Dereg The Medical

Sport pilots don’t have to have an FAA medical certificate to serve as pilot in command (PIC) of a machine meeting the light sport aircraft (LSA) definition. Instead, they must only carry a valid driver’s license. Since the sport pilot and LSA rules went into effect in 2004—10 years ago—the affected aircraft have not been falling out of the sky because their operators aren’t physically fit. We call that a success.

Key Takeaways:

• The existing rule allowing sport pilots to use a driver's license instead of an FAA medical certificate for Light Sport Aircraft has proven successful since 2004, with no increase in accidents attributed to pilot medical deficiency.
• Major aviation organizations, including EAA and AOPA, are advocating to expand this medical exemption to a broader range of general aviation flights, initially through a petition and later by backing H.R. 3708.
• The proposed General Aviation Pilot Protection Act of 2013 (H.R. 3708) aims to allow pilots to use a driver's license for non-commercial VFR flights in aircraft up to six seats and 6000 lbs, arguing it provides "equivalent safety" and would benefit the aging pilot population without negative impact.

Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->

See a mistake? Contact us.