Akron Man Is First Deaf Pilot To Earn Instrument Rating

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http://www.newsnet5.com/news/7414478/detail.html

CLEVELAND -- An Akron man made history when he became the first deaf pilot to get an instrument rating on his pilot's license.

NewsChannel5's Jonathan Costen reported that the accomplishment was made because the determined man never gave up on his dream.

Stephen Hopson knows how to fly a plane, but because he can't hear, he could never obtain an instrument rating on his license.

So, he went to the American Winds Flight Academy for a little help.

"When I heard this I thought, 'Gee, how do we accomplish this? This doesn't seem possible,'" said Mike Kolomichuk, of American Winds. "He was so sincere, it was like a child at Christmas asking for that special gift. How do we say no?"

But the problem is that a pilot has to be able to hear and constantly talk using a radio to air traffic control.

So, Hopson was given the test, but a co-pilot used a white board, shorthand and some sign language, so Hopson could receive his instructions.

The exam was about an hour long and Hopson passed with flying colors.

"I'm the first deaf person in the world to do this. There's no deaf person that has an instrument rating," said an excited Hopson.

He said, "It's a dream come true. I wanted to get this instrument rating for a long time."

He said if you want something badly, work hard and never give up on your dream.

Hopson's next goal is to earn a multi-engine and jet type ratings.
 
Nice!!!

I wonder why nobody has done this sooner...after all, in multi-engine/jet planes, even a hearing pilot is supposed to have a copilot. Why should this be any different?
 
See, Heath, if this guy can do it, you can be a police officer and me a television news anchor! :thumb: :thumb:
 
Deaf pilot earns right to fly in rough weather

AKRON, Ohio He can fly blind, even though he can't hear.

A man in Akron is the first deaf pilot to earn an instrument rating from the Federal Aviation Administration. That allows Stephen Hopson to fly at night and in rough weather conditions.

The former Michigan resident passed his oral and flight exams yesterday.

The instrument rating requires two-way communication with air-traffic controllers. But the 45-year-old Hopson flies with a pilot who notifies him of messages from the ground with hand signals and a dry-erase board.

Hopson has been deaf from birth and can hear some sounds but not distinguish language.

He previously worked as an aviation safety counselor in the Detroit area....


http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=4552269&nav=0RbQ...


Wow this is awesome!!! :applause:
 
Yeah, I heard about it on the news I was impressed! :thumb:
 
There was a deaf guy out here about 25 years ago who was/is a pilot and his wife is a hearing interpreter and therefore his ears when communicating with the tower. Without her, he could/can only land at outlying, country airstrips that do not require communication with the tower.
 
First deaf pilots? I dont think so. Theres 2 deaf pilots in Apple Valley and they have their own Cesnas and landing strips.

The story of another deaf pilot was even published in Deaf Life magazine back in the mid 80's who boasted of a MMV-TDD radio system to communicate with the airport towers.

I remember all this well.

Richard
 
Richard, I don't think they're talking about him being the first pilot more of he is the first to earn an instrument rating from the Federal Aviation Administration. That allows Stephen Hopson to fly at night and in rough weather conditions as they say....
 
I'm reviving this thread to talk about pilot's licenses.

I've been getting into flying and I'm seriously considering going for my IFR pilot license. From the research I've done, there are actually quite a few pilots with cochlear implants who have IFR rating, which means they can fly without having to strictly adhere to following visual flying rules, which means a lot more freedom. I still need to make sure I practice VFR because my batteries could run out at any time and I could be in a situation where changing batteries in mid-flight could be dangerous. Anyone know anyone other than LinuxGold and is into flying?
 
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