I'm deaf in one ear but 100% ok in t'other. Can I get a Private Pilots License to fly with passengers in UK?

Question

I think I read that the medical requirements are based on the DVLA requirements, so can I pass the medical if I can only hear from one ear? Or do you miss out on intercom/air traffic control etc on the radio?

Answer 1

You need to pass your JAR class 2 medical for your PPL (not to be compared to DVLA).

They will test you hearing by placing a conversation two metres behind you, it is required though that you are able to hear the converation clearly in each ear.

If your deaf in one ear and in some bizarre circumstance your hearing ear is damaged or injured you will be deaf in both ears and a danger in the sky.

A redundant ear is just as critical as a redundant airspeed indicator in the event that one fails.

A NPPL which is similar to a PPL is less stringent on medical requirements and is there for people who would otherwise fail the class 2.

The NPPL has much more restrictions than a PPL, with an NPPL you cannot fly onto other ratings such as CPL, multi engine etc. And you are restricted to flying within the UK.

The NPPL does allow you to fly solo if you pass the DVLA group 2, a fail in this and a pass in group 1 for standard driving would allow you to fly, but only with the aid of a second pilot.

The NPPL is a recent addition to the pilot licensing system, but the training and syllabuses of each flight is just as severe as the PPL, if not a little cheaper.

Take a look at both the Class 1 and NPPL medical requirements on this CAA website.

http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=...

http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=...

And locate your local AME (medical examiner), you can ask him questions if it is available.

http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?ca...

Answer 2

can why not...........you can fly the passengers straight to h**l.....

Answer 3

As far as i know, if you can pass the class 2 medical you should be able to.

Answer 4

You can but ask the licence issuers..

Answer 5

Only you can truly ans. that ques.!!  When you are in the pilot's

seat can you honestly hear every things????????  AND DON'T BE LYING TO YOUR SELF BECAUSE I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON  YOU WOULD BE KILLING, YOU WOULD  BE GOING  AS WELL  SO BE HONEST TO YOUR SELF  MR. PILOT!!!!!!!

Answer 6

In the USA you can be deaf and still hold a private just no B,C,D air space I know cuz I met a deaf pilot I amDEAD serious

Answer 7

I don't see why not mate... :)

Answer 8

Gisburnuk had given the correct answer, the rest I would ignore.

You need to pass your class 1 for your PPL but you can also fly with an NPPL which requires DVLA medical exams.

Answer 9

I'm not 100% sure about the UK, but in most countries, the "hearing test" consists of carrying on a normal conversation at a distance of a few feet.

In most countries, you can get a PPL and carry passengers even if you are completely deaf. You would have to demonstrate certain things, like that you can tell when the engine quits based on the change in vibration. Of course, if you are completely deaf, you cannot engage in any flight operations that require speaking or hearing, which would mean no flight into airports with an operating control tower and no flying in very congested airspace.

However, if you can carry on a normal conversation at a normal distance and volume, there should be no restrictions. Most headsets are technically stereo, but most audio panels route the same signal to both ears. Even if they don't, you can just get a headset with a 'mono' switch. It won't be a problem as long as the hearing in your other ear is fairly close to normal.