I believe that JT Helms is missing the point that the medical standards for the Sport Pilot license are LESS than for the third class aviation medical just as the standards for third class are less than the second class (which is less than for a first class) (Could medical kill Sport Pilot? Dec. 2 issue).
Simply put, the standards for the Sport Pilot medical are if you are healthy enough to drive a car (and have never been denied a medical), you are healthy enough to fly your Light Sport Aircraft.
Today I know I cannot pass a first or second class medical, but I can still obtain a third class. Some day I may decide not to spend the money and time to obtain the third class OR may have a medical problem that I know would prevent me from passing the third class exam but NOT prevent me from legally driving a car.
Thanks to the Sport Pilot license I will still be able to fly my Aeronca 7AC and Rose Parrakeet.
There are many medical conditions that would prevent a pilot from getting a third class medical which should not prevent him or her from flying a slow lightweight two seat aircraft.
My thanks to all who worked so hard to bring about the Sport Pilot license.
Larry E. Steenstry
Elkhorn, Wis.