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AOPA and EAA Set Out to Eliminate Medical Certification for Private Pilots
If AOPA and EAA have their way, medical certificates may become a thing of the past. Amidst a dramatic Star Wars entrance at the annual Pancake Breakfast, AOPA President Craig Fuller and EAA President Rod Hightower announced a united front to change the face of medical airmen certification. (www.aviationchatter.com) Más...
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I'm actually for this. 1) I like the special training for self-cert. 2) It should go further and have a requirement for at least visiting your family DR at least once a year for physical/blood work, log book entry and documented, but not necessarily sent off to the FAA for their blessing. I hear stories way too often pilots who only see the DR for their medical. Every 2-5 years just isn't enough. The body can change fast. The earlier something is found the better chance it is able to be fixed/resolved/controlled.
We take our pets early to the vet for checkups, but some only go to the dr when something is wrong (and for some... to late)
We take our pets early to the vet for checkups, but some only go to the dr when something is wrong (and for some... to late)
This is exciting news for boosting pilot numbers and may be a sigh of relief for older pilots fearing their next visit to an AME. I'm just concerned about the desire to fly interfering with pilot judgement, which isn't going to be cured by a simple training course.
It's the same macho line of thought that leads to so many preventable heart attack and cancer deaths. After all, that pain in my chest is probably nothing. No need to call a doctor.
It's the same macho line of thought that leads to so many preventable heart attack and cancer deaths. After all, that pain in my chest is probably nothing. No need to call a doctor.
I think it is fortunate that we have now had some time with Light-Sport pilots to have some number behind this. Needless to say, no matter which way it goes, there are going to be critical medical issues arise. Let's be honest, with the health of America today, even younger adults are having heart attacks and other issues. You are right, it is a macho attitude that causes the issue, but then those, I'm sure are also the ones who are currently flying without a valid medical (or lie on the medical) that are still flying that haven't been ramp checked.
Personally, I would rather anyone go to the doctor and know that there is an issue and be able to fly knowing the best way to handle it (and the risk) than not knowing. Really 2,3 or even 5 years is way too long between DR visits for any age.
Personally, I would rather anyone go to the doctor and know that there is an issue and be able to fly knowing the best way to handle it (and the risk) than not knowing. Really 2,3 or even 5 years is way too long between DR visits for any age.
If in fact it DOES include something about seeing your family doctor every year, then okay...I can be persuaded. However, if left completely to self-diagnoses, then no.
I don't know, this just seems to send a mixed message to me. Some pilots require a medical exam, but others (usually the ones who would benefit from it) do not?? Flying an aircraft is not just like driving a car...never has been. There are completely different strains on a person's body. Medical status typically has nothing to do with being able to obtain a drivers license either outside of sight. Then you also have to give consideration to the difference in State guidelines. I know for a fact that there are some states who have completely different requirements for drivers licensing than others.
I guess I just don't understand the problem of spending $75 every three years (this is what mine costs) to have a doctor look you over and give an unbiased opinion as to your airworthiness. I usually side with the AOPA, but I just can't here completely.