I've only been flying for three years now and one of the main reasons I went for a SP license was because I was on a prescription that has since been allowed - but the process has often made me wonder about this loophole.
I also wondered if I was healthy enough to pass a 3rd class physical - until I went to a regional AOPA meeting. I'm probably in better shape than about 80% of those in attendance. I am within my normal weight for my height and I work out (boxing and other cardio) three days a week. Most of the folks at the meeting didn't look like they had even driving by a gym in the last several years much less been in one.
I have to wonder what the FAA is thinking (or not) when it comes to this ruling. I can certainly understand certain disqualifications (I once met a pilot who owned a pretty sizable plane, but couldn't fly it because of a brain tumor that has been since removed. He got around the legal issue by hiring a qualified pilot to left-seat for him while he flew the plane. That's certainly a safe way around it.
So then it comes down to what is the real question about why a medical is required? Several - very valid - arguments have been made about driving vehicles and large motor homes around with no medical and can cause just as much, if not more damage if an accident were to happen. I agree with these arguments. I'm all for doing things safely, but maybe it is time for the FAA to realize the mere process of getting a pilots license brings a level of awareness to a pilot that the casual driver never experiences. Without getting too political, this is one area where less government might be a good thing...
Brian
--- In Sport_Aircraft@yahoogroups.com, "Rick" <lightflyer@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> --- In Sport_Aircraft@yahoogroups.com, medicbill@ wrote:
> >
> > Remember though if you are denied your
> > medical you will not be able to fly as a sport pilot as well as a private.
> >
>
> Oh yeah, that thought was definately on my mind when I decided to go for the new medical instead of just letting it lapse. As it was, I could still fly SportPlanes with a lapsed medical. Now that I've applied I MIGHT loose that privelige!
>
> But I looked at all the info online and decided to give it a try. There are a lot of disqualifying conditions that CAN BE allowed if you and your doctor can show that the condition has been mitigated and you can safely operate an aircraft. I made an appointment with my favorite AME for a consultation about what would be needed what my chances were for a favorable decision. I followed her instructions and so far it's looking good. <fingers crossed>
>
> IF they disapprove, then it's back to the ultralights... that ain't so bad either :)
>
> Rick
>
>
>
> >
> > In a message dated 10/28/2010 6:40:11 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
> > lightflyer@ writes:
> >
> > Interesting poll on AVweb this morning:
> > Now that Sport Pilots are no longer required, should we do away with the
> > medical cert requirements for ALL pilots flying planes under 6000lbs?
> >
> > http://www.avweb.com/cgi-bin/php/polls/view.php?poll_id=424&display_type=lar
> > ge
> >
> > Sure would be easier!
> > It's been 6 weeks since I took my last exam. Because I had a laryngectomy
> > recently, my case has to go the Headquarters for a decision by the Flight
> > Surgeon. After 3 doctors and piles of paperwork I'm STILL waiting for the
> > results.
> >
> > fingers crossed,
> > Rick
> >
>
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