and then I get the bad news...

[Ryans Dad]

Well, I just found out that I have Type 1 (insulin dependent) Diabetes

I was all set to start my path towards a PPL and then progress up to an ATP, but I went for a physical and I got the news.

I knew something wasnt quite right the past month or so, but I finally got to the doc and got the bad news. I lost about 45 lbs in the past month and have been urinating it seems like every hour or so and sometimes more. I also had a severe dry mouth and was always thirsty.

Anyways, are my flying dreams shot? I was told I can still possibly get a Class 3 but its a long shot.

I went on a few discovery flights at various FBO's and was SUPER excited to get going. I just dont want to accept the fact that my flying dreams are shattered. The AME said I can get a PPL and instrument rating, etc, but that I'll never be able to get a commercial or ATP and fly all over the world

Are there any other diabetics on here that have been in my situation?

Im still getting over the shock as I was all ready to apply to ATP or another flight school and make a career out of this. Im trying to keep my head up, but damn it's tough. My dad had a PPL back in the day and he took me up a few times as a kid. That's what got me hooked on flying. Now that I finally have the finances to pursue flying...WHAM!!!!

Sorry for the rambling, Im just trying to get other opinions on what my options may be.

take care and stay safe!!!

-Matt

[My Flight Surgeon]

You cab=n get a Class 3 medical by Special Issuance with type 1 diabetes mellitus. See the link for the details. http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...betes_insulin/

[GADD45B]

Sorry to hear about the bad news. I don't know any of the details of possibilities of getting a medical but do recall reading an article in one of the flying magazines of someone who was able to.

If flying is what you love to do, don't let not having a medical stop you. Sure, you probably can't make a career out of it, but you can still get in an airplane and get up in the air. You can still learn how to fly with an instructor and fly the rest of your life with a qualified PIC on board. Just an idea/thought.

[Ryans Dad]

is it POSSIBLE for me to get a PPL with an IR, ME and MEI?

What about a CFI?

[GADD45B]

If you get the third class medical with the special issuance, then of course (assuming there are no provisions in the special issuance that say otherwise). You can get all of your ratings including ATP as long as you have at least a third class medical.

I was just saying earlier, that for someone who can't get any medical, even though they couldn't get the certificates/ratings, they'd still be able to enjoy flying (and really doing all of the flying) as long as your PIC flying buddy is on board.

[Ryans Dad]

Originally Posted by GADD45B

If you get the third class medical with the special issuance, then of course (assuming there are no provisions in the special issuance that say otherwise). You can get all of your ratings including ATP as long as you have at least a third class medical.

I was just saying earlier, that for someone who can't get any medical, even though they couldn't get the certificates/ratings, they'd still be able to enjoy flying (and really doing all of the flying) as long as your PIC flying buddy is on board.

yea, I got what you were saying. I'm just hoping I can get cleared to get the Ppl, etc and be able to solo.

Here's to hoping!!!

[wheelsup]

Also I believe with just a 3rd class you can also instruct as a CFI. In fact if you are teaching people other than pre-PPL folks you don't even need a medical, but a 3rd class would allow you to instruct for all certificates. You couldn't do scenic flights or photo flights though.

[NFO_FFO]

Originally Posted by wheelsup

Also I believe with just a 3rd class you can also instruct as a CFI. In fact if you are teaching people other than pre-PPL folks you don't even need a medical, but a 3rd class would allow you to instruct for all certificates. You couldn't do scenic flights or photo flights though.

I believe you need at least a second class medical to perform CFI duties as it is considered commercial or "For Hire" flight time...

Can definitely get your PPL/IR/ME ratings with 3rd Class medical - just cannot do any flight for pay unless 2nd Class medical obtained and commercial ratings...

regards....

[husky16]

You only need a third class medical to get all your ratings and you can CFI with a third class as well. CFI is one of the exceptions regarding "for hire" not requiring a 2nd class or greater. Best of luck

[My Flight Surgeon]

Originally Posted by husky16

You only need a third class medical to get all your ratings and you can CFI with a third class as well. CFI is one of the exceptions regarding "for hire" not requiring a 2nd class or greater. Best of luck

I have heard this before but . . . . To be eligible for a flight instructor certificate or rating a person must:§ 61.183 Eligibility requirements

(a) Be at least 18 years of age;
(b) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's flight instructor certificate as are necessary;
(c) Hold either a commercial pilot certificate or airline transport pilot certificate with:
(1) An aircraft category and class rating that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought; and
(2) An instrument rating, or privileges on that person's pilot certificate that are appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought, if applying for—
(i) A flight instructor certificate with an airplane category and single-engine class rating;
(ii) A flight instructor certificate with an airplane category and multiengine class rating;
(iii) A flight instructor certificate with a powered-lift rating; or
(iv) A flight instructor certificate with an instrument rating.



Where does it say you can do this with a PPL? You need the Class 2 medical to get a Commercial certificate.

[Ryans Dad]

yeah I wasnt sure about the CFI...

As long as I can do the PPL/I and ME/I I'll be happy.

Im going to schedule an appt with the AME in the next week or so...

Doc, what do you suggest I bring with me as far as medical records? My last A1c test was almost 10 months ago (), but was a 6.8.

How far back will they want to go with A1c tests? Will having my last one so long ago hurt me? I am going to get one done though this week as well...

thanks for all of your help!

[My Flight Surgeon]

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

You cab=n get a Class 3 medical by Special Issuance with type 1 diabetes mellitus. See the link for the details. http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...betes_insulin/

Get the information outlined for the Initial Certification in this link. That is what the FAA will want to see.

[milski]

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

Where does it say you can do this with a PPL? You need the Class 2 medical to get a Commercial certificate.

I think you need a Class 3 medical to get the certificate and the Class 2 is needed only to exercise its privileges. I'm basing that on 61.23.(a).3.(v), I quoted it below with the rest of 61.23 relevant to what you need as an instructor and what you need to exercise the privileges of a commercial certificate.

61.23.(a).2 - Must hold at least a second-class medical certificate when exercising the privileges of a commercial pilot certificate

61.23.(a).3 - Must hold at least a third-class medical certificate—
...
(iv) When exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate, except for a flight instructor certificate with a glider category rating or sport pilot rating, if the person is acting as pilot in command or is serving as a required flight crewmember
(v) Except for a glider category rating or a balloon class rating, prior to taking a practical test that is performed in an aircraft for a certificate or rating at the recreational, private, commercial, or airline transport pilot certificate level

61.23.(b).5 - Operations not requiring a medical certificate. A person is not required to hold a valid medical certificate - when exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate if the person is not acting as pilot in command or serving as a required pilot flight crewmember.

[Ryans Dad]

so i CAN be a CFI with a class 3 medical???

[USMCmech]

Originally Posted by Ryans Dad

so i CAN be a CFI with a class 3 medical???

Yes.


You can't do any other comercial operations (sight seeing, banner towing, skydivers, ect), but you can teach with only a 3rd class medical.