My friend stutters but he wants to become a pilot is it possible???

Question

My friend stutters but he wants to become a pilot is it possible???

Answer 1

pilot fine.....a public speaker...not so much

Answer 2

The instance cited by Larry 454 is not that unusual. The side tone of the radio seems to cause one to quit stuttering. I've seen it work and it's pretty unbelieveable, but it has happened.

I've known a couple of pilots who've stuttered.

Answer 3

Sure it is.  Stuttering doesn't have anything to do with his mental ability.

Answer 4

He will have to communicate with air traffic control via the radio and possibly may someday have to do this while taking care of an emergency under stress. Air traffic controllers talk fast and they want your response to requests clear and concise, to the point. They don't have a lot of Patience and will make life ruff on you if you can't keep up. Other than that i say ssss.sssss.ssss...sure.

Answer 5

Is his stuttering stress related or something he contends with every second?  There are also ear devices which produce the small pre-echo which has helped a lot of those with stuttering issues.

Piloting is more about knowing how to work a machine and get yourself out of problems that might occur.  Talking to ATAC is important but if his problem isn't deeply severe he should be fine.

Even then if this is something he desired, I'd always try regardless.

Answer 6

Yes, and you can get rid of stuttering.

Answer 7

Definately!!  He can become anything he wants.  They have speech classes and skills to learn to help him overcome this.  Encourage him....Help him in any way you can.

Answer 8

Anything is possible- my impression is that stuttering only effects his speech and not his sight or his hand eye co ordination or psychometric skill!?

His stuttering may possibly go away as he gets older- much shouldn't effect his ability to do anything- look at Gareth Gates for example!!!

PLus ther will always be a co pilot

Answer 9

i saw a person on discovery health who had really bad stuttering problems...to fix it so that he doesnt stutter anymore they put a small device in his ear like a hearing aid sorta and it stopped him from stuttering so i think it might be possible for him to be a pilot if they let him use the device

Answer 10

I would get really pissed if someone on a congested frequency took too long to make a radio call because of studdering. As is, peolple who can talk perfectly fine take too long on the radio.  I dont say this to make fun, but it is something us professional pilots have to deal with every day and the controllers and the pilots hate it. I would say he should be restricted to uncontrolled airports depending on how bad it is.

Answer 11

he can't be discriminated against b/c he stutters.

Answer 12

i think so cos you dont have to talk to the plane to make it fly.

Answer 13

I see where you are coming from, as the pilot has to talk aver the tanoid and giving orders perhaps.

There is a co pilot as well so if he/she had a problem speaking clearly for passengers then I'm sure they could sort something out for the co pilot to speak or someone else. People would get used to the way he/she talks just like his family and friends have to.

The most important part of being a pilot is flying the airplane.

Answer 14

Interesting question...?

I imagine it would be a problem if his stutter is too intrusive.

I understand that their is very effective treatment though?

I seem to recall something about an implant in the inner ear...?

Answer 15

As long as he doesn't have an emotional disorder that prevents him from thinking objectively or responding to pressure... I don't think it would hinder him if he has track record of academic excellence, and good qualfications.

Answer 16

I agree with larry 454....    Okay so you need to speak to ATC a lot but because your mind is occupied with other stuff, like instruments and flying the plane, then you wont be focusing on your speech... so I agree that maybe when he`s speaking to ATC his stutter wont manifest -  Even if it does, so what?  ATC will be patient I`m sure they arent monsters...

Answer 17

I knew a guy who had trouble speaking, but as soon as he got on the radio, he was clear and concise. So it may actually work in the reverse - piloting may help him with his stuttering issues. In any case, he should go ahead and make the sincere attempt. I think he'll do just fine.

Answer 18

yeah. as long as he doesnt have terrets or twitches or health issues

Answer 19

Yes he can become a pilot, but unless he can demonstrate and receive a SODA (a letter from the FAA stating he has demonstrated the ability to effectively communicate on the radio) he will be forbidden(stated on his medical cert.) to operate in airspace that requires two way  radio communication unless there is a pilot with him to operate the radio.

Answer 20

It ddddpends how bbbad it is!

Answer 21

of course he wont be flying the plane with his voice