Airlines view on waiver/soda?

[Ice_Hawk]

There's a good chance that I'm going to get my medical back, so I have a question. Are the airlines willing to hire someone with a SODA or waiver for a speech impediment? Before I continue with my training I need to know if I still have a shot at a pilot career, or if I should work on getting into the business side of aviation (management, aero enginnering.)

[cessna2351]

What about a SODA for colorblindness? I've heard that some airlines like XJT reject any kind of SODA's (i.e. the light gun test). But can one point to the ADA if this we're a reason for not being hired? Especially after the FAA has said you can "perceive those colors necessary for the safety of blah blah...."?

[fourierman]

I tried to do some research on this a few months back (in my case I'm going to pursue a SODA for corrected distant vision acuity), but never really got definite answers. It does look like some companies don't accept SODAs (Expressjet) and some do. I don't know if one could just call the HR department at various companies and find out the view on SODAs beforehand or whether it would take going through the interview process before being accepted/denied employment
due to medical reasons.

I'd hazard a guess that most smaller operations (cargo, etc) and corporate outfits may not care as much about SODAs than well known regionals, majors, and so on. Of course, that's just my opinion.

Lastly, the ADA thing is a possibility , but it would probably require you to take the company/potential employer to court and that wouldn't look very good for your chances of getting hired by them in the future.

/Tristan

[FlyingNole]

I had a Waiver/SODA for a while, and from what Ive heard XJet/COA is the only US airlines that flat out don't accept them. However, what I noticed was that if you apply with 1000tt/300multi and so does another guy, but without a waiver, guess whose gettin the job? That is why you guys need to not give up and either try to get them totally removed, or find a company that doesnt care. I called a ton of airlines/regionals, and most HR depts. never got back to me, except for NWA and Airtran. Both said they accept waivers, but could not give me exact info as to which ones.

Its tricky, but I wish you guys luck.

Read my reply to Cessna2351s last Color Blindness post, it may provide a little bit of insight as to how to get the SODA/Waivers removed.

[MedicRyan]

If XJet (or any airline) does not do their own flight physicals, than how will they ever know that you have a SODA. I have a SODA for color vision, just curious. Are you required to report that you have one.

[Doug Taylor]

I think, legally, is that your SODA and your current medical, together, form your medical certificate.

Kind of like having a CFI certificate but not having your commercial physically on your person while flying can get you into deep doo doo with the Feds.

I could be wrong though!

[EatSleepFly]

[ QUOTE ]
If XJet (or any airline) does not do their own flight physicals, than how will they ever know that you have a SODA. I have a SODA for color vision, just curious. Are you required to report that you have one.

[/ QUOTE ]

Many applications ask you to list any limitations or waivers that you have on your medical certificate. As long as it's a first class, I suspect that it's more a case of "knowing everything there is to know" than using it to disqualify applicants.

[flyboy04]

Maybe im stupid, but what exactly is a SODA? Is it the same as a waiver?

[flyguy]

Statement Of Demonstrated Ability. To answer you question is it the same as a waiver, basically yes. You have a disqualifying condition, but demonstrate that the condition will not effect your abilities to safely act as PIC and they give you a SODA that "re-qualifies" you if you will. Probably the most common is colorblindness. The aplicant will demonstrate that they can tell the difference between the red and green light gun signals and they are good to go.