IMHO, The Third class medical for private pilots including for certificated aircraft should be eliminated. All the "official" paid medicals that require you to see an "approved" doctor should be eliminated for "private pilots", any pilot that does not fly for pay. It should be replaced by a note signed by your primary physician that says you are in generally good health and lists any health issues and meds (such as high blood pressure...). I suggest this for a couple of reasons. First, any physical done by a doctor other than your primary care doctor is at best an educated guess as to your overall health. They can't just see you for an hour, do a few tests and know what your health really is. That fact can be seen by the number of airline pilots that die on the job even when they are required to have a first class medical every 6 months. If that is the case, then what meaning does a medical have after two years or more. Second, private pilots do not have the added stress involved with HAVING to fly to put food on the table. Less of the "got to get there" forces. A private pilot can say that they don't fell well so I won't fly today. Third, I believe that the Sport pilot rules have been around long enough to show that having an "official" medical certificate or not has NOT made any difference in accident rates. Meaning pilots with medical certs and those without have similar statistics. Since our current government is in a much better position to take a look at regulations and perhaps make some needed changes, I will be forwarding my suggestions to both the FAA and my Congressman.
Everything you say is true. BasicMed, in theory, does everything you describe. The problem is that Doctors who aren't AMEs have no idea what risks are acceptable when it comes to aviation and, being generally cautious (and having to carry expensive malpractice insurance), may do to you what mine did to me and defer to specialists for portions of the affirmation on the BasicMed form. This can be a nightmare. The current BasicMed form is much too vague when it comes to specific standards. As described in my earlier comment, the "ease and lower cost" promised by BasicMed can turn into a real nightmare because primary care physicians may not want the responsibility. Don't get me wrong, I agree with you and like the idea of BasicMed, but the devil is in the details and, as with all things having to do with health care these days, small things can get very expensive very quickly.
I have ADHD, diagnosed correctly as a child. I take medication that allows me to have secure employment, a stable marriage, and calm demeanor. The dosages last 8+hours. I would certainly be denied for medical. Sport Pilot license is the ONLY way I'll be able to fly alone or with my wife. I hope the FAA modernizes their viewpoint on ADHD. It's not a liability WITH medication. It COULD be one WITHOUT a diagnosis or medical help.
@@bunkie2100 If you call the AOPA they have a list of doctors who know how to do basic medical properly. I think as times passes more doctors will be added to that list and things will get easier. Unfortunately it will take time to go though all this, but I really don't think it exposes them to any more liability then they already have. What I scratch my head about is how people who take prescription drugs which are able to get past the class 3 medical perfect example Roy Halladay death in a LSA icon he held a PPL was popping all kinds of drugs he had scripts for.
@@innergoof19 Actually legally you can only fly an ultralight like a hang glider or paramotor which doesn't require a license can only be single seat. Sport pilot requires you not have any condition which you know would disqualify you from passing a class 3 medical. The same thing applies to a glider where medicals are not required. I think you sign a form testifying about the medical when you get a SP or glider certificate using at drivers license. If you were to ever have a crash FAA will investigate everything if they find out about it could be in trouble. All the forms say under penalty of perjury. Still lot of part 103 ultralights it's actually not that bad lot of people like it better lot cheaper still get the training just no need deal with the FAA. Not sure how the training works in single seat aircraft maybe they train you in LSA's 2 seat versions.
@@Mike-01234 if I genuinely believe my condition would NOT interfere with my safe operation of an aircraft (even if my opinion of my airworthiness differs from that of the FAA), I don't see how they could get a conviction of perjury. Some paramotor aircraft can carry 2 people. As long as it's not for hire, I believe I can still do it?
Jon, this is a great summary video. Very clear and concise. This is definitely the most organized and straightforward explanation fo the medical requirements that I have seen. Thanks!
