The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Medical Advisory Board is the latest group to urge quick action on the proposed FAA rule that would allow thousands more pilots to fly without the need for a third class medical certificate.
In a Sept. 24 letter, the group asked the Department of Transportation and Office of Management and Budget to expedite their reviews of the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
The group’s members, all of whom are pilots and doctors — including some FAA Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) — said that they believe changing the process will improve safety, save millions of dollars and keep more pilots in the air.
They added that the FAA actually recognized issues with the current medical certification system more than 10 years ago when it implemented the sport pilot rule, which has allowed thousands of pilots to fly safely without a third class medical certificate.
“Expanding this successful standard will not only save the federal government and general aviation pilots millions of dollars each year, it will also improve safety and foster a more open dialogue with pilots and their personal physicians,” they wrote. “A combination of education, self-assessment, and recurrent training has and will continue to ensure medical safety in the skies.”
The letter is the latest in a series of appeals to speed up the review process so the FAA’s NPRM can be opened for public comment. Similar letters have been sent by 11 senators led by John Boozman (R-Arkansas) and Jon Tester (D-Montana), who are co-sponsoring legislation to reform the third-class medical process; Representatives Todd Rokita (R-Indiana) and Sam Graves (R-Missouri); 32 members of the House General Aviation Caucus; Senate GA Caucus Co-chair Mark Begich (D-Alaska); and a coalition of seven general aviation industry groups led by AOPA.
In their letter, the members of AOPA’s Medical Advisory Board noted that in the two to five years between medical exams, every pilot self-certifies that he or she is safe to fly before every takeoff. They added that most private pilots receive their third class certificates based on “cursory medical examinations conducted by doctors who often have only the limited history and clinical information pilots provide using the FAA’s MedXPress online applications system.”
“The complicated and confusing nature of the FAA’s medical application, coupled with the potential for the costly and time consuming delays that can occur when the FAA requires additional information for conditions when reported, combine in many instances to keep pilots from pursuing their freedom to fly,” they wrote.
As Ronald Reagan so eloquently put 30 years ago: “Among the most fallacious words in the english language are these: ‘We’re from the government, and we’re here to help you.’ ”
The FAA has outgrown its usefulness if indeed it ever had any. Not surprisingly it has become just another self serving Washington bureaucracy with career bureaucrats who have but one purpose it seems which is to mark time smartly, do nothing to rock the boat or put at risk their retirement benefits and then retire. Accordingly “not on my watch” has become their mantra. AOPA et. al. can beat the drum for 3rd class medical reform until they wear out the drum and it won’t speed up the process one iota.
Agree with Bret.
UAV ‘s seem to get approval. But not aging pilots on the medical. Maybe someone is worried that we might start shooting down the UVA’s
Excellent point, Brett. At my airport there are rumors that a few airmen don’t have valid medicals and with one gentleman not having a “valid” medical in over 18 years. It would seem that the only people that care anymore about the third class medical is the people that “fly” desks in Oke City. Unless the Feds station someone at my airport 24/7 I suppose these guys will continue to commit aviation. Good luck to all us pesky single engine folks.
“May I see you papers prease?”…(read that with a Gestapo accent)………….
The longer the feds drag their feet on this issue the greater the number of mature private pilots who lose all respect for “the system” and decide to disregard it. I mean, is the FAA going to send out teams of armed, paramilitary CBP agents (apparently, the FAA’s de facto enforcement branch these days) to start ramp-checking every pilot landing at every airport in the country, at the point of a gun? Are federal charges going to be filed against aging baby boomer pilots? After a few tough guys go to jail or suffer significant fines, will such events become a rallying point for those who cut their teeth on the civil disobedience movements of the 60’s?
One way or another, the “not on my watch” folks are fighting a losing battle. You simply can’t make a mature, educated adult go to the doctor for a scolding and an expensive, time-consuming compliance program founded on outdated military standards in order to pursue a hobby.
Good comment Brett. I get it! I’ve been fighting the FAA for eight years by having to get a SI each year. It has become truly ridiculous. Not only do I have to do a stress test but they also want PSA readings and kidney function. HUH? It’s expensive and unnecessary. I know if I’m fit to fly or not. I don’t need the FAA to tell me that I’m fit to fly on just one day. They can’t cite one incident where they have prevented a single accident. They are truly out of control.
…………..your papers…….I must see your papers to verify that you are well enough to fly………………..