips , stories will be helphul .
Thanks,
Sincerely
Rookiepilot12
I am 20 yo male currently in Illinois, US and decided to become a pilot. Know steps to do for achieving my goal but the only concern that I have is a health condition. I have scoliosis (thoracic scoliosis, right curve, visually can see minor disorders, no influence on my movement and productivity. Doing sports to prevent progressive.) and astigmatism (right eye doesn't have normal objective focus and it requires glasses )
Read faa.gov but didn't find any clear answer on my questions. Hope you will help me.
1. Can I become a pilot of all classifications ( PPL, CPL , Airline pilot etc) with these conditions?
2. Should I try visiting Aviation Surgeon or it will be a waste of money and time ? Saving for gaining PPL
Any suggestions , tips , stories will be helphul .
Thanks,
Sincerely
Rookiepilot12
07-21-2019, 08:01 PM
#2
Perennial Reserve
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 11,492
Originally Posted by Rookiepilot12
Hi everyone!
I am 20 yo male currently in Illinois, US and decided to become a pilot. Know steps to do for achieving my goal but the only concern that I have is a health condition. I have scoliosis (thoracic scoliosis, right curve, visually can see minor disorders, no influence on my movement and productivity. Doing sports to prevent progressive.) and astigmatism (right eye doesn't have normal objective focus and it requires glasses )
Read faa.gov but didn't find any clear answer on my questions. Hope you will help me.
1. Can I become a pilot of all classifications ( PPL, CPL , Airline pilot etc) with these conditions?
2. Should I try visiting Aviation Surgeon or it will be a waste of money and time ? Saving for gaining PPL
Any suggestions , tips , stories will be helphul .
Thanks,
Sincerely
Rookiepilot12
I am 20 yo male currently in Illinois, US and decided to become a pilot. Know steps to do for achieving my goal but the only concern that I have is a health condition. I have scoliosis (thoracic scoliosis, right curve, visually can see minor disorders, no influence on my movement and productivity. Doing sports to prevent progressive.) and astigmatism (right eye doesn't have normal objective focus and it requires glasses )
Read faa.gov but didn't find any clear answer on my questions. Hope you will help me.
1. Can I become a pilot of all classifications ( PPL, CPL , Airline pilot etc) with these conditions?
2. Should I try visiting Aviation Surgeon or it will be a waste of money and time ? Saving for gaining PPL
Any suggestions , tips , stories will be helphul .
Thanks,
Sincerely
Rookiepilot12
2. The AME guidance on spine is
Ankylosis, curvature, or other marked deformity of the spinal column sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties. -
Requires FAA Decision
Requires FAA Decision
07-21-2019, 08:16 PM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,594
Spend the $100 and see if you can go get a Class 1 Medical Cert from an AME. If you can, then you should be good to go (so long as the disease doesn't progress).
Be aware this might take a lot of paperwork and a few weeks for the FAA to reach their decision.
Be aware this might take a lot of paperwork and a few weeks for the FAA to reach their decision.
07-22-2019, 08:18 AM
#4
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,253
Plenty of us pilots have astigmatisms and glasses, not a problem as long as it corrects to 20/20 (ideally a little better than 20/20 so you have some room to decline with age)
Sounds like the spinal issue would not be a problem at this point. But you need to consider the future, ie how likely is that to worsen and put your medical at risk in the future?
Aviation involves a lot of incurred training costs and dues paying up front... you need to stick around for a long time to get your return on investment.
Sounds like the spinal issue would not be a problem at this point. But you need to consider the future, ie how likely is that to worsen and put your medical at risk in the future?
Aviation involves a lot of incurred training costs and dues paying up front... you need to stick around for a long time to get your return on investment.
07-22-2019, 08:59 AM
#5
Perennial Reserve
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 11,492
Originally Posted by rickair7777
Sounds like the spinal issue would not be a problem at this point. But you need to consider the future, ie how likely is that to worsen and put your medical at risk in the future?
Aviation involves a lot of incurred training costs and dues paying up front... you need to stick around for a long time to get your return on investment.
Aviation involves a lot of incurred training costs and dues paying up front... you need to stick around for a long time to get your return on investment.
If the AME agrees that he is not significantly impaired, it won’t even get kicked up to OKC.
