Comments on: Sport Pilot is Not a Morning-After Remedy for a Lost Medical

By: Scott

Scott — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:45:07 +0000

There’s no need to “sneak,” John. The FAA has not denied you a medical certificate, so all you need to do is let your current medical expire, have a current driver’s license and flight review, and fly an airplane that meets the requirements of a light-sport aircraft. At most, you’d need a checkout in the LSA, depending on your flying background (i.e. it’s a taildragger and you don’t have a tailwheel endorsement). As time passes, you’ll need to maintain your PIC currency in the LSA, and get a flight review every 24 months.

By: John Smith

John Smith — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:23:33 +0000

Thanks for the great info. I recently had a heart attack but am fine now. Just a plumbing problem, not “electrical”. I have Cessna Stationair. Do not want to do battle with FAA to clear medical. Don’t want to go thru the every 6 month deal. Selling Stationair and thinking getting plane to qualify for “Sport Pilot”. Faa does NOT know at this time about heart incident. Medical expires next year. What is best way to sneak a “Sport Pilot” classification? Thanks, john

By: Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:54:53 +0000

The FAA needs to address this “don’t ask, don’t tell policy.” I believe it will become unworkable. The FAA should revise the policy. How about if a pilot is denied, that pilot can fly as a sport pilot provided he/she remain under the care of a physician who specializes in the condition and that doctor sends in a letter each year saying the person is being treated? The idea may need work, but the FAA has created a two-class system that may force many otherwise qualified pilots from flying as a Private Pilot and ultimately out of flying altogether.

By: Eric

Eric — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 03:38:38 +0000

Scott this is important information. Thanks for posting it. I dont have any health problems but had in the back of my head that if it ever happened to me that a sport pilots license was a fall back position.

Much appreciate your info here. Good post sir.

Eric

By: Jess Sightler

Jess Sightler — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:01:56 +0000

Nice post! It is always good advice not to fill out anything at the AME’s office until you have a reasonable assurance that you aren’t going to have to fill something out that would result in an automatic denial.

My AME’s secretary actually helped with this on the first call to their office by asking a few pointed questions about common issues and then directing me to get some things in order before coming in to apply.

I believe that AOPA TurboMedical also provides a similar service so that you can have a good idea ahead of time if you are likely to pass.