Sends Letter To DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx Calling For Completion In 30 Days

The Flying Physicians Association has sent a letter to U.S. DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx calling for the DOT and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to complete their review of the FAA's  3rd class medical NPRM in the next 30 days.

In the letter, Richard W. Sloan, MD, RPh, president of the Flying Physician Association (FPA) and Senior Aviation Medical Examiner, said that "[m]any doctors who fly agree that the third-class medical is adding a burden with very little benefit."

The letter, dated September 12, states that "[f]rom a medical perspective, very little significant pathology can be detected by an AME performing an FAA flight physical by the very nature of the examination requirements and procedures.

"What is needed is a system that better assists pilots by continuing to educate them about maintaining their medical health and provides them with information needed to continually self assess prior to flight. Additionally, a system is needed that encourages, instead of discourages, open and honest dialogue between pilots and their long-time personal treating physicians. We believe this is a much better practice than a cursory medical exam with a doctor who has no history or clinical knowledge of an individual, as is often the case with FAA physicals.

"Eighty percent of the flying doctors in the FPA survey, many of whom have backgrounds as Senior Aviation Medical Examiners and military Flight Surgeons, and all of whom are physicians with knowledge of the effects of flying (physical, mental and emotional), believe that the third class medical system as it exists is not necessary, does not add to safety, and can be eliminated for private flying," Dr. Sloan writes in the letter.

General aviation supporters in both houses of Congress have also urged quick review of the NPRM.

FMI: www.fpadrs.org