Earlier this month on post number 718 was the beginning of a letter to the FAA to raise the sport aircraft limit to 1400 lbs, so Ercoupe model C's, CD's and especially the D's could be flown as a sport pilot.
Interestingly enough the AOPA has announced it's support for their FAA Wish List (see link below). Included in the wish list is their support of eliminating the requirement of a Class 3 medical for the Recreational Pilot Certificate. They are advocating that the requirement be changed so that only a valid drivers license be required for a Recreational Pilot Certificate. This regulation, as you know, is the same as currently used for the Sport Pilot Certificate. This may have many advantages for the entire pilot community especially us older and medically challenged pilots. As noted in FAR part 61.101 (e): Recreational pilots are not allowed to be a pilot in command of an aircraft - (1) that is certified- (i) For more than four occupants; (ii) With more than one powerplant; (iii) With a powerplant of more than 180 horsepower; or (iv) With retractable landing gear; It goes on to list other aircraft restrictions, operational restrictions that can be overcome with a CFI endorsement. Operations Restricted to day VFR greater than 3 miles visibility and below 10,000 feet. A recreational Pilot can only carry one passenger and no commercial operations. However no where does it specify an aircraft operation restriction by weight. I encourage EOC to review the AOPA's "Wish list" to the FAA and lend it support for this proposed change directly to the FAA and all it's members lend thier voice to change this regulation. Reagrds Kevin O'Donnell Link to AOPA article: http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2008/080117faa.html
