I'm currently on medical leave from a regional and awaiting a decision from the FAA on my medical. Is there a chance that a major would hire an individual with a special issuance first class or am I looking at the regional life for the rest of my career? Any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.

Do you mean a first class medical obtained through a special medical flight test?

If so, a first class is a first class. Shouldn't make a difference.

Not necessarily true. Some airlines in the past have specified that you must have a 1C with no restrictions other than "must wear corrective lenses".

You will have to look at each airline's website to find out.

Looking at the medical, how would an airline know that I had an SI?
It is not on my medical.

USMCFLYR

If the first class medical is obtained through a special medical flight test there should be no reference to that fact on the medical itself.

Having to wear corrective lenses is a different matter entirely.

I think the OP was referring to taking a special medical flight test.

An SI is granted if you have a condition that normally precludes issuing an unrestricted medical. There are about 15 conditions listed in part 67 that require a SI. Many times a SI will have a limitation, "Not valid for any class after" a date 6 months or a year after issue.

A Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) is is the result of a one time test to show that a stable condition does not affect the pilot's ability to fly. The color blindness light gun test can result in a SODA. I used to fly with a co-pilot who only had one eye. He had to prove that he was able to judge his height and flair. Once he had done that, he just had to show an AME his SODA letter and the AME could issue a medical.

Well that answers my question. Thanks Twin Wasp.

USMCFLYR

Yep....Mine has the "not valid after......" statement.

Thanks Twin Wasp! I always like learning something new.

Thank you so much for the info guys. I truly appreciate it.