Expert: D. Norkus - 4/22/2010

Question
Hi, my name is Gerald and I am deaf. Is there some one out there offers grant for private pilot courses for hearing impaired?

Answer
Gerald,

The Able Flight organization has flight training scholarships for people with disabilities. They offer a full scholarship for a Sport Pilot certificate. See their link-

http://www.ableflight.org/scholarships.html

It may be possible for you to get a Private Pilot certificate as well, but unlike a Sport Pilot certificate, it would have the limitation stating "Not Valid for Flights Requiring the Use of Radio".  This limits you to flying only in areas where two way radio communication is not necessary. For info on other Private Pilot scholarships, see http://www.flightscholarship.info

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.

Links for 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

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)


Hope this helps,
Dottie