What if I Fail?

FLYING Staff

Thursday, April 02, 2009 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A pilot whose most recent application for an FAA medical certificate was denied, revoked, suspended, or withdrawn cannot use a driver's license for sport pilot medical certification, with this restriction having no time limit unless a new FAA medical is successfully issued.
Sport pilot limitations apply to sport pilots and private pilots using a driver's license for medical eligibility when flying Light Sport Aircraft, but not to private pilots flying LSAs with a valid third-class medical certificate.
Returning private pilots can fly as sport pilots using their driver's license if their last FAA medical certificate was successfully issued and they meet state driver's license health requirements, provided they complete a flight review.

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Jabiru 250 (Photo: EAA / Jim Koepnick)

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”:

Q: My medical examination is next month. If I “fail,” I know I cannot fly as a sport pilot using my driver’s license for medical certification, but is this forever? Could I wait, say six months or one year, and then apply for sport pilot?