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Senate Passes Third-Class Medical Reform

Third-class FAA medical reform bill one step closer to reality. Textron Aviation
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Senate has passed the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 (PBR2), a significant reform bill aiming to largely eliminate the need for recurrent third-class FAA medical exams for many pilots.
  • Under the proposed rules, most pilots would no longer require recurrent FAA medicals, but would need an initial exam (for new students, special issuance, or those without one in 10 years), a biannual online aeromedical course, and a visit to their personal physician every four years.
  • The bill applies to pilots flying VFR or IFR in aircraft up to 6,000 pounds, carrying up to five passengers, below 18,000 feet, and at speeds up to 250 knots, and now awaits approval from the House of Representatives and the President.
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The Senate has passed the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 (PBR2), moving the much-anticipated third-class FAA medical reform bill one step closer to reality. The news came only days after the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation approved the bill. The new medical requirements, should the bill pass the House, would ensure most pilots never need an aviation medical exam again.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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