Thanks for the best summation of the process I've been able to find so far. Great video and thank you for taking the time to make it. It answered a bunch of my questions and of course, created a bunch more. Being 50+ with typical age related health issues/concerns and a wanna be newbie pilot, the choice of committing to the Sport vs PPL class III medical is daunting. Fundamentally, a bunch of rabbit holes for the FAA to deep dive into is the concern that I have. I guess I have a bit more investigating to do with my potential flight school and other pilots. Like the post earlier, 120 knots and two seats is a little too slow for the x-country traveling mission I'm wanting to pursue. However, a commitment to the class III and a potential disqualification and/or perpetual hoops (and $expenses) to get through before even having a chance at Basic Med is a serious concern. Potential one and done, "no hope" decision since the Sport "drivers license" cert is null and void after a class III denial or deferment during FAA review. The crux of the decision distills to: Option 1, Play it safe with Sport cert or Option 2, laying down the chips and betting it all or nothing with a class III. And if it starts going south, best have a lot of $ and time to save it or nothing it will be, possibly for life. Is my interpretation and understanding accurate? Regardless, at least having the option to choose is much better than what it used to be. Progress. But, what a choice! BTW, TeamCMEphysicals is an app that some folks may find useful. It has listings of doctors that support Basic Med certs and local AMEs . Its in Google Play Store for Android users. Can't attest to its accuracy, but it has a lot more local AMEs listed in my area than what I have found on other web sites. Again, it may be a good resource for some.
Super, Thank you the info, When I started by build, was pushing for Light Sport, but the BasicMed is the way to go, I've been a Cessna 150 pilot for 11 years. Zenith Cruzer might be done this year.
Thanks for the info. I held a 3 rd class medical in 1976 when I was flying. Trying to get back into it. I want to buy an airplane but if I can’t pass the 3rd class medical then I’m out of luck. So I’ll have to go for a light sport. But don’t like the 120 miles an hour limit..
I’m a retired police officer in good overall health. However, I had a spinal fusion surgery in 2010 as a result on an on-the-job injury. Although I have to take a mild non-narcotic prescription pain medication, I was able to return to full duty, working the streets. I was permitted to take the medication while on patrol, working with explosives on Bomb Squad, and handle firearms on a daily basis. The neurosurgeon described the medication as basically one step up from Tylenol. The medication doesn’t have any drowsy side affects like opioids or other narcotics, nor does it impair cognitive thinking or abilities. Has anyone had any similar experience and still been able to obtain their Basic Med? I have already taken my physical, and the doctor would have approved it right then, but said he was required to defer it to the FAA. He said it would take about 90 days to hear from the FAA, but now with government shutdown that had lasted over a month, I’m sure it’s going to take much longer before I hear anything from the FAA. I began taking lessons in December 2018, and am still taking lessons, but I’m anxious and getting frustrated at the delay. And after watching this video, it seems that while being honest about my condition and taking a Basic Med exam, the FAA could deny me. But I could have been DISHONEST, and had far worse medical conditions, be addicted to opioids, and even be a fat, overweight alcoholic crack head who just got my drivers license reinstated after my 5th DUI, and the FAA would gladly allow me to be a sport pilot. Seems messed up. Anyone able to offer any insight?
Had my fusion in '06 S1-L4 Lodi also, I'm thinking maybe a sport pilot license would do me just fine similar meds as yours.... Land that puppy in my hay field just out the back door... From NYC to the Catskills...
My one and only 3rd Class Medical wss issued in 1978 when I was taking lessons, but derailled by other obligations. I did not finish my training and regret it to this day. So, with a medical that expired 38 year ago, if appears a Basic Med is simply not an option. Looks like Sport Pilot or Ulltralite is all that's left with all options being tossed off the table should one attempt and somehow fail a current Class 3 exam. Some choice.
I'm going to cut and paste your comment rather than spend the time to write my own. Or maybe I wrote this using a pseudonym, cause that is almost exactly my situation; got my 3rd class medical in 1970. Looks like we're both going the Sport Pilot route.
One can NOT fly outside the US (except in the Bahamas) with Basic Med. A Class III or higher medical is required. So Basic Med pilots can't fly in Canada or Mexico currently. This is an important distinction and should have been discussed in this video IMO.
So as a rusty pilot, I will be required to get a 3rd class medical once then I can switch to Basic Med. That's the process I have initiated and my doctor (and CFII) feels it will take about six months of jumping through hoops to get it accomplished.
