The Air Force recently highlighted the story of Capt Christy Wise, who recently returned to the cockpit of an HC-130J after an above-the-knee amputation:

After an above-the-knee amputation and nearly 15 months of rehabilitation — learning to walk, run and fly again — Air Force Capt. Christy Wise, a 71st Rescue Squadron HC-130J pilot, was medically cleared to retake to the skies on July 22.

Wise is reportedly the sixth amputee to return to flying in the Air Force (among whom is included Ryan McGuire, reportedly the first student pilot who was allowed to return to the cockpit). Records aren’t entirely available, but at least three have gone on to fly C-17s, C-130s, or C-20s. There doesn’t appear to have yet been a fighter pilot amputee. Absent ejection seat specifics, there would be arguably little difference, however.

The return of amputees to the cockpit is at least in some part due to technology, open-mindedness on the part of the Air Force, and an amazing never-quit attitude on the part of the pilots themselves (who are still required to meet the physical requirements of every other pilot, including the PT test).

True, the Air Force can simply say they’re retaining a pilot in which they’ve invested millions of dollars. Still, there is something to be said for publicly retaining someone who has experienced significant adversity and yet has overcome it and demonstrated the capabilities to execute the mission.

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