What is a SODA?
A Statement Of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) is a determination that a pilot can fly safely with a fixed physical deficiency, such as the loss of an eye or a limb. The pilot must demonstrate to an FAA examiner that he or she can safely fly with this handicap, and a waiver, called a SODA, will be issued for this particular physical deficiency. There may be some restrictions placed on this waiver, for example, the need for hand controls, if the pilot is paralyzed in the lower extremities.