You completely missed my point. "Rusty pilot" equates to older pilot, with "older person" medical issues, so my doctor (also AME, also CFII) and I will be jumping through FAA hoops for maybe six months before the FAA finally decides that my medical issues are not a problem and allows me to get my 3rd class medical. Then I can go basic med as long as nothing else happens. Getting that medical certificate must be one of my first steps to get back into flying. I can't build an airplane without a valid medical, because I may not be able to fly it when the build project is finished. I can't buy a GA airplane without a medical, I can't use my Private license without a medical. Everything hinges on that medical. When I was younger, it was no big deal getting a medical but now it is a VERY big deal.
:-D As if I am going to ponder medical concerns when I should be paying attention to fabrication and assembly :-) :-) :-) Special Basic Med caveats: restriction from flying non-STDd PA32R-300 (TCDS says it is a 7-place acft -- like a C-207) Can't fly as a Safety Pilot Thank you California
The date of last medical annoys for me personally as my last career took me to sea between 2 To 6 months out of the year. I sold my plane and gave up flying during that time. My last physical was 2004. It’s curious that particular date was used as a cut off. Why have a date at all if a basic med requires an examination?
So when i go for my first medical exam it has to be a 3rd class? I’m training on a piper commanche 260.. my eye sight is not 20/20 so i use glasses.. I don’t have any known health issues but a little overweight according to the scale.. trying to figure this out..
I'm currently taking lessons for my light sport certificate, I should be able to pass a third class medical but I never plan to fly any thing more than a light sport or ultra light. But I get confused reading through the FARs and cant find the info in it, What I need to find out is if I buy a used plane that is registered as Experimental but is not registers as Light Sport but meets the requirement for Light Sport, Can I Fly it under a Light Sport Certificate, or can I Re -register it as Light Sport, or Do I need to Start Building A light Sport Experimental.
Aircraft are not "registered as an LSA". Any aircraft, certified or experimental, that meets the operational definition of an LSA can be flown by a Sport Pilot under LSA rules.
The sport certificate is my only hope. Because of my ADHD, and an episode of depression I had within the last 18 months, I will never be able to obtain a proper 3rd class medical. It's really upsetting. Many of the planes I've always dreamed of flying, I'll never be allowed to touch. But at least I have an option to get into the air. It just saddens me that even though I'm medicated and have control of my health, I'll never be able to move up to full sized aircraft.
Sam Milbauer I'm exactly in your position, having had my first flight in December 2018. Spoke excitedly to all my family of pilot dreams at Christmas dinner. Because of my ADHD diagnosis (which is entirely under control with medication), I'll NEVER pass medical. The stipulation the FAA provides is: if you are diagnosed with ADHD, go off the meds for 90 days. Have medical exam with blood test. If you have no symptoms, CONGRATULATIONS! YOU DON'T HAVE ADHD. *NOW YOU CAN FLY* My wife said that the aviation industry is stuck in the 1950s. Lots of sexism, harassment, and clearly no understanding of the medical miracles of today. Best wishes.
Ultralights don't require any sort of certification, as far as I know. You can also fail your 3rd class medical and then pass another one (if whatever caused you to fail has passed or is sucessfully treated.)
Mr Croke, it says that you have BROWN hair on your med cert! Now either that AME was color blind, or just somebody with a lab coat and probably shouldn't be examining folks, in which case you should probably call a victims hotline of some kind, or... Who's been teaching us building tips and what have you done with the real Mr Croke?!! 😆😂🤣 Only joking around... Once again, thank you for a really informative video.
IMHO, The Third class medical for private pilots including for certificated aircraft should be eliminated. All the "official" paid medicals that require you to see an "approved" doctor should be eliminated for "private pilots", any pilot that does not fly for pay. It should be replaced by a note signed by your primary physician that says you are in generally good health and lists any health issues and meds (such as high blood pressure...). I suggest this for a couple of reasons. First, any physical done by a doctor other than your primary care doctor is at best an educated guess as to your overall health. They can't just see you for an hour, do a few tests and know what your health really is. That fact can be seen by the number of airline pilots that die on the job even when they are required to have a first class medical every 6 months. If that is the case, then what meaning does a medical have after two years or more. Second, private pilots do not have the added stress involved with HAVING to fly to put food on the table. Less of the "got to get there" forces. A private pilot can say that they don't fell well so I won't fly today. Third, I believe that the Sport pilot rules have been around long enough to show that having an "official" medical certificate or not has NOT made any difference in accident rates. Meaning pilots with medical certs and those without have similar statistics.
