The sport pilot regs are pretty clear: If you are a private pilot and if you have a valid drivers license and your medical was not denied revoked or suspended ect you can excercise the privledge of a sport pilot period. If you lose your drivers license your grounded as a sport pilot. Yes losing a drivers license for traffic violations will ground Ya. I believe the basic concept behind the sport license was that a sport pilot with chest pains ect ect ect would excercise due caution (not Fly) as to jumping into the cockpit hense the self certifying provisions. Its a issue of good sense.
The real issue here and I believe the EAA may be working on it is a PP who is denied (fails his medical) is locked out but a guy who just left his medical expire(same medical condition as a guy who was denied) can legally fly as a sport pilot. There is a duel standard. As for the legal issue if you have a valid drivers license and self certify that you are safe to fly your legal. Yes Matilda legal does not mean safe. You guys know who you are!!!!! Of course in our legal system you can litigate anyone for anything if you got the $$$$. I am not aware of any sport pilot acting as pilot in command who had a accident as a result of a medical resulting in a civil legal action but you can bet the farm the darkside is watching and looking over our shoulders. Pilots do have medical issues in flight irrespective of the FAA's medical oversight. I have a very good friend who flies (retired age rule) 747's had a detached retina while flying went blind in one eye. Returned to flying status and retired many years later after getting it repaired. The EAA's site provides a wealth of Info on operating as a sport pilot. Also insurance companies have no issue as to issuing coverage as a sport pilot. When I applied for insurance on N99404 they asked about a valid medical told them planned to operate as a sport pilot. No questions no problem. I am insured with Avemco but the EAAs policy was about $200 a year cheaper I just was more comfortable with Avemco since I had a thirty plus year history with them. Dr. Len Buchta
