cardiomd

Thanks. Indeed, a few are truly some of the most ill-informed, ridiculous posts I've ever seen. I guess it is what happens when every dolt has a microphone. As evidenced by counts the posters are a slim minority, and (hopefully) a few others learn from writings or well-thought out posts.

I talk like that sometimes I write in that way. Sorry about that!

cardiomd

The majority of LSA people I know personally can not get a standard medical. They are allowed to fly small light aircraft for fun, which is the spirit of the LSA. They don't fly the "missions" of a PPL/CPL.


I disagree. A modern single such as the SR22 and a LSA are completely different aircraft and demand a great deal difference in pilot sophistication, manual skill and dexterity to safely operate. The safety record between the two would also support this.


I disagree with your first sentence, but would listen to any supporting data you may have. Believe me, I'm at the other end of getting pilots SI. I'm a specialist and have helped a lot of people get back in the pilot seat, and would appreciate a somewhat more streamlined operation. I do think that there are some areas that could be managed a bit better instead of the "hard and fast" rules, and meaningful reform instead of the "abandon the medical" is reasonable.

I'm quite familiar with the SI process. Again you can imagine I get a few referrals; the AME's listen to specialists when needed.

I think the proposed rule is a start of a good compromise as I said above, and much better than the "no medical examination needed forever" proposed rule, which would have significantly impacted safety.

Baron50

Except for one resident self hating contrarian here, you are losing the debate Doc. These changes make sense because even the most obtuse politician recognizes a very onerous expensive rule, which is only targeted at less than 1%, is not good public policy. The other 99% are inconvenienced and paying for the unfounded fears of the ignorant.

Most people who fly see a Doctor on a regular basis, some for free with Medicare. Those with a problem, who are not responsible and do not stop flying, are the type that rules do not matter anyways.

I suppose your rationalization, that the amendments are more than pandering, is some sort of justification that you were simply wrong. The reality is, hundreds of thousands private pilots will not need to write a check every two years to tell an AME they feel fine.

Airline pilots spend their entire career using good judgement, being responsible and following the rules, that does not change when they retire. It is truly offensive that someone in another profession would impugn our integrity. You have the wrong audience.

We can hope the AME's will be re-tasked to provide better health care to the general public, that will be an ancillary benefit of this legislation.

jcountry

I would like so see some details about AME political contributions. In this day and age, there is absolutely no sense in having to get medical certification.

The most similar job I can think of would be a cruise liner. Thousands of people get on those cruise liners (which are crewed by at least a couple of crew members on the bridge at all times.) No cruise liner that I am aware of has ever sunk or grounded because all crew members simultaneously stroked out.

As far as I know, there is no medical certification for any of them.

Honestly, pilot medicals are archaic as all hell. There is simply no safety justification for people operating a two-pilot pressurized airplane. No medical argument can be made for why they are necessary. This ain't the battle of Britain or NASA. We drive a temperature-controlled office around in the air all day. Big whoop!

The only justification is by the Drs.... And anyone ever notice there is no daily limit on how many medicals an AME can issue per day-unlike an examiner issuing pilot certificates? I would bet some can crank well over 5k per day.

Becoming an AME is a sweet gig for a Dr. Issue 20 or 30 per day-at 200 bucks a pop! And never have to fool with insurance! Plus, run a few stress tests and such to keep the FAA happy-heck yeah! Pretty sweet gig. Sure beats a lot of jobs!

Total cash cow. Total waste of time and money by all involved.

As a non-doc, I defy anyone to give me any valid reason for a pilot medical certification in 2015.