Originally Posted by
ShyGuy
Not illogical nor ridiculous. All of those conditions are disqualifying medically. You can't fly until you are cleared, and this waiver/SODA procedure is because of groups like ALPA and the ADA that makes it possible. Anyway, the 3rd class med is a joke anyway and no way shows pilots are made more safer.
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/standards/
The standards are practically the same other than for vision, ecg, and a couple of SI's that will get you a third class only.
We have guys that pass first class medical and then have heart attacks a month later. The medical is merely a snapshot of your health. I'd argue you could increase the intervals between 1st and 2nd class also and not have an effect on safety.