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Old 07-21-2019 | 06:30 PM
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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
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Old 07-21-2019 | 08:01 PM
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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
1. Are both eyes correctable to 20/20? If they are, than that is not a problem.

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
That implies that any scoliosis that DOESN’T interfere with performance of airman duties is NOT disqualifying. Of course, that’s got to be your Aviation Medical Examiners opinion, not just your own.
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Old 07-21-2019 | 08:16 PM
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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.
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Old 07-22-2019 | 08:18 AM
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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.
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Old 07-22-2019 | 08:59 AM
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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.
Generally scoliosis occurs or at least accelerates during puberty. It is defined by a curve greater than or equal to 10 degrees. If it reaches a certain “tipping point” it becomes progressive. If it doesn’t reach that “tipping point” (Cobb angle of 45-50 degrees), it tends not to progress after puberty, especially in males. Beyond that point surgery is usually recommended in childhood.

If the AME agrees that he is not significantly impaired, it won’t even get kicked up to OKC.
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