AOPA says it's endorsing an amendment to a highway bill that will include measures to relax third class medical requirements for private pilots. The language mirrors that of the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 but has been proposed as an amendment to the Senate highway bill now before the chamber. It was put forth by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WVA) and Sen. John Boozman (R-AR). “We very much want to see third-class medical reform enacted by any means possible, and we appreciate the leadership of Senators Manchin and Boozman in bringing this issue forward and working to have it added to the highway bill,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “Both these senators understand just how important this issue is to the general aviation community and have demonstrated that they’re willing to act to give pilots relief from the outdated and cumbersome third-class medical process.” FAA Administrator Michael Huerta told media at AirVenture Oshkosh that other opinions must also be considered.
He said that despite the widely held belief among the pilot community that safety won't suffer with the absence of the third class medical, the agency also hears from those who hold the opposite view. The highway bill, as amended, is now under consideration by Congress and Baker is urging pilots to make their opinions known. “Thanks to all of you who have contacted your legislators. If you have or haven’t already been in touch with your senators or your member of Congress, I urge you to contact them now to support this amendment. Every voice counts,” Baker said.
Source: AVweb
especially for those under 40 that only require a medical once every 3 years. I personally know pilots that are flying that should self ground and do not and have to admit that this is one of the problems that the opponents of the elimination of the 3rd class are afraid of. I would support another form of Third Class Medical where you go to your primary care physician with an FAA form, which shows the auto failure medical items (Remember even under LSA you are required to ground yourself if you get certain conditions etc.) shows the allowed conditions drugs etc. and then allows your doctor (who is probably covered under your medical insurance) to sign you off. This would make sure that you did get checked, but not denied because of some over restrictive interpretation of conditions by someone in another state reviewing your form. This would defuse those who believe that the elimination of the 3rd Class is too risky and insure at least to some extent that people are not just ignoring things so as to be able to fly.
