By Gates L. Scott

While I am a young buck with a second class medical and no real concern about my medical condition, there are plenty of individuals with disabilities who share my aspiration of flight. Students and pilots who have physical limitations-such as impaired vision, paraplegia, loss of a limb, or hearing impairment-and have met all knowledge, experience, and proficiency requirements to operate an aircraft with a “normal level of safety” may be issued a “statement of demonstrated ability.” However, the issuance may necessitate limitations on the individual’s certificate. For example, pilots with paraplegia may require special equipment installed in the aircraft, such as hand controls or a hearing impaired designation may require a limitation “not valid for flight requiring the use of a radio.” These FAA limitations and regulations are important and, in many cases, offer accessibility for all want-to-be pilots.

More than 43 million people in the U.S. live with some kind of disability. Almost one out of five persons is disabled given these numbers, and one third of disabled Americans are 65 and older. There are hundreds of types of disabilities, some congenital, some accidental. More than two million Americans are deaf; 120,000 are totally blind; one million use wheelchairs; and more than 10,000 people per year suffer a spinal cord injury. Of those spinal cord injuries, 82 percent are men between the ages of 16 and 30 years of age-the prime of their lives. Many recently injured individuals seek activities in which they can participate, regardless of their disability, so they can maintain a healthy and productive lifestyle. No matter what the obstacle, there is always a way to learn how to fly. I have had the opportunity to meet two very inspirational pilots who have challenged themselves through aviation and, with the help of a unique organization, have changed the way people with disabilities seek to challenge themselves. Let’s face it: Aviation is hard enough. But this young buck has no excuses to not chase a dream, now.

Learning how to fly is an experience best shared. This is the principle philosophy for Able Flight, an incorporated 501 c3 organization whose mission is to offer people with disabilities a unique way to challenge themselves through flight training and, by doing so, gain greater self-confidence and self-reliance. Based in Dumbarton, North Carolina, Able Flight (www.ableflight.org) has designed a scholarship program for aspiring pilots with disabilities to pursue the experience. For somebody with a disability to even consider flight training, there are a host of challenges. What type of aircraft can I fly? Where is the aircraft located? Also, the type of disability may dictate a certain set of circumstances in finding the right aircraft to train in. The process can be daunting, but Able Flight supports many aspiring pilots and provides countless resources for the achievement of their goals.