3rd Class Medical to become thing of past?

[mcbirdman]

Interesting points of view I must say. I agree the cost driven pilots are not always heard as loud by the orginization but I think something like this will mostly affect this level of pilot and this may get done.

Remember when Sport Pilot seemed like a dream that wouldn't come? The manager at our airport couldn't even believe such a change could happen and when it did- he acted like it was still just a fantasy. I think it reopened doors for others that previously felt they were shoved towards the exits.

[mcbirdman]

AOPA sent anothern email indicating that time is runnng short to comment on new proposed medical exemptions. Open comments are still being taken and AOPA is urging everyone to send in comments in while they still can for this important exemption. Evidenty you will have a choice for the medical or to take an online fitness/ self assesment cours. Apparently thehave about 3000 replies but would like 10,000 comments to express to the FAA how such a change is reasonable and would contribute to strengthen aviation.

Here is a link to help you start: http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/120329t...s-medical.html

Some of you think it can't happen and thought the same about sport pilot. That is was highly unlikely to pass but it did and it helped grow the aviation industry. This is a positive thing that is reasonable and could also boost the aviation community. Please don't just sit there and say it can't be done. It can happen with your help. Not looking to argue, just hoping that we can come together to make some reasonable changes.

[Russ Hobbs]

James

I agree and I'll send in my thoughts. It would help if each of you reading this could find the time this weekend while it fresh in your mind.

[Russ Hobbs]

That was easy, it took all of 5 minutes to air my thoughts on line. Simply agreeing with the AOPA and The EAA stand would be enough to count, that would take less than two minutes.
You can do it!

[gyroplanes]

It's easier than it first looks. All of the boxes on the left are NOT manadatory to fill out.
Do your part, I did

[choppergabor]

Did it Takes only a few minutes.

[WHY]

Me too !!

Tony

[RotorRambler]

The process is painless and writing my comments made me actually think more deeply about my opinion.

[mcbirdman]

An email tidbit from AOPA:

Government Advocacy More time for medical exemption comments sought

By Alyssa J. Miller

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A move that has the potential to impact pilots on a personal level and the general aviation industry as a whole deserves more than a 20-day window for the community to comment.

AOPA and the Experimental Aircraft Association are seeking a 70-day extension to the comment period for the medical exemption request that would allow pilots to complete an online medical awareness course, do a self-assessment before every flight, and use their driver’s license in lieu of a third class medical to fly some of the most popular aircraft on the market during day-VFR conditions. The comment period for the medical exemption petition officially ended July 2, and the FAA has not yet granted the request for addition time to comment.

The request for the medical exemption would make an estimated 86,000 to 114,000 familiar (and many pilots’ favorite) piston single-engine aircraft with 180 horsepower or less—including many Cessnas and Pipers, tailwheels and nosewheels alike—available for flight if the pilots complete the online course, self-assess their fitness level, and use their driver’s license. The aircraft must have fixed landing gear and four seats or fewer, and pilots may not carry more than one passenger at a time, among other requirements.

This move, AOPA asserts, would allow pilots who stopped flying because of the expense, hassle, or fear associated with getting a medical, to get back in the air, fire up those underutilized aircraft, and help boost GA activity. It also could improve safety, according to the association, because pilots would be flying familiar aircraft, in some cases the type of aircraft in which they completed much of their flight training. The added educational component of the online course would delve deeper into aeromedical factors than current FAA materials, boosting pilots’ knowledge and enabling them to make more informed go/no-go decision based on fitness for flight.

“This has the potential to increase GA activity and the pilot population, as well as the GA community’s morale,” said Rob Hackman, AOPA vice president of regulatory affairs. “Pilots are passionate about this issue, as is evidenced by the more than 14,000 who have commented already. We want everyone’s voice to be heard, and that’s why we are requesting 70 more days to comment.”

The extra days would bring the total comment period to 90 days. Pilots will have to opportunity to hear more about the proposal during seminars at EAA AirVenture; members can submit their comments at the AOPA Tent throughout the show. The exemption request is still on the Regulations.gov website, and the capability to submit comments is still active even though the deadline was July 2. As long as the online docket continues to make the comment functionality available, AOPA encourages pilots to submit their comments. Review the AOPA/EAA Guide to the Medical Petition, or consult the frequently asked questions to learn more about the exemption request. Identify Docket FAA-2012-0350 in your comments.

[mcbirdman]

An email tidbit from AOPA:

Government Advocacy More time for medical exemption comments sought

By Alyssa J. Miller

Share on google_plusoneShare on twitterShare on emailShare on printMore Sharing Services0.

A move that has the potential to impact pilots on a personal level and the general aviation industry as a whole deserves more than a 20-day window for the community to comment.

AOPA and the Experimental Aircraft Association are seeking a 70-day extension to the comment period for the medical exemption request that would allow pilots to complete an online medical awareness course, do a self-assessment before every flight, and use their driver’s license in lieu of a third class medical to fly some of the most popular aircraft on the market during day-VFR conditions. The comment period for the medical exemption petition officially ended July 2, and the FAA has not yet granted the request for addition time to comment.

The request for the medical exemption would make an estimated 86,000 to 114,000 familiar (and many pilots’ favorite) piston single-engine aircraft with 180 horsepower or less—including many Cessnas and Pipers, tailwheels and nosewheels alike—available for flight if the pilots complete the online course, self-assess their fitness level, and use their driver’s license. The aircraft must have fixed landing gear and four seats or fewer, and pilots may not carry more than one passenger at a time, among other requirements.

This move, AOPA asserts, would allow pilots who stopped flying because of the expense, hassle, or fear associated with getting a medical, to get back in the air, fire up those underutilized aircraft, and help boost GA activity. It also could improve safety, according to the association, because pilots would be flying familiar aircraft, in some cases the type of aircraft in which they completed much of their flight training. The added educational component of the online course would delve deeper into aeromedical factors than current FAA materials, boosting pilots’ knowledge and enabling them to make more informed go/no-go decision based on fitness for flight.

“This has the potential to increase GA activity and the pilot population, as well as the GA community’s morale,” said Rob Hackman, AOPA vice president of regulatory affairs. “Pilots are passionate about this issue, as is evidenced by the more than 14,000 who have commented already. We want everyone’s voice to be heard, and that’s why we are requesting 70 more days to comment.”

The extra days would bring the total comment period to 90 days. Pilots will have to opportunity to hear more about the proposal during seminars at EAA AirVenture; members can submit their comments at the AOPA Tent throughout the show. The exemption request is still on the Regulations.gov website, and the capability to submit comments is still active even though the deadline was July 2. As long as the online docket continues to make the comment functionality available, AOPA encourages pilots to submit their comments. Review the AOPA/EAA Guide to the Medical Petition, or consult the frequently asked questions to learn more about the exemption request. Identify Docket FAA-2012-0350 in your comments.

[Chuck Roberg]

James, thanks. I didn't renew my membership so I appreciate the updates.