Page 15 - February 2015 Volume 9, Number 2

TSO High Altitude FAA Approved Mask
with comfort fit headgear
King Air Replacement Mask Carbon Fiber
Diagram of the Human Ear
Persons who are deaf and cannot meet the hearing standards are still eligible for a medical certificate. They must be able to demonstrate to the FAA their ability to 1) detect an engine failure by a change in vibration or instrument scan, 2) stall recognition by aerodynamic buffet and visual cues, and 3) recognize retractable gear emergencies by visual means, if applicable. Such a certificate will contain the limitation “Not valid for flying where radio use is required.”
As long as no radio commun- ication is required, such persons can get second class certificates and fly commercially in such jobs as banner towing and agricultural application. Currently there are several hundred deaf pilots in the United States.
About the Author: Dr. Jerrold Seckler has recently retired after practicing medicine (urology) for over 40 years and as an active AME for 25 years. He has almost 6,000 total hours, 1,700 of those in his 2001 Cirrus SR22. He is a CFII, former COPA Board Member and a ground instructor at CPPPs.
The items discussed in this column are related to experiences by Dr. Seckler in his many years as an AME, and made hypothetical for the article. Any information given
FEBRUARY 2015
is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice.
If you have a medical question, it can be asked with anonymity on the COPA website (www.cirruspilots. org) under the medical forum.
Phone (800) 237-6902 www.aerox.com
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