Since our current government is in a much better position to take a look at regulations and perhaps make some needed changes, I will be forwarding my suggestions to both the FAA and my Congressman.
Everything you say is true. BasicMed, in theory, does everything you describe. The problem is that Doctors who aren't AMEs have no idea what risks are acceptable when it comes to aviation and, being generally cautious (and having to carry expensive malpractice insurance), may do to you what mine did to me and defer to specialists for portions of the affirmation on the BasicMed form. This can be a nightmare. The current BasicMed form is much too vague when it comes to specific standards. As described in my earlier comment, the "ease and lower cost" promised by BasicMed can turn into a real nightmare because primary care physicians may not want the responsibility. Don't get me wrong, I agree with you and like the idea of BasicMed, but the devil is in the details and, as with all things having to do with health care these days, small things can get very expensive very quickly.
I have ADHD, diagnosed correctly as a child. I take medication that allows me to have secure employment, a stable marriage, and calm demeanor. The dosages last 8+hours.
I would certainly be denied for medical.
Sport Pilot license is the ONLY way I'll be able to fly alone or with my wife. I hope the FAA modernizes their viewpoint on ADHD. It's not a liability WITH medication. It COULD be one WITHOUT a diagnosis or medical help.
@@bunkie2100 If you call the AOPA they have a list of doctors who know how to do basic medical properly. I think as times passes more doctors will be added to that list and things will get easier. Unfortunately it will take time to go though all this, but I really don't think it exposes them to any more liability then they already have. What I scratch my head about is how people who take prescription drugs which are able to get past the class 3 medical perfect example Roy Halladay death in a LSA icon he held a PPL was popping all kinds of drugs he had scripts for.
@@innergoof19 Actually legally you can only fly an ultralight like a hang glider or paramotor which doesn't require a license can only be single seat. Sport pilot requires you not have any condition which you know would disqualify you from passing a class 3 medical. The same thing applies to a glider where medicals are not required. I think you sign a form testifying about the medical when you get a SP or glider certificate using at drivers license. If you were to ever have a crash FAA will investigate everything if they find out about it could be in trouble. All the forms say under penalty of perjury. Still lot of part 103 ultralights it's actually not that bad lot of people like it better lot cheaper still get the training just no need deal with the FAA. Not sure how the training works in single seat aircraft maybe they train you in LSA's 2 seat versions.
@@Mike-01234 if I genuinely believe my condition would NOT interfere with my safe operation of an aircraft (even if my opinion of my airworthiness differs from that of the FAA), I don't see how they could get a conviction of perjury.
Some paramotor aircraft can carry 2 people. As long as it's not for hire, I believe I can still do it?
Jon, this is a great summary video. Very clear and concise. This is definitely the most organized and straightforward explanation fo the medical requirements that I have seen. Thanks!
At 10:22 kittycat was getting annoyed at being ignored--good thing you were wrapping it up by then.
Thanks for the best summation of the process I've been able to find so far. Great video and thank you for taking the time to make it. It answered a bunch of my questions and of course, created a bunch more.
Being 50+ with typical age related health issues/concerns and a wanna be newbie pilot, the choice of committing to the Sport vs PPL class III medical is daunting. Fundamentally, a bunch of rabbit holes for the FAA to deep dive into is the concern that I have. I guess I have a bit more investigating to do with my potential flight school and other pilots.
Like the post earlier, 120 knots and two seats is a little too slow for the x-country traveling mission I'm wanting to pursue.
However, a commitment to the class III and a potential disqualification and/or perpetual hoops (and $expenses) to get through before even having a chance at Basic Med is a serious concern. Potential one and done, "no hope" decision since the Sport "drivers license" cert is null and void after a class III denial or deferment during FAA review.
The crux of the decision distills to:
Option 1, Play it safe with Sport cert or
Option 2, laying down the chips and betting it all or nothing with a class III. And if it starts going south, best have a lot of $ and time to save it or nothing it will be, possibly for life.
