Rook

I think you have a good chance. I think ASA flight 529's F/O is working again after having to recover from his burns and injuries. Good luck to you.

PhoenixFlood

Yeah he his. That was the link I posted in my first post. I've been trying to contact him since it appears our hand injury's are alike.

FlyerJosh

He does not, however he does have an ATP rating and several type ratings. He flies professionally.

I have heard a story about an airline pilot at NWA(?) with a disability (might have been arm amputated?). He was restricted to right seat flying only and only in a particular seat. Can't confirm that though or remember where I heard it.

I also went to school with Dana Bowman, a former Golden Knights parachuter that lost both of his legs (one above the knee and one below). We were in private pilot ground school together. He went on to get SODA's for flight and eventually got commercial ratings in Airplane ME/SE Land, Airplane SE Sea, Helicopter (CFI), and free balloon.

UnlimitedAkro

You need to talk to a few AME's, FSDO, FAA, and AOPA will probably be able to help you out. They will give you the real advice, not someone on this forum trying to figure out if you can operate thrust reversers or not!

The FAA cares more about paperwork than if you can actually perform anyway, so get the proper paperwork and certification first, then go for the job.

I know we have a Captain in our company at American Eagle (121) who had a leg amputated. He has a prosthetic leg but I dont know all the details of how he got his medical and certification.

Sorry to hear about your accident. I saw the pictures of the crash on your myspace. It is amazing that you survived.

The best of luck to you.

PhoenixFlood

UPDATE!!!

This is now a non-issue. Just sat down in a Challenger 601 and all I need to do is bring my right hand underneath the TR levers from the right side and simply lift up. Once the triggers have been pressed in and the TR's lifted up, I bring my right hand back on top and pull them back with ease.

Like I said, I was worried about nothing.

Thanks for the tips everyone.

BigWammerJammer

I wanted to bring up one thing I didn't see mentioned: the Americans with Disbilities Act. You may actually have some kind of advantage as the airlines are required to demonstrate compliance. You might be able to take advantage of that as they might need to hire someone in order to show compliance. I haven't worked with the ADA in a while, but it is something to think about.

PhoenixFlood

I know, but I don't want to play that card if I have to. I can fly the plane just as good as anyone else, just with minus a few fingers.

BigWammerJammer

I'm sure you can, but there is nothing wrong with taking advantage of every opportunity you can. That is what CRM is all about: using every available resource to ensure a safe and successful flight. Besides, its not that you "use" ADA to gain an advantage, the airline may recognize the advantage to them of hiring you because ADA exists. In any case, good luck and I'd fly with you any day. What you have overcome is significant and impressive.

Ewfflyer

First things first, a huge Kudo's to you for continuing your dream and not letting this stop you. I have no personal experience with the airlines or how they would handle your hand issue, but honestly if you are confident, willing, and able to do all the tasks required, I'm confident you will make it work. Best of luck pursuing your dream!!!

rickair7777

Phoenix,

The CRJ (all models) certainly does have a TR release catch. There are also a few other control manipulations which you might need to get creative with also, but I suspect you could figure it all out.

Also the yoke is fat, and requires a LOT of gripping force during a X-Wind landing to hold the required correction...especially since your hands are often sweaty. Many folks need to use both hands...they deploy the TRs, then put their throttle hand back on the yoke. I do it one handed cuz I like quick access the TR's on icy runways, but it still takes me a lot of effort one-handed...and I'm not a small person.

I assume you hold an unrestricted 1st. Class medical? Even so it's possible that you could encounter some resistance at an interview strictly due to safety concerns. A couple of thoughts...

1) The ADA almost never applies to airline pilots (the legacy carriers spent a lot of cash in the 1990's to ensure this legal precedent). In this case I suspect that you would be an exception. The downside to the ADA is that you now have a public record of suing airline employers...may not be a good credential to have in this industry. I'm not sure if a prospective employer can legally hold that against you, but like I said, lawsuits are PUBLIC records.

2) You might be the only person I've talked to who I feel might actually benefit from spending the money to earn a CRJ type rating...this would allow you to figure out whatever tricks you need in advance, and would obviosly re-assure an interviewer who is concerned with your ability to complete training.

However...if an employer has legit concerns that your physical condition presents a safety problem you might not be able to work around that.

Also be aware that public perception is somewhat important in the airline business. Passengers are inherently stupid, bizarre, and unpredictable...pax who see a pilot who appears to be physically impaired may deplane the aircraft, complain to the company, call the FAA, etc. You may want to think in advance how you could avoid such situations, and be prepared to discuss this with an employer.

Good Luck!