EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — A new video from the Experimental Aircraft Association is answering the most common questions about the now-required MedXPress online form for FAA airmen medical certificates, including how to save time when completing the form. The video, available free of charge through EAA’s video player, features Dr. Greg Pinnell, a […]
Medical
FAA pursues rulemaking on third class medical
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA is moving ahead with the rulemaking process to possibly expand the number of pilots eligible to fly without the need for a third-class medical certificate. This is in response to a petition from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).The two associations filed a […]
FAA apologizes for delay on 3rd class medical petition
In a story posted on AOPA.org, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association reports that FAA Administrator Michael Huerta has formally responded to a request for an update on the status of the association’s third-class medical petition. In a Dec. 26 letter, Huerta apologized for the delay in taking action on the petition, saying it was important […]
FAA to delay sleep apnea policy
The Experimental Aircraft Association is reporting that the chairman of its Aeromedical Advisory Council, Dr. Stephen Leonard, learned from the FAA Thursday, Dec. 19, that the agency will delay implementation of its new sleep apnea policy planned for next month in order to gather additional input from the aviation and medical community. The new policy, […]
GA Pilot Protection Act good for growing pilot population
A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, has the potential to significantly lower one of the barriers for prospective pilots, according to officials with the Helicopter Association International. The General Aviation Pilot Protection Act (H.R. 3708), introduced by Rep. Todd Rokita (R-N.Y.) and Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), and […]
One pilot’s experience with an apnea diagnosis
Mike, a Chicago area pilot, shares his experiences with apnea on his blog, as well as his thoughts about what the new proposal means: “As a pilot with apnea I thought it time to share my experiences and weigh in on the long-term FAA requirements that come from an apnea diagnosis. I’m against this proposal, […]
Proposed legislation would cut 3rd class medical requirement for many GA pilots
Reps. Todd Rokita (R-Ind.) and Sam Graves (R-Mo.) have introduced a bill in the U.S. House that seeks to abolish the third-class medical certificate for many pilots who fly recreationally. The General Aviation Pilot Protection Act of 2013, co-sponsored by Reps. Bill Flores (R-Texas), Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.), Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), and Richard Hanna (R-NY), would […]
AMEs object to FAA Sleep Apnea Policy
The Civil Aviation Medical Association (CAMA), the professional organization for Aviation Medical Examiners who provide medical certification exams to the nation’s pilots, has joined the consensus against the FAA’s new sleep apnea policy. In a letter to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, CAMA objected to the new FAA policy for a variety of professional reasons, most […]
Proposed sleep apnea policy leads to new Congressional bill
A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would require the FAA to go through the rulemaking process before implementing new policies regarding sleep disorders. The bill was created in response to a surprise FAA policy change that would require pilots with a body mass index (BMI) over 40 to be […]