Aviation related

I am now 2 months post-op for a PM and Defib. Im told by docs that i can "never again" fly helicopters. Ive also been told "no more skydiving." (3 decades of both of those.) At least I can still ride my scooter, otherwise, what's the point?!?
I am interested in taking up Powered-Parachute flying, but don't know if my devices will be compromised by the vibes and/or proximity to a high-powered 2-stroke engine on/near my back.
Do we have anyone on this site with this type experience? Would love to hear from you.
Thanks!
-eric

3 Comments

Did you ask ...

by donr - 2013-02-26 05:02:39

...WHY???? I'll betcha that they cannot give you an answer other than hemming & hawing!

You did not say why you have the devices. Now I would not fly solo in a chopper - there is always a chance that the ICD may fire & render you incapacitated. Not good. Ditto for the powered parachute - you would be flying solo, If the vibration caused either one to activate, you'd be in a world of hurt. Why not try flying as a pax in chopper - good chance to test out your PM/ICD w/o harm to the rest of the world? I'm not sure, but does the FAA have a restriction on PM/ICD hosts being licensed? That may well be the long pole in your tent, after all.

What kind of jolt do you get when your chute opens when you skydive? Good, bad, indifferent? That would be the determining factor, as a potential for activating one of the devices.

The two stroke engine, unless you are wrapped around the ignition, should give you zero trouble. Try it go out to your car & crawl under the hood - see if it affects your PM/ICD. I do it all the time w/o ill effect.

yes, i did...

by flyboy77 - 2013-02-26 07:02:06

...and their answer? Hemming and Hawing!
Very astute observations, all of which i've considered.
The permanent pacemaker is a specific career-killer in the listings of the FAA website; cannot hold an FAA medical license (even a lowly 3rd class, and my job req. 2nd.)
Have considered possible overseas copilot helo job, if i dont need a medical, and can get the job...again, as long as its not single-pilot, I'd feel comfy with it.
btw: im full-time pacing. Going back in tomorrow to have the parameters reset.
The jolt from skydiving is what concerns me; it is fickle. All depends on several different variables. Openings range from smooth as silk to Brutal!
Im most concerned about a terminal reserve canopy opening, which is usually the hardest jolt of all. Trouble is, the main lift web of the harness, runs directly over where the device protrudes the most...not good.
Nice to hear about the two-stroke not interfering, but i believe i'll stay out from under the hood...i lost a fingertip that way, 3 yrs ago!
Thanks for the input, donr!
-e

My thoughts exactly

by ElectricFrank - 2013-02-27 01:02:37

Much rather be doing something exciting that I like than staring past a bunch of hoses at ICU ceiling.

The main thing keeping me from flying is cost. I've got around 2000 hrs in everything from PA11 Cub (got my license in it in 1955) to a Cessna 182. I'd like to try a tail dragger again just one more time.

frank

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