My First Solo as a Deaf Pilot

Miss-Delectable

Miss-Delectable

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Let’s Go Flying » Blog Archive » My First Solo as a Deaf Pilot

It was a big day for me today. Flying for the first time without my instructor onboard, which means he will not handle the radio communication for me. I was excited and looking forward being the Pilot in Command. It was a beautiful sunny day, but windy. The headwind was kind of concerning me a little, but I could handle it.

My instructor and I started together and did three takeoffs and landings. Then he gave me the 'go' for solo. I was anxious to start by myself. As he got out of the C-150, I taxied to the runway. There were a few airplanes in front of me before I took off. That went out with no communication problems. It was my turn to take off and went up in the air and around in the traffic pattern. It was fun to fly alone! I made the first landing attempt and handled a good landing. I took off for the second time and landed without problems. For the last attempt, I took off and went around to land. The winds started to affect the landing, so I did not like the landing conditions on that one, so I made a go-around. I thought it was a wise choice to do so. So I went around and landed on ground to complete my first solo! I felt really accomplished after my first solo and it was a dream come true. I have always dreamed of myself taking control of an airplane, and my dream came true today on March 12, 2009. My instructor shook my hand and congratulated me as I got out of the airplane. Got the back of my t-shirt cut. It was such as great day.
 
Today there are some 200 deaf pilots in the United States. The United States is the only nation that will certificate deaf pilots. My friend told me that deaf pilots recommend GPS warning alert device for avoid collision of other planes or jets.
 
I know one deaf guy in Florida who is studying to become a pilot for commercial airlines. See if he makes it.
 
shel90 said:
I know one deaf guy in Florida who is studying to become a pilot for commercial airlines. See if he makes it.
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I seriously doubt any airline would hire him. he wouldn't even be able to fly into tower controlled airports. Althought technonolgy is "data link" is comeing where air traffic controllers could send text messages its still at least 20+ years away...then eve then aircraft will need have right equiment on it too.

I'm a deaf pilot and aircraft mechanic.& skydiver. been flying since 1983
 
Jiro said:
maybe he has CI..... :dunno:
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they still wouldn't take him....

trust me... they won't take a CI ...years ago if you had less than 20/20 vision you couldn't get airline pilot job.. took them about 40 years to loosen that rule up..

pilots are a dime a dozen these days...they'd get a hearing pilot every time
 
mx757 said:
they still wouldn't take him....

trust me... they won't take a CI ...years ago if you had less than 20/20 vision you couldn't get airline pilot job.. took them about 40 years to loosen that rule up..

pilots are a dime a dozen these days...they'd get a hearing pilot every time
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The boy's mother is the one who told me about it and she constantly brags about how he will be this big time commercial jet pilot. Like I said, see if he makes it. I dont want to be discouraging but I had the exact same thoughts as u do but kept my mouth shut.
 
Aghori said:
I know few deaf pilots but never seen anyone get a certificate to operate jet aircraft.
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The dude's mother keeps saying that he will get it cuz of his CIs. We just smile and tell her to tell him "Good luck." It seems like the more she repeats it, the more she will convince herself.
 
shel90 said:
The boy's mother is the one who told me about it and she constantly brags about how he will be this big time commercial jet pilot. Like I said, see if he makes it. I dont want to be discouraging but I had the exact same thoughts as u do but kept my mouth shut.
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yep. it's best to stfu. let'em learn it the hard way cuz I know it's virtually impossible to get commercial pilot license if you have any kind of disability - night blindness, color blindness, any eye/hearing/mobility defects, and so on. they are trained the same way air force pilots do. They go thru rigorous physical training.

It sucks big time but it's better that way. because you are flying a plane with 200+ people who are counting on you with their lives.
 
Jiro said:
yep. it's best to stfu. let'em learn it the hard way cuz I know it's virtually impossible to get commercial pilot license if you have any kind of disability - night blindness, color blindness, any eye/hearing/mobility defects, and so on. they are trained the same way air force pilots do. They go thru rigorous physical training.

It sucks big time but it's better that way. because you are flying a plane with 200+ people who are counting on you with their lives.
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I wanted to ask her...what if the CI stops working while flying? I feel the same too. I know that I want all deaf people to do any kinds of jobs but in reality, that is not gonna happen.
 
A deafblind pilot wouldn't have a flying chance. I wouldn't mind going handgliding though.
 
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