Five out of three pilots are dyslexic!
Right now, there are FAA-licensed pilots that have varying grades of dyslexia, ADHD, or dyspraxia, among other disabilities. As long as an aspiring pilot can complete flight training, satisfy the medical standards, and pass the appropriate knowledge test, then a disability should not be a hindrance.
Due to the risks to flight safety posed by ADHD, regulatory authorities worldwide consider ADHD a disqualifying condition for pilots. Unfortunately, pilots sometimes fail to disclose ADHD to their Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
Having a disability doesn't automatically exclude you from qualifying for a pilot's license. Just as those with disabilities can employ adaptations to allow them to do everything from drive to climb mountains, pilots with disabilities can use adaptations to fly planes.
Yes, airplane pilots can wear glasses. (And many do.) If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, you can still become a commercial, private, or military pilot. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the military have certain minimum standards for prospective pilots.
Both airline pilot vision requirements and commercial pilot eyesight requirements are the same: Distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better in each eye, with or without correction. Intermediate visual acuity of 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without correction.
There's nothing that immediately prohibits or disqualifies a person with autism from being a pilot.
These medical conditions include a personality disorder manifested by overt acts, a psychosis, alcoholism, drug dependence, epilepsy, an unexplained disturbance of consciousness, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and diabetes requiring medication for its control.
The FAA encourages pilots to seek help if they have a mental health condition since most, if treated, do not disqualify a pilot from flying.
Yes, an individual who is deaf can obtain a pilot certificate in one of the five categories of aircraft: airplane, rotorcraft, glider, powered-lift, or lighter-than-air.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ), formerly called Attention Deficit Disorder ( ADD ), and medications used for treatment may result in cognitive deficits that would make an airman unsafe to perform pilot duties.
Psychiatric Conditions. The use of a psychotropic drug is disqualifying for aeromedical certification purposes. This includes all sedatives, tranquilizers, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressant drugs (including SSRI's - see exceptions), analeptics, anxiolytics, and hallucinogens.
Basic FAA Highlights on ADHD and Piloting
ADHD itself is not a disqualifying condition. The FAA acknowledges that sometimes that the ADHD diagnosis in the past was in error. If you have a formal diagnosis of ADD or ADHD, you may need to undergo additional testing in order to receive a medical certificate.
Yes, dyslexics are officially classified as "impaired." The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act specifically mentions dyslexia as a disability. Dyslexics are frequently covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The dyslexic's abilities have been recognised by NASA (North American Space Administration) Over 50% of NASA employees are reported as dyslexic. They are said to be deliberately sought after because they have superb problem-solving skills and excellent 3D and spatial awareness.
Having dyslexia does not mean your child isn't smart. With the right support, dyslexic kids can learn to read and do very well in school.
FAA policy on depression and other mental health conditions. To fly, pilots must have a medical certificate approved by an FAA aviation medical examiner (AME). Under the current guidelines, depression, anxiety, and similarly categorized psychological conditions don't lead to automatic disqualification.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has a list of these medications that are not allowed for pilots who hold FAA-issued medical certificates, because the FAA has determined that they have the potential to interfere with the safe operation of an aircraft. Xanax is one of these medications.
Both males and females in aviation are equally susceptible to mental health issues. There is a negative stigma around mental health in aviation. A study showed that pilots assumed fellow pilots who were unsociable most likely have a mental health illness.
1) Aircraft Systems
One of the toughest topics for private pilot students is aircraft systems. Want to know more about the systems and equipment in your aircraft? Dig into your POH and read section 7. Better yet, find a local A&P at your airport and have them walk you through a few systems with the cowling off.
One statistic commonly quoted is based on a 2011 study by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, which found only 20% of flight school students achieve their private pilot certification.
In any case, the position is a rare privilege in the US, with commercial pilots accounting for just 0.05% of the population.
Nevertheless, language skills and cognitive development are not impaired and someone diagnosed with Asperger syndrome may be able to acquire the skills necessary to function safely as a pilot or air traffic controller.
A typical pilot, according to the study, is one who is “low in anxiety, vulnerability, angry hostility, impulsiveness, and depression. This person also tends be very conscientious; being high in deliberation, achievement-striving, competence, and dutifulness. He also tends to be trusting and straightforward.
I know and have flown with many introverted pilots. While it can make for a LONG and quiet flight, there's really nothing wrong with it. As the others have said, as long as you can communicate well you'll be fine.