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Stop the 3rd Class Medical Madness
Christopher Hart, the acting head of the National Transportation Safety Board, told lawmakers recently he is "very concerned about pilots flying without adequate medical standards," pronouncing before a House subcommittee that doing away with the 3rd class medical, among other worrying things, would make pilots less likely "to pay attention to the FAA's list of prohibited drugs." To that, I respond, what is the NTSB smoking? (www.flyingmag.com) Mais...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
Christopher Hart, why don't you tell your buddies at the FAA to stand with you in a more relevant fight, FATIGUE!!! Address double clocks in Part 135 especially, not this medical bullshit. "Sick" pilots are probably more rested and safe than tired pilots!!!
The third class is silly. If a pilot is unfit medically and crashes the chances of them injuring someone else are slim to none. I think that I read somewhere (maybe here) that you have a greater chance of being hit by lightning than by a crashing airplane. Google it if you don't believe me.
On the other hand anybody can drive around an SUV or full size truck at 70 MPH, loose control and the chances of them injuring another person are so much higher. I would be all for them keeping the third class if all drivers were required to meet the same standards for both maintaining their own health and maintaining their vehicles to the standards we maintain our aircraft.
On the other hand anybody can drive around an SUV or full size truck at 70 MPH, loose control and the chances of them injuring another person are so much higher. I would be all for them keeping the third class if all drivers were required to meet the same standards for both maintaining their own health and maintaining their vehicles to the standards we maintain our aircraft.
Every pilot self assesses their physical condition before a flight and makes a judgement call.
An FAA physical with an AME is not expensive as long as you have no significant medical history.
I had a valid medical certificate (in 2006) and discovered I required bypass surgery. The cost to get re-certified was huge and I did not do it. The bizarre thing is that I was then, and am now healthier than I was with a current physical. My point is that having a piece of paper does not certify that you are healthy but that you were at a particular point in time.
I can legally fly LSA aircraft with a drivers license and my Pilot Certificate as I was never denied a medical certificate. If I had gone to take the exam and failed I would not be able to legally fly LSA.
The growing danger from UAVs is in my estimation a larger threat than responsible pilots ( most of us) with or without a medical certificate.
An FAA physical with an AME is not expensive as long as you have no significant medical history.
I had a valid medical certificate (in 2006) and discovered I required bypass surgery. The cost to get re-certified was huge and I did not do it. The bizarre thing is that I was then, and am now healthier than I was with a current physical. My point is that having a piece of paper does not certify that you are healthy but that you were at a particular point in time.
I can legally fly LSA aircraft with a drivers license and my Pilot Certificate as I was never denied a medical certificate. If I had gone to take the exam and failed I would not be able to legally fly LSA.
The growing danger from UAVs is in my estimation a larger threat than responsible pilots ( most of us) with or without a medical certificate.
Over here in the Philippines, they have NO RESTRICTIONS on UAV's at all. I would guess it is because the Rules and Policies here are STILL working on Regulations for Jet Aircraft...lol... Just a LITTLE behind the times!!
I completely agree with you, I believe there is a place for an entry exam (to meet obvious qualifications) when you are learning to fly, but after that it is no longer necessary. There were many days I wanted to go flying, but deemed myself unfit to fly that day and I do not need a piece of paper to tell me I "can" fly when I know I should not.
[This poster has been suspended.]