[skinkinthegrass]

he's a (GA) pilot, wondering if he can still retain his certificate?

[Straight Vermonter]

There’s actually a link from this story about an amputee pilot saying O’Brien could be back flying again “in no time”.

[KeyLargo]

he’s a (GA) pilot, wondering if he can still retain his certificate?

Yes, with a FAA Special Issuance Medical Certificate.

Amputee

Bi-Lateral Amputee Wins Aeromedical Certification

Veteran Pilot Gets Certified to Fly Despite Near-Fatal Crash Injuries. A former airline pilot who lost both hands in an auto accident, was fitted with two remarkable artificial limbs. Later, he applied, was tested by the FAA and given the green light by FAA physicians to fly. The Federal Aviation Administration certified and issued a Third-Class medical certificate to an airman with two prosthetic devices for arms, a “first” for the agency. This case involved a veteran commercial pilot who had suffered a major automobile accident two years earlier.

After extensive rehabilitation, and through the use of innovative prostheses, he decided to regain his flying status, applying to the FAA for a medical certificate. Through the Special Medical Issuance process, the FAA Office of Aviation Medicine is able to assess, on an individual basis, the appropriateness of issuing medical certificates to airmen who do not meet medical certification standards. This 47 year-old male pilot was the holder of a First-Class FAA medical Certificate.

Read at: http://avstop.com/medical/amputee.htm

Pilot earns certificate despite damaged arm

http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2013/November/12/Pilot-earns-certificate-despite-damaged-arm.aspx

[KeyLargo]

Another option is FAA Sport Pilot certification.

Question :

I’m a amputee: right arm, above elbow. I’ve had a valid state drivers license since my accident, but wouldn’t this injury disqualify me from a LSA-type aircraft?

Answer :
No, not necessarily. If you can demonstrate your ability to safely control the aircraft you would be eligible for a sport pilot certificate. If you need adaptive equipment or modifications in order to operate the aircraft you would be restricted to flying only aircraft equipped with the appropriate adaptive devices.

http://www.sportpilot.org/questions/afmviewfaq.asp?faqid=1396

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