Originally Posted by
jonnyjetprop
The biggest issue with getting away from a third class medical is that folks only think of a guy flying a C-172 as using a 3rd class medical. Nobody thinks of the Jack Rouch's of the world flying jets under FAR 91. Were do you draw the line? While some might say the C-172 driver doesn't need a medical, few would feel that a jet (John Travolta's B707) doesn't need one.
The second thing to watch is how the whole LSA movement pans out. I see many self certifying pilots not really assessing if they are fit to fly. The open question is "Will the number of pilot incapacitations rise?"
That's the issue. Will those that self certify follow the letter of the law? Some will, Some won't. There's a lot in the GA world that's on the honor system: night currency, 6+6+Hold/tracking for IFR, etc.
I see my GP for regular physicals, etc. Why do I need to see an AME to tell me I'm still not color blind? I would surmise that those that know they will fail a Class 3 aren't going to get one and possibly fly anyway.
You raise some very interesting points - well done