Can You Pilot an Aircraft While Wearing a Cast?

It can be argued that having broken bones and a cast constitutes a medical deficiency that would prohibit you from acting as pilot in command. [iStock]

Question: I am a student pilot and have been flying several times a week. I was just about to go solo, then last week I broke my right wrist and thumb in a skateboarding accident. My instructor won't let me fly until the casts come off weeks from now. Is this an FAA rule, or is my instructor making up rules?

Answer: FAR 61.53 prohibits operations during a medical deficiency. It can be argued that having broken bones and a cast constitutes a medical deficiency that would prohibit you from acting as pilot in command (PIC), ergo, no solo flight. Your CFI probably doesn’t want to risk the liability. However, you could still do dual lessons, provided you have the strength and dexterity in your right arm and hand, and you're not in pain or on medication that affects your faculties. On dual flights the CFI is the PIC, so you would not be breaking the rules.

aeromedical ask flying FAA Flight Training

Meg GodlewskiAuthor

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.