Expert: D. Norkus - 1/28/2010

Question
Hello My name is Jason and I am deaf. I would like to look for flight scholarship to help flight training for private pilot. Can you help me to find the good scholarship for private pilot training only? Have you heard about deaf person can become private pilot? I think it is amazing.  

Answer
Jason

The Able Flight organization has flight training scholarships for people with disabilities. They have a full scholarship for a Sport Pilot certificate. See their link- http://www.ableflight.org/scholarships.html

It may also be possible for you to get a Private Pilot certificate, however unlike a Sport Pilot certificate it requires a medical exam. Since you are deaf and cannot meet the hearing requirements for the medical certificate, you would be required to obtain a Statement of Demonstrated Ability/SODA and get an exemption for your certificate. This would limit you from flying only in areas where two way radio communication is not necessary.

FAA Deaf Pilot FAQ page- http://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/deaf_pilot/training/

Also, here is a link to the Deaf Pilots Association- http://www.deafpilots.com/
I suggest you contact them for support and input on your training. They would certainly be able to mentor you through the process.

Articles/links of interest-

http://www.aviationwise.org/student_pilot/deaf_student_pilot.htm

http://www.aopa.org/sportpilot/

http://iflyasa.com/general-aviation-news/flight-training-scholarships-physically...

http://flighttraining.aopa.org/magazine/ (Get a free subscription)

Deaf aviators-

http://www.aopa.org/aircraft/articles/2009/090903deafstudent.html

http://www.aopa.org/aircraft/articles/2009/090305withoutsound.html

http://blog.aopa.org/letsgoflying/?p=327

http://www.sjhopson.com/bio-flying.htm


Good luck in your pursuits,
Dottie