I agree with the answers and advice you have received from the group
so far. I have explored this pretty recently
since I plan to let my medical lapse and start flying as a Sport
Pilot before I get denied for something. (There are
many "things" that will disqualify you according to the FAA that I,
as a physician, do not think are a danger to you
or others on the ground....but I'm not going to change their minds!
The two things I will add to what has been said are:
1. If you have developed an illness or are on medications that would
prevent you from flying (according to the
FAA) then your medical is technically suspended (something you are
supposed to do yourself). If you then let
your medical lapse and start flying as a Sport pilot and the FAA
finds out about this disqualifying "thing" you
would not be "legal" and could face action from FAA, denial from
insurance, and would not look good if you
end up in court. If you want to explore this further and are a member
of AOPA, they are a good source of
"official" interpretation that doesn't involve the FAA.
2. Several companies are refusing to cover SLA and Sport Pilots and
the experience they have had is not good.
Avemco does cover both at a competitive rate.
Dan C
On Jan 16, 2008, at 9:17 PM, Ed Burkhead wrote:
Rick,
(We won't change this now, but it probably should have been
discussed on
tech rather than flyin.)
If you are still within the time period of your FAA medical, then
you must
self-certify on every flight that you are fit to do that flight
(just like
with Sport Pilot).
If you have a medical condition and go for your 3rd class medical
examination and flunk, you may NOT fly as a Sport pilot. You'll be
"denied"
and forever Ineligible to fly as anything but a glider or balloon
pilot
until you clear that denial by getting a new 3rd class medical (even a
special issuance, even for just a single day [if they actually
issue such
things]).
If you let your medical certificate expire, then you may continue
to fly as
a Private Pilot operating under privileges of Sport Pilot, provided
you have
a valid driver's license AND you self-certify that you are fit for
every
flight.
Self-certifying doesn't involve any paperwork - it consists of an
honest
self-evaluation of your condition and safety and make the decision
that you
are safe for the flight.
To return to full Private Pilot flying privileges, you just get a
new 3rd
class (or higher) FAA medical certificate.
Sorry I can't tell you about the insurance issues.
What is the "6 month waiting time" you referred to? You can write me
off-forum if you'd rather.
Ed Burkhead
http://edburkhead.com/Ercoupe/index.htm East Peoria, Illinois
ed -at- edbur???khead.??com (remove the ? marks and change -at-
to @)
