Does DODMERB offer SODA's?

[Guest kingneptune117]

In the FAA, a SODA stands for statement of demonstrated ability. It is granted when ones medical condition is technically disqualifying, but does not affect ones abilities to perform airman duties. Heres a link to more information about it if you are interested.

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/app_process/general/appeals/soda/

In civilian aviation, I would be eligible for one of these. I was born with a smaller left hand (this is a very rare condition) where the fingers are all shorter than the ones on my right hand, and the middle knuckles are all missing (except for the thumb's). This, luckily, does not affect my abilities to perform everyday duties, such as grasping, pressing buttons, typing, or anything else really.

I am interested in joining AFROTC once I get to college, and I am very worried that this condition will medically DQ me. I have done a lot of research, and have talked to Larry Mullen more than once, but, as I expected, the only way to find out if it is disqualifying is to have the examination done. I am trying to inform myself of my available options in order to increase my chances of obtaining a waiver for my condition. I am curious whether or not the DODMERB offers a SODA or something similar to it. If they do, this would greatly increase the odds of my condition being waived. I have a feeling I would be DQ'ed because of the fact that military issue gloves would not fit correctly. While this is true, military issue gloves come in different sizes, and according to a few members of the USAF I have talked to, you CAN get one small and one medium. Either way, I have lived with this condition for 17 years now, and wearing gloves isnt a problem. If I can demonstrate that it isnt a problem to the flight doc, it may show him that I deserve the waiver.

My ultimate goal here is to fly for the USAF. I currently have about an hour of flight time, and am getting more once summer officially starts. This will most likely be one hellish medical journey, but I will do whatever it takes. I think that Americas motto of "you can be whatever you want to be, as long as you try hard enough" will really be put to the test here.

Thanks for the help in advance

Edited June 1, 2010 by kingneptune117

[Guest goducks]

In the FAA, a SODA stands for statement of demonstrated ability. It is granted when ones medical condition is technically disqualifying, but does not affect ones abilities to perform airman duties. Heres a link to more information about it if you are interested.

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/app_process/general/appeals/soda/

In civilian aviation, I would be eligible for one of these. I was born with a smaller left hand (this is a very rare condition) where the fingers are all shorter than the ones on my right hand, and the middle knuckles are all missing (except for the thumb's). This, luckily, does not affect my abilities to perform everyday duties, such as grasping, pressing buttons, typing, or anything else really.

I am interested in joining AFROTC once I get to college, and I am very worried that this condition will medically DQ me. I have done a lot of research, and have talked to Larry Mullen more than once, but, as I expected, the only way to find out if it is disqualifying is to have the examination done. I am trying to inform myself of my available options in order to increase my chances of obtaining a waiver for my condition. I am curious whether or not the DODMERB offers a SODA or something similar to it. If they do, this would greatly increase the odds of my condition being waived. I have a feeling I would be DQ'ed because of the fact that military issue gloves would not fit correctly. While this is true, military issue gloves come in different sizes, and according to a few members of the USAF I have talked to, you CAN get one small and one medium. Either way, I have lived with this condition for 17 years now, and wearing gloves isnt a problem. If I can demonstrate that it isnt a problem to the flight doc, it may show him that I deserve the waiver.

My ultimate goal here is to fly for the USAF. I currently have about an hour of flight time, and am getting more once summer officially starts. This will most likely be one hellish medical journey, but I will do whatever it takes. I think that Americas motto of "you can be whatever you want to be, as long as you try hard enough" will really be put to the test here.

Thanks for the help in advance

I don't think this is going to be a problem. I've known guys who've been pilot qualified despite missing a finger.

What the AF considers is whether the hand functions properly and if there is a likelihood of it becoming worse over time. It sounds like You're OK in these respects.

GD

[Guest kingneptune117]

I don't think this is going to be a problem. I've known guys who've been pilot qualified despite missing a finger.

What the AF considers is whether the hand functions properly and if there is a likelihood of it becoming worse over time. It sounds like You're OK in these respects.

GD

VERY late response here, but whatever.

That is quite encouraging, but I have a question. How did they get pilot qualified if they are missing a finger? My main concern is that they will tell me "you wont be able to wear the gloves properly" or something along those lines. I can just see myself being DQ'ed because of me not being able to fill the entire glove perfectly. I've been wearing a loose glove my whole life, it's not that bad and wouldn't affect my flying.

Other thing, I've been hearing waivers are VERY rare because there are so many people who want to become officers. Any comments on this?