Is my interpretation and understanding accurate?
Regardless, at least having the option to choose is much better than what it used to be. Progress. But, what a choice!
BTW, TeamCMEphysicals is an app that some folks may find useful. It has listings of doctors that support Basic Med certs and local AMEs . Its in Google Play Store for Android users. Can't attest to its accuracy, but it has a lot more local AMEs listed in my area than what I have found on other web sites. Again, it may be a good resource for some.
IM 42 AND HE HELPED CLARIFY A TON!
Super, Thank you the info, When I started by build, was pushing for Light Sport, but the BasicMed is the way to go, I've been a Cessna 150 pilot for 11 years. Zenith Cruzer might be done this year.
Thanks Jon, I was wondering which one I should get this year. My 3rd class medical just expired . I think I will go with the Basic Med.
Thanks for the info. I held a 3 rd class medical in 1976 when I was flying. Trying to get back into it. I want to buy an airplane but if I can’t pass the 3rd class medical then I’m out of luck. So I’ll have to go for a light sport. But don’t like the 120 miles an hour limit..
I’m a retired police officer in good overall health. However, I had a spinal fusion surgery in 2010 as a result on an on-the-job injury. Although I have to take a mild non-narcotic prescription pain medication, I was able to return to full duty, working the streets. I was permitted to take the medication while on patrol, working with explosives on Bomb Squad, and handle firearms on a daily basis. The neurosurgeon described the medication as basically one step up from Tylenol.
The medication doesn’t have any drowsy side affects like opioids or other narcotics, nor does it impair cognitive thinking or abilities.
Has anyone had any similar experience and still been able to obtain their Basic Med?
I have already taken my physical, and the doctor would have approved it right then, but said he was required to defer it to the FAA. He said it would take about 90 days to hear from the FAA, but now with government shutdown that had lasted over a month, I’m sure it’s going to take much longer before I hear anything from the FAA.
I began taking lessons in December 2018, and am still taking lessons, but I’m anxious and getting frustrated at the delay.
And after watching this video, it seems that while being honest about my condition and taking a Basic Med exam, the FAA could deny me. But I could have been DISHONEST, and had far worse medical conditions, be addicted to opioids, and even be a fat, overweight alcoholic crack head who just got my drivers license reinstated after my 5th DUI, and the FAA would gladly allow me to be a sport pilot.
Seems messed up.
Anyone able to offer any insight?
Had my fusion in '06 S1-L4 Lodi also, I'm thinking maybe a sport pilot license would do me just fine similar meds as yours.... Land that puppy in my hay field just out the back door... From NYC to the Catskills...
My one and only 3rd Class Medical wss issued in 1978 when I was taking lessons, but derailled by other obligations. I did not finish my training and regret it to this day. So, with a medical that expired 38 year ago, if appears a Basic Med is simply not an option. Looks like Sport Pilot or Ulltralite is all that's left with all options being tossed off the table should one attempt and somehow fail a current Class 3 exam. Some choice.
I'm going to cut and paste your comment rather than spend the time to write my own. Or maybe I wrote this using a pseudonym, cause that is almost exactly my situation; got my 3rd class medical in 1970. Looks like we're both going the Sport Pilot route.
One can NOT fly outside the US (except in the Bahamas) with Basic Med. A Class III or higher medical is required. So Basic Med pilots can't fly in Canada or Mexico currently. This is an important distinction and should have been discussed in this video IMO.
Wow, very good explanation. Simple, but to the point with special insights.
Thanks Jan you always do a good job. You gave my mind a little rest.
Jon, nice video. Enjoy all your videos. Keep up the good work.
Dennis
Glad I watched this! I was just about to screw up.
So as a rusty pilot, I will be required to get a 3rd class medical once then I can switch to Basic Med. That's the process I have initiated and my doctor (and CFII) feels it will take about six months of jumping through hoops to get it accomplished.
Why 6 months? What hoops? Make an appointment with an AME, get your class III, done for 2 years.
