Mon Aug 27, 2018 1:48 pm
#1633960
Hi All
Very new here, long time aviation fan. Would have loved to be a commercial pilot but fast forward 30+ years (I'm 37) and I find myself wanting to get into GA.
I've got myself booked in for a trial flight in a c172 so I can see if smaller planes actually float my boat. (The wife is hoping not). I've picked the 172 based on my current weight @ 300lb (checking W&B and space)
Now, my main question is related to a medical, I've a number of issues and would love some advice (I've researched CAA and spoke to a harsh but valid AME).
I don't know the likelihood of passing a class 2.
So questions!
What are my options?
Hearing wise, I would prefer PPL so I can add ratings but means class 2. I am sure hearing would be good in a functional check. If I passed with hearing aid, could I do a function check without a hearing aid?
My weight... The AME basically said come back when I have a BMI of 35 which is a bit of a blow but also valid, I am overweight, severely so. I am also built big and will be losing weight. I'm 5'10". Regarding movement I can reach everything in a plane ( I sat in a piper 28 and c172 so checked this out) - I'm also an advanced open water scuba diver (4-5 dives a year), granted I won't run a marathon anytime soon but I'm also not too unfit. What is the best advice here? CAA don't say BMI for class 2 but what other factors should I be wary of?
Do I just head for LAPL with AME cerificate or Class 2 or can an AME do both and issue LAPL if class 2 is out. Or am i destined to not get off the ground.
Any recommendations for flying schools/clubs within an hours drive of Oxford (where i can also wet hire once passed). Higher powered pipers & c172s preferred!
Sorry for the long post and thank you.
Very new here, long time aviation fan. Would have loved to be a commercial pilot but fast forward 30+ years (I'm 37) and I find myself wanting to get into GA.
I've got myself booked in for a trial flight in a c172 so I can see if smaller planes actually float my boat. (The wife is hoping not). I've picked the 172 based on my current weight @ 300lb (checking W&B and space)
Now, my main question is related to a medical, I've a number of issues and would love some advice (I've researched CAA and spoke to a harsh but valid AME).
I don't know the likelihood of passing a class 2.
- - Weight/BMI - I'm 300lb & about 43 on the BMI - I am losing steadily through diet and exercise but to hit 35 its gonna take me some time
- - Eyesight - Long sighted (+2.75) with astigmitism (+1.75) - My eye sight is good corrected & ok uncorrected ( distance things are not so sharp hence correction)
- - Hearing - I am moderately deaf in my left ear circa 45db and my right ear is circa 5db I have a hearing aid for my left ear but only wear it when 100% needed such as work events I wear it approx 2 days a month. I am confident I would fail a hearing test unaided in my left ear but right would be fine.
So questions!
What are my options?
Hearing wise, I would prefer PPL so I can add ratings but means class 2. I am sure hearing would be good in a functional check. If I passed with hearing aid, could I do a function check without a hearing aid?
My weight... The AME basically said come back when I have a BMI of 35 which is a bit of a blow but also valid, I am overweight, severely so. I am also built big and will be losing weight. I'm 5'10". Regarding movement I can reach everything in a plane ( I sat in a piper 28 and c172 so checked this out) - I'm also an advanced open water scuba diver (4-5 dives a year), granted I won't run a marathon anytime soon but I'm also not too unfit. What is the best advice here? CAA don't say BMI for class 2 but what other factors should I be wary of?
Do I just head for LAPL with AME cerificate or Class 2 or can an AME do both and issue LAPL if class 2 is out. Or am i destined to not get off the ground.
Any recommendations for flying schools/clubs within an hours drive of Oxford (where i can also wet hire once passed). Higher powered pipers & c172s preferred!
Sorry for the long post and thank you.