Pilot Third Class Medical Reform
1.) The main objective of all of this is to create a new way to help pilots continuously stay aware and well informed on how to maintain medical and health. I believe that the third class creates a heavy burden with very little benefit. Even though there are pilots out there who are not responsible enough to decide whether or not they are healthy or fit enough for flight this is probably because the way our medical system is. If this reform is successful we will see the FAA be relieved of duty from being responsible for medically certifying recreational pilots and placing that responsibility on the pilots themselves and their personal doctors. "Anyone who flies with a third class medical certificate can benefit from this reform" Says
2) In these recent months we are coming closer to a change in our medical reform. Last year a petition by AOPA and EAA was sent to the Senate. Since that bill of rights was passed now we have to get it sent to the president after an approval from house of reps. Having this passed by the president will allow pilots to flight day and night both ifr and vfr with up to 5 passengers. Other changes such as having pilots take a free online course every two years and changes in altitude restrictions will be changed as well. This last bill should be the final of many attempts that we have witnessed. According to AOPA Elizabeht A Tennyson they are currently trying their best to get this bill done quickly. Paul Bertorelli who is in support of this writes " I can’t see how it won’t be a meaningful stimulant to an industry that needs all the help it can get. Personally, it would cause me to reinstate my Third Class privileges, which I recently let lapse. I have a special and simply don’t want to bother again."
3) I see myself to be neutral and not really stand for or against it because I tend to stay fit and don't have bad habits that would make me unfit for any flight such and lack of sleep, drinking or smoking. One thing I am for is not having the burden of paying for medical exams done by AME. Something like this would make it easier for pilots to go to their own preferred physician. They won’t have to go out of their way anymore just to get a third class medical taken care of. Had I been the type to have a medical issue of any sort I would definitely be for it rather than against it.
4) Before doing research on this topic I didn't think it was necessary. But after reading many factual articles and opinions from those who currently hold a third class, i couldn't see why not support this. Especially if your'e a person with medical issues.
Spence, C. (2014, September 17). Third-class medical reform caught in government maze. Retrieved January 31, 2016, from http://generalaviationnews.com/2014/09/17/third-class-medical-reform-caught-in-government-maze/
Bertorelli, P. (2015, October 1). Third Class Medical Reform: Hope's Not Misplaced. Retrieved January 31, 2016, from http://www.avweb.com/blogs/insider/Third-Class-Medical-Reform-Hopes-Not-Misplaced-224941-1.html
Tennyson, E. A. (2015, December 9). Third Class Medical Reform FAQ. Retrieved January 31, 2016, from http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2015/December/09/Third-class-medical-FAQs
Tennyson, E. A. (2015, June 24). Medical Reform Moving Forward. Retrieved January 31, 2016, from http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2015/June/24/Medical-reform-moving-forward
