galewis2

So here is my deal...

I'm 19 years old pursuing an Accounting Degree on full ride. My parents and I have saved a decent amount of money since I was young and I'm currently working on my pilot's license. Right now, my plan is to finish up my private by the end of my sophomore year (Currently a Freshman) and get my Instrument add-on over the summer. After that I'd just like to fly around for fun, maybe take up some family, friends, young eagles, etc. After I graduate, get a job working in Accounting and get my Commercial SEL, MEL, CFI, and pay as I go to limit my debt.

I'd like to supplement my rather dry Accounting job with some excitement as a CFI; however, my ultimate goal is to fly for an airline/fractional/charter company. Let me be clear - I'm in no rush to get into it. I know the economy sucks big time right now and that pilots are hired in unpredictable cycles.

But here's the catch - I'm missing my right leg. I have no trouble controlling the pedals in the Single engine plane I fly now; however, I would like to know if I would have any difficulty controlling the pedals of larger commercial planes. For example, are there other leg amputees flying professionally out there? Is there anyone I could talk to about this? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I would like to add that I am perfectly fine with not flying professionally, but it would be pretty cool. At the end of the day, I would like to be rooted in reality with a decent life, income, and quality of life.

rickair7777

If you can fly a cessna, you will have no trouble flying an airliner. Go get a first class medical if you don't already have one, make sure it has no restrictions other than "must wear corrective lenses" or "must use prosthetic leg".

I'm going to get flamed for not being touchy-feeling here, but there are a couple things you would need to consider which might come up when interviewing...

1) They may have concerns about the "reliability" of your prosthetic, ie what if it slips off during a 30 know crosswind landing? Be prepared to discuss. This is a legitimate safety concern, and could be grounds for not hiring you.

2) How do you get around? This is purely a cosmetic issue, but a few AAirlines might make an issue of it. For appearances sake, it would be best if you walk without crutches (a cane would be OK IMO). Actually you should be protected under ADA on this count, but a few airlines have run roughshod over that in the past. I do not think this will ultimately be a roadblock, but you might need to take care with certain employers.

Best of luck, I'm sure you will have opportunities if you go down this road.

snippercr

By all means you can be a commercial pilot, get an insturment rating and become a CFI, the whole 9 yards with a prosthetic leg. I know because the instructor who trained me for my CFI had 1 prosthetic leg and the other one his knee was fused. He had to get a CODA, or Certificate of Demonstrated Ability from the FAA though and he is limited to certain cross winds. I think 15 kts is his maximum cross wind component. He also has to fly with "hand" rudders. It's a little lever that attaches to the pedals and you control your rudder with it.

Not the easiest thing to do but he can put the aircraft on the ground in the wind with no problem.

If you are looking for excitement, look no further than your CFI! Nothing spells excitement like "alright, good approach... now get into your flare... good... HOLY %$#% WHAT THE $%#$ ARE YOU DOING MY AIRCRAFT!!"

USMCFLYR

galewis2 -

I think this part of your post is the ideal. You have a good job that gives you a good QOL and pay, yet the flying bug is taken up with CFI'ing and on a schedule of your making. Want to fly more or less at certain periods? Your choice and your paycheck isn't dependent on it.

USMCFLYR

snippercr

I agree, you are actually in a very good situation. You are lined up to get a degree with no debt when you get out. I had a friend (actually roommate) in college who was an accountant. He graduated with me but is still working on his CPA. Eitherway, he is also lined up to get a job with good QOL and a pay far better than any FO would make and probably rivals many regional captains. Sure it's just being a bean counter (if you like counting beans, all the better!) but it will open many doors for you.

I actually am pretty envious of you. I think many people here feel "controlled" by aviation and feel they are at the whim of it (I do!). You actually have the ability to put aviation on your schedule and desire. The two things are: cashey money, but probably most importantly - you are not consumed with aviation. You want to do it, but it doesnt lead your life.

727gm

I remember jumpseating several times with a (Cargo) L-1011 captain who had lost his leg below the knee to an infection. He had a walking prosthesis, and a separate "flying" prosthesis that he installed when he got into his seat, which was better for rudder/brake application. That being said, I imagine that it would be much easier to already be a captain at an airline, and lose a leg, get a "demonstrated-ability" checkride/medical waiver if you're already doing the job, and get back to flight/captain status, with company support, than try to get a job initially, with a missing leg.

At my previous airline, we had a flight engineer with a lower leg missing about halfway down her shin. She had been a cargo single-pilot Metro captain, and I didn't even know she had a prosthesis for a couple years.

Might as well go for it, if that's what you want.

Flying Low

EverestQuest-Ed Hommer


Ed died in a climbing accident some years ago; lost both legs in a bush plane accident but went on to fly professionally, first for a regional and then American.

highnpressurizd

Go for it buddy. They guy who taught me how to fly Beavers in Alaska had a leg amputated above the knee after a crash that nearly killed him. He could fly strait and amphibious floats in any bush/water condition the airplane could handle. Though I've never been witness to it, I'm certain he could handle conventional gear just fine too. Good luck!

Ewfflyer

One thing you have at your benefit is Professional Aviation being optional for you. I think as you fly more, experience more, you'll be able to feel out what you can and can't do, and hopefully use it to your advantage. Honestly, if you are going to have a great career, why throw it away to work at an Airline(24month commitment, low pay, no part-time options) vs the private sector in either a charter or corporate position as a part-time fill-in at first, and if it really interests you, go from there.

So go out, work, get your ratings in due time, and just see where it leads you. Honestly, if I had the financial stability, I could CFI and be perfectly happy, but real world you just can't support yourself outside of living in a cheap apartment and little time off doing that job.

Fishfreighter

One of our Captains lost his leg below the knee in an accident. He's still flying.