You completely missed my point. "Rusty pilot" equates to older pilot, with "older person" medical issues, so my doctor (also AME, also CFII) and I will be jumping through FAA hoops for maybe six months before the FAA finally decides that my medical issues are not a problem and allows me to get my 3rd class medical. Then I can go basic med as long as nothing else happens. Getting that medical certificate must be one of my first steps to get back into flying. I can't build an airplane without a valid medical, because I may not be able to fly it when the build project is finished. I can't buy a GA airplane without a medical, I can't use my Private license without a medical. Everything hinges on that medical. When I was younger, it was no big deal getting a medical but now it is a VERY big deal.
Not really. "Rusty pilot" and "older guy with potential medical issues" are two different things.
:-D
As if I am going to ponder medical concerns when I should be paying attention to fabrication and assembly :-) :-) :-)
Special Basic Med caveats: restriction from flying non-STDd PA32R-300 (TCDS says it is a 7-place acft -- like a C-207)
Can't fly as a Safety Pilot
Thank you California
fabrication and assembly, that is exactly what Govt and politics is!
The date of last medical annoys for me personally as my last career took me to sea between 2 To 6 months out of the year. I sold my plane and gave up flying during that time. My last physical was 2004. It’s curious that particular date was used as a cut off. Why have a date at all if a basic med requires an examination?
Can you still get your sports pilot's cert if you have a history of DUI?
OK, so I have private pilot land/instrument certification. Can I fly light sport aircraft without a medical certification?
SUOER SOLID INFO JON! THANK YOU SIR!
What? We don't get to see your age?
thank's
So when i go for my first medical exam it has to be a 3rd class? I’m training on a piper commanche 260.. my eye sight is not 20/20 so i use glasses.. I don’t have any known health issues but a little overweight according to the scale.. trying to figure this out..
In short, yes. If you are in general good health, don't sweat the 3rd class.
I'm currently taking lessons for my light sport certificate, I should be able to pass a third class medical but I never plan to fly any thing more than a light sport or ultra light. But I get confused reading through the FARs and cant find the info in it, What I need to find out is if I buy a used plane that is registered as Experimental but is not registers as Light Sport but meets the requirement for Light Sport, Can I Fly it under a Light Sport Certificate, or can I Re -register it as Light Sport, or Do I need to Start Building A light Sport Experimental.
Aircraft are not "registered as an LSA". Any aircraft, certified or experimental, that meets the operational definition of an LSA can be flown by a Sport Pilot under LSA rules.
The sport certificate is my only hope. Because of my ADHD, and an episode of depression I had within the last 18 months, I will never be able to obtain a proper 3rd class medical. It's really upsetting. Many of the planes I've always dreamed of flying, I'll never be allowed to touch. But at least I have an option to get into the air. It just saddens me that even though I'm medicated and have control of my health, I'll never be able to move up to full sized aircraft.
Sam Milbauer I'm exactly in your position, having had my first flight in December 2018. Spoke excitedly to all my family of pilot dreams at Christmas dinner.
Because of my ADHD diagnosis (which is entirely under control with medication), I'll NEVER pass medical. The stipulation the FAA provides is: if you are diagnosed with ADHD, go off the meds for 90 days. Have medical exam with blood test. If you have no symptoms, CONGRATULATIONS! YOU DON'T HAVE ADHD. *NOW YOU CAN FLY*
My wife said that the aviation industry is stuck in the 1950s. Lots of sexism, harassment, and clearly no understanding of the medical miracles of today.
Best wishes.
If I'm over 40, don't have any flying experience, and I fail a 3rd Class Medical, then I can't learn to fly any vehicle for the rest of my life?
Ultralights don't require any sort of certification, as far as I know. You can also fail your 3rd class medical and then pass another one (if whatever caused you to fail has passed or is sucessfully treated.)
Wish id seen this before i had to jump through all these hoops
If the FAA is that damned strict,...then I have no desire to be involved w/ sport aviation! ...Let is die,....
Mr Croke, it says that you have BROWN hair on your med cert! Now either that AME was color blind, or just somebody with a lab coat and probably shouldn't be examining folks, in which case you should probably call a victims hotline of some kind, or... Who's been teaching us building tips and what have you done with the real Mr Croke?!! 😆😂🤣 Only joking around... Once again, thank you for a really informative video.