From AOPA- About the time pilots began to wonder what is the status of a newly proposed medical exemption, AOPA addressed just that issue. In their latest article, AOPA and the Experimental Aircraft Association stated they are unwavering in their effort to open more aircraft to pilots using a driver's license and medical self-assessment, despite the FAA's recent denial of a pilot's request to expand the driver's license medical to private pilots flying aircraft 6,000 pounds or less.
"We are still working with EAA to finalize our petition-a request for exemption, not rulemaking-and intend to submit in March," according to the article.
Cessna 172, file image
The AOPA/EAA exemption request proposes to expand the driver's license medical beyond sport pilot to those pilots flying recreationally, which would be the next incremental step.
Flying recreationally would be defined as flight in an aircraft with an engine of 180-horsepower or less, four seats or fewer, and fixed landing gear. Operations would be limited to a maximum of one passenger and flight during day-VFR conditions. The request also seeks to boost safety by creating an educational online course that pilots would be required to complete and that would address medical self-assessment.
In addition, AOPA and EAA will be discussing the numerous safety benefits of allowing pilots to continue flying aircraft with which they are most familiar. The general aviation fleet includes tens of thousands of aircraft that could be flown under these provisions. - AOPA, See Detailed AOPA Video: AOPA