Ramp Checks for Gimps?

6S4 Hugo · #1 12-06-2009, 05:10 PM

I have a "friend" who is pretty gimped up and must use forearm crutches to get around. My "friend" has a question:

He'd really like to get back into flying and he's very interested in the RV-12. If he was flying and landed and got out with crutches, could the FAA guys do a ramp check and determine him unfit to fly?

Sport Pilot lets us Self-Certify...but if there is an obvious physical problem, could my "friend" get his ticket pulled?

Background: He still walks, drives a manual transmission very well and otherwise is quite able to get around. The deficit is primarily on his left side.

trg 854G · #2 12-06-2009, 05:13 PM

Does he have a valid driver's license? Any restrictions on the DL?

6S4 Hugo · #3 12-06-2009, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trg 854G

Does he have a valid driver's license? Any restrictions on the DL?

Valid D/L and only restriction is same for all us "old farts":
"Must wear corrective lenses"

He just finished a drive of over 4,200 miles...the last 3,300 was towing a trailer. Except for the blue "gimp sticker" in his window, you couldn't tell anything was amiss.

dhall_polo · #4 12-06-2009, 06:39 PM

Woman Born With No Arms Becomes First Pilot to Fly Airplane With Feet
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,463368,00.html

inspiring...

flyeyes · #5 12-06-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6S4 Hugo

d really like to get back into flying and he's very interested in the RV-12. If he was flying and landed and got out with crutches, could the FAA guys do a ramp check and determine him unfit to fly?

Sport Pilot lets us Self-Certify...but if there is an obvious physical problem, could my "friend" get his ticket pulled?

Background: He still walks, drives a manual transmission very well and otherwise is quite able to get around. The deficit is primarily on his left side.

I have a friend who uses crutches after a neck injury, but has a clean medical that he acquired after the injury. IIRC he had to take a checkride (in a Beech Musketeer) and after demonstrating that he could fly the unmodified Beech got his ticket.

There are a number of "wheelchair" aviators that require modified controls, but they also have medicals.

My point is that AMEs don't do ramp checks. This is a non-problem

terrykohler · #6 12-06-2009, 07:01 PM

The pilot must be "not known to have any medical condition that would make that person unable to operate a light sport aircraft in other than a safe manner". Physical disabilities can be adressed with a letter from a personal physician clearing us for driving and flying. While it's my understanding that an agent of the FAA may take action pretty much any time they want, carrying such a letter along with your Drivers License and Sport Pilot Certificate should help prevent the problem you suggest.
Terry, CFI
RV-9A N323TP

terrykohler · #7 12-06-2009, 07:15 PM

My point is that AMEs don't do ramp checks. This is a non-problem
__________________
Jim:
You are correct in that AMEs aren't doing spot physicals on airport ramps. The physical waivers you refer to are called SODAs (Statement of Demonstrated Ability) and are used when those of us with medicals (non-sport) don't meet required physical parameters or have some sort of disability. IIRC, applications for a waiver is made to OK City, and the testing/ demonstration is done at your local FSDO.
Terry, CFI
RV-9A N323TP.

Danny7 · #8 12-06-2009, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhall_polo

Woman Born With No Arms Becomes First Pilot to Fly Airplane With Feet
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,463368,00.html

inspiring...

I don't think that exactly relates, i believe she is only signed off to fly the ercoupe because of the control mix, ie it doesn't have foot pedal controls.

jjconstant · #9 12-06-2009, 10:48 PM

I have a friend who is an double amputee who built and flys both an RV4 and RV9A. He uses forearm crutches and removes his legs and uses connectors of his own design to hook himself up to the pedals to fly. I believe he had to do a checkride to demonstrate ability and he built special devices into his aircraft to deal with rudders/braking etc. Both aircraft are certified regular homebuilts, not sport pilot/LSA type planes.

He and his RV4 were on the cover of the EAA magazine acouple of years ago...hence his RV4's name: Cover Girl

Jeremy

N526JS · #10 12-06-2009, 11:17 PM

I guess I am a gimp. I have a below the knee amputation on my left leg. Motorcycle accident, another story. No problem flying my C-182. Don't expect any problem with my 9-A when completed. SODA (Statement of Demonstrated Ability) says "Must wear artificial limb". Yes, the medical says "must wear corrective lenses" as well.