Register

Does the Medical Matter?

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Sport Pilot operations are considered safe despite not requiring a formal FAA medical certificate, with accident rates due to medical incapacitation being comparable to those requiring medicals; a valid U.S. driver's license serves as the medical standard.
  • Pilots holding higher certificates (e.g., Private Pilot) can "step down" to operate as a Sport Pilot if their FAA medical has lapsed (and not been denied renewal), provided they meet their state's driver's license medical requirements.
  • A pilot operating under Sport Pilot limitations can log Pilot-in-Command (PIC) time as the sole manipulator of controls in a non-Light Sport Aircraft (like a Cessna 172) if they are rated for it, but they cannot legally *act* as PIC for that flight, requiring another qualified pilot to assume that responsibility.
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.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE