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Does the Medical Matter?

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sport Pilot rule allows pilots to operate with a valid U.S. driver's license as medical certification, with accident rates due to medical incapacitation being comparable to pilots requiring traditional FAA medicals. Pilots with lapsed higher-class medicals can "step down" to Sport Pilot if they meet driver's license medical standards.
  • A pilot operating under Sport Pilot rules can log Pilot In Command (PIC) time as the sole manipulator of controls in aircraft for which they are rated (e.g., a Cessna 172), even if it's not a Light Sport Aircraft. However, they cannot legally *act* as PIC for that flight; another qualified pilot must assume the role of PIC.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Each month, Flying answers questions about the new Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft rule with assistance from the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the authority on the opportunities available within the category commonly known as “Sport Pilot”.

I have great interest in flying as a sport pilot someday, since there will come a time when the flying I do will not necessitate a third-class medical. Some friends, even pilots at our local airport, have seen media reports about Sport Pilot and remain skeptical. How do I explain that this is safe flying despite the lack of a formal FAA medical certificate?

FLYING Staff

FLYING Magazine is a one-stop resource for everything aviation, including news, training, aircraft, gear, careers, photos, videos, and more.

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