Seggy

Not at all.


Not at all as well. ALPA is a representational democracy. You won't ALWAYS agree with the position they take on an issue. I sure as hell don't, but ALPA will take the position based upon it's Board of Directors priorities.

ALPA is representing my position on this issue as well. Why people don't want folks who they share the airways with to be medically examined every few years is beyond the purview of common sense.

Flynkayaker

REALLY? The Board of Directors?....

Show me the resolution. I call BS on that one.

Seggy

You can never really tell how many accidents have been avoided because of the medical standards in place as those who can't get a medical or receive treatment to get a medical are either not flying or caused a break in the chain of someone having a medical issue in flight.

BlueMoon

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.

Flynkayaker

But you can tell how many LSA accidents would have been prevented if the operator was required to have a third class medical. Answer; none...

BTW; where's that resolution?

Seggy

They don't want Congress dictating medical standards.

Seggy

You shouldn't look at it that way. You need to look how it can prevent an issue in the future.

We often say 'the regulations are written in blood'. Well let us try to reverse that trend. The AOPA and EAA aren't helping that reversal.

FlyingKat

Whats funny is how some of these ex military guys like Canoli have no clue about GA. What is there to stop some guy who owns his own Archer from flying without a medical? Nothing except a ramp check which is very rare. Used to run into old guys flying without a medical all the time when I was instructing at small GA airports. There is no penalty in the federal code for flying without a medical either. The only people who worry about medicals are those that rent or in commercial flying operations. All this will do is make these guys legal. One time I ran into a farmer that flew his Tri Pacer around and figured he probably should get a BFR since he hadn't had one in 10 years. Asked to see his medical and he said he hadn't had one in 20 years. Needless to say I told him to get a medical before I could give him a BFR, and never saw him again. Called a buddy with the FAA to see what I should do, and he said there wasn't a whole lot they could do until he gets involved in an incident. True story. Even then there is nothing in federal code that allows them to jail him or seize the aircraft unless it is a violation of a prohibited zone or a restricted area.

BE24pilot

Doesn't ALPA know how many members are also EAA and AOPA members. Stating on behalf of all members is a huge overreach. Thanks for taking my ALPA money and putting it to work against the money I have contributed to reform GA.

Baron50

Dear Senator ________,

You recently received a letter from the Airline Pilots Association urging you to oppose elimination of the third class medical requirement for general aviation pilots. I would like for you to know that the membership of the ALPA has never been polled as to the member's position on this matter. Many, if not the majority of ALPA members, and retired members support this regulation change. Furthermore, both the SWAPA and APA airline pilot unions have supported this legislation along with the EAA and AOPA.

ALPA leadership is misinformed of the facts and was not involved in the studies that show third class medicals do not provide a significant safety benefit to the public. As you may know, pilots in the light sport category have flow safely for many years without medical certificates. Additionally, while the law eliminates the third class medical requirement, the regulations continue to require biannual proficiency checks by certified flight instructors providing oversight of those pilots without medical certificates.

I strongly urge you to support Senator Manchins amendment, S.Amdt.2267 and eliminate this costly and unnecessary burden on general aviation pilots.


Sincerely,


39 year ALPA member (ret)
Former member ALPA BOD