Definition
A medical condition involving partial or complete loss of motor function, sensation, or both in the lower body and legs, typically caused by injury or disease of the spinal cord below the neck.
Plain English
Loss of movement or feeling in the legs and lower body, usually because of damage to the spine.
Context Anchor
Seen in medical certification discussions, especially when the FAA is considering whether a physical condition affects safe aircraft operation.
Derivation
From the Greek 'para' meaning 'beside' or 'alongside' and 'plegia' meaning 'stroke' or 'paralysis.' Originally used to describe paralysis affecting one side of the body, it now refers specifically to paralysis of the lower body.
Why Pilots Care
This condition generally requires a special issuance medical certificate and may limit or prevent flying privileges unless the pilot can demonstrate full control of the aircraft.
Grounding Statement
For a pilot, the key question is whether the condition prevents safe use of the aircraft controls needed on the ground and in flight.
Intuition Check
Do not assume paraplegia means the person is mentally impaired or unable to learn to fly. It refers to paralysis of the legs or lower body; flying eligibility depends on whether the person can safely operate the aircraft.
Example Sentence 1
The applicant disclosed paraplegia from a prior accident, so the FAA required a medical flight test before issuing a certificate with hand-control limitations.
Example Sentence 2
The aviation medical examiner reviews paraplegia as part of determining whether a special issuance medical certificate can be granted.