If youve been paying attention to the GA industrys efforts to deregulate the FAA medical certificate, you may know theyre proceeding along multiple paths. Progress is being made, but its slow and often not easily identified. Such is the nature of political thrust and drag.As you may recall, eliminating the need for an FAA medical certificate has been proposed for non-commercial operations of airplanes weighing 6000 pounds or less. Its based in part on the success of the sport pilot certificate and the 10-plus years of experience weve had with pilots using a state-issued drivers license to demonstrate their medical fitness.
Efforts within the General Aviation (GA) industry to deregulate FAA medical certificates for non-commercial operations (under 6000 lbs) are proceeding slowly, despite inspiration from the sport pilot certificate's success.
Progress on medical deregulation has stalled at the FAA with an acknowledged lack of concrete proposals, and legislative attempts like the Pilot's Bill of Rights II in the Senate have faced political roadblocks, while the House remains focused on a GA-opposed ATC privatization concept.
The article urges GA pilots to contact their federal elected officials during the August recess to advocate for medical deregulation, stressing this as a timely and critical opportunity to influence policy.
If you’ve been paying attention to the GA industry’s efforts to deregulate the FAA medical certificate, you may know they’re proceeding along multiple paths. Progress is being made, but it’s slow and often not easily identified. Such is the nature of political thrust and drag.
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