Re: Light-Sport Aircraft Yahoo group Medical Inquiry

Personally, I believe the FAA takes great pains to carefully write the regs as best they can to make them as clear as possible.  When we start start theorizing what we believe that means, or what it traditionally meant, etc., we are basically tossing the reg in favor of our own thinking, bias, etc.  I don't really see this as a Catch-22.  It simply says we are in charge of determining whether or not we are fit to fly.  It allows us to use our own best judgment.  I know that for many people used to having the FAA act as "big brother", it's hard to imagine they would actually let someone use their best judgment, but that's how the rule reads.  If *you* have not been denied a medical, then you are legal to use your driver's license as a medical and if you have some condition, permanent or temporary, that makes you feel you shouldn't fly, then you do the smart thing and don't fly.  If you feel you should ask a doctor, then feel free.  If you feel you're safe without asking a doctor, that's your call.  If I get up some morning and I'm plugged up and feel like crap, I don't fly.  Even if I can drive to the store for cold medicine.  It's my call.  Maybe you will decide to only fly alone.  Or with someone who can land in the event there is a problem.  Whatever you decide, the decision is yours. 

 

Jim

This is what bothers me:
"The new rule specifies "... if a pilot knows or has reason to know of any medical condition that would affect his or her ability to operate a light sport aircraft, then the pilot should refrain from acting as a pilot in command".
Many pilots will recognize this phrase which is also found in FAR 61.53(a)(1). The FAA has traditionally interpreted this to cover a broad range of medical conditions and physical deficiencies to include at least 15 disqualifying conditions. These conditions are:

angina
coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, has been symptomatic or clinically significant
cardiac valve replacement
permanent cardiac pacemaker
cardiac replacement (heart transplant)
diabetes mellitus that requires hypoglycemic medication
psychosis
bipolar disorder
personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts
substance abuse or dependence (drugs or alcohol)
epilepsy
disturbances of consciousness without satisfactory explanation of cause
transient loss of control of nervous system function without satisfactory explanation of cause.
--- In Sport_Aircraft@yahoogroups.com, medicbill@... wrote:
>
> Yes, that certainly is the catch-22. So It is up to the individual to make
> that determination about their health status. Maybe that decision needs to
> be made in consultation with their personal doctor or a medical examiner.
> Their are people with PP who have medical issues known as well as unknown as
> we saw when a airline pilot who died in med flight.
>
>
> In a message dated 10/23/2009 6:18:36 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
> DonGeneda@... writes:
>
>
>
> I thought that initially as well, but there however is a catch 22 to that.
> Here it is: "A pilot should have a close look at the Sport Pilot rules
> which among other things specify "... if a pilot knows or has reason to know
> of any medical condition that would affect his or her ability to operate a
> light sport aircraft....", the pilot must refrain from acting as a pilot
> in command." Just having a drivers license is not quite enough.
>
> --- In Sport_Aircraft@yahoogroups.com, medicbill@ wrote:
> >
> > As far as being a sport pilot. As long as you have a drivers license and
>
> > have not been denied a medical you can qualify to fly as a sport pilot.
> As
> > far as insurance more qualified and knowledgeable people will have to
> bring
> > their opionion.
> >
> >
> > In a message dated 10/23/2009 5:54:22 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
> > DonGeneda@ writes:
> >
> > I am one of those pilots that feel he could not pass a medical, so am
> > interested in remaining a pilot - a sport pilot!
> > I am 72, have not actually failed a medical, but have an ICD (Pacemaker
> > and defibrillator combination) and am a diabetic, controlled by
> medications,
> > no insulin, as well as the heart health problems that goes along with
> that.
> > I think I can squeak by legally on the medical requirements of a Sport
> > Pilot, but heard today that getting insurance would be nearly
> impossible, had
> > not thought of that hurdle, I understand they grill you pretty
> thoroughly
> > on health history.
> > Has anyone information to share about this, would insurance be
> impossible
> > to get?
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>

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