A recent news item from the AOPA... a deaf pilot has been
certificated to fly IFR in controlled airspace. He is
required to have a speaking pilot along to do communications
and write the ATC clearances down for him. When data-link
is available, deaf pilots should be able to fly single IFR.



DEAF PILOT PASSES INSTRUMENT CHECKRIDE
Stephen Hopson, AOPA 3553985, on February 24 became the
first instrument-
rated deaf pilot. Hopson, 45, has logged more than 700 hours
and already
holds a commercial certificate with the standard restriction
for deaf
pilots: no flight operations where two-way radio
communications are required.
As many instrument students would attest, half the challenge
of IFR flight
centers around understanding air traffic control clearances.
But Hopson,
with American Winds Flight Academy instructor Jason Edwards,
worked out a
white-board system (using shorthand) allowing Edwards to
relay ATC
instructions to Hopson while they navigate the airways.
Following
negotiation and cooperation with the FAA, Hopson took his
checkride with
a designated examiner and now has an instrument rating that
allows him to
fly with a hearing pilot using the white-board system.
Hopson hopes to pave
the way for other deaf pilots to log pilot-in-command time
in the IFR
environment, and perhaps someday, if controller-pilot
communications
datalink (CPCDL) matures, a deaf pilot could solo in the
clouds.



--
James H. Macklin
ATP,CFI,A&P

--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.
some support
http://www.usdoj.gov/olc/secondamendment2.htm
See http://www.fija.org/ more about your rights and duties.


"John T" wrote in message
...
| Yes indeed, the deaf can fly under sport pilot. Same
restriction "not
| valid where radio use is required" applies to SP as to
other classes.
|
| Theoritically (sp), a deaf person could become a sport
pilot instructor.
|
| John
|