Work related injury....will it kill my flight training?

[Unregistered]

Last December I was injured on the job causing a herniated disk in my lower back. This injury has been deemed a permanent injury by my MD and I have been given a "profile" of what I can/can't do that will be with me for life.

These are the limitations:

* no continuous bending/twisting.
* no lifting over 10 lbs without a lift assist device (back brace, weight belt, etc)
* no prolonged sitting without proper lumbar support
* no standing or walking for extended periods of time

I've noticed that the "resident" doc on this board has left and I just got here! Is there anyone else that can possibly answer the questions I have: Can I still fly? If so, what limitiations will I have on what type of certifications I can get?

Any help would be appreciated.

Sorry I had to post anonymously.

 

[Richard]

Much of what you describe is similar to my own back injury. The injury by itself is not a limitation as far as the FAA is concerned. The problem comes when surgery and/or replacement parts, and pharmaceuticals become necessary. Avoid prescribed medicines as much as possible. Have your Dr refer you to a competent PT.

I would avoid seeing an AME just yet. They are required reporters to the FAA and may not have the knowledge specific to your injury. Avoid Chiros as well. Your injury is new relative to the extent of injury so be careful not to push yourself too hard. You need to 'own' those limitations and not simply have the attitude that these are the words of your doctor. What that means is you have to adopt the attitude that you won't be able to do what you used to do--at least for a while.

For me, I was young and quite active when the injury occurred. It was brutal to realize I had to severly limit my activities. Be aware of onset of depression associated with that. I know you didn't ask for that but a patient's attitude is vitally important to successful recovery.

Last word, keep a written log of your recovery--especially since it is work related.

 

[Ed Guthrie]

Not a problem, but if you are concerned then take the previous advice and call an AME to schedule an appointment for a medical evaluation. Tell him/her that you wish to have an evaluation with respect to whether or not you could obtain an FAA medical certificate. Do not schedule an FAA medical exam and do not accept any FAA forms when you arrive in the office. Make it very, very clear that you want an evaluation, not an FAA medical exam.

 

[TeenDoc]

I don't intend to discourage you but take into consideration that being a safe pilot involves more than just sitting behind and move the control wheel (or stick) and push the pedals. You’ll have to preflight, bend a lot to check your plane’s under belly, landing gear, drain the tanks (if a low wing aircraft) or climb (even if using a ladder) to check your tanks (if a high wing aircraft), climbing and descending from a rather uncomfortable cockpit as is the case in most trainers, sitting for at least an hour at a time and frequently much more than that.



Yes, becoming a pilot is important, if that’s what you want to do, but you need your health first. Don’t let becoming a pilot become an obsession that jeopardize your health and safety, just like the “get-there-itis” that gets us pilots in trouble. See several back specialists (orthopedic surgeon and neurosurgeon), engage in physical therapy. Make sure you deal with professionals that specialize in your type of injury. Get healthy first, and then go for your pilot certificate. Ed’s advice is a good one. If you can reach Dr. Bruce Chien, talk to him or email him.

I wish you a prompt recovery and good health. I also wish that you can make your dream become a reality.

 

[Dakota Duce]

I agree with "Mike"..

You might want to go the "Sport Pilot" route first.. and then see how things work out for you. I would hate to see you try to go the "PP" route.. and then be denied because of your medical, which in turn would shoot down the "Sport Pilot" aspect.

On the other hand..

If you go the "Sport Pilot" route and find out things work out O.K. for you, then you can always step up to "PP" if you want. The choice is yours, but I think the safer route would be the better way to go.

Dakota Duce

"May All Your Flights Be Of Good Weather!"