If you missed the chance to comment on the AOPA/EAA proposal to allow private pilots to use their driver’s licenses in lieu of obtaining a third-class medical certificate, you still have time to weigh in. The FAA has granted an extension of the original comment period from July 2 to Sept. 14.
The FAA received around 14,000 comments by the time of the close of the original comment period. The agency agreed to extend the deadline at the request of both organizations.
The change would let private pilots flying fixed-gear airplanes of 180 horsepower or less, with four seats or fewer and carrying up to one passenger to fly without a medical certificate. Pilots who choose this option would be limited to day-VFR recreational flights and would need to complete an online course detailing how to assess their fitness before each flight.
