The Bill That Is Being Referred To As The Pilot's Bill Of Rights 2 Is Gaining Momentum In Congress

We can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel as it relates to third class medical reform. The Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 (PBOR2) is now in motion in Congress, and it’s a huge step forward for recreational aviators. However, it still requires a new pilot in training to pass a third class medical at least once, and an already certificated pilot to have held a medical within the last 10 years. The question becomes, how does this fit in with sport pilot regulations?

The answer to that question is, as it stands now, the regulations for sport pilots relating to medical certification are not going to change. To operate as a sport pilot, which means being restricted to a light sport aircraft and observing sport pilot limitations, no medical is required in the past, at the time of training, or in the future. A valid state driver’s license is used in lieu of medical certification, which includes any restrictions included on the license.

When we say no medical is required, we mean it is not required initially as a student pilot, nor is it involved in any 10 year requirement. To train for sport pilot certificate or operate as a sport pilot, the only catch in the rule is that you must have never been refused a medical, or had one revoked. That’s the way the rule works now and is not expected to change.

Like all pilots, sport pilots still fall under the requirement to comply with FAR 61.53. This applies today and will continue to apply after the implementation of third class medical reform. This is the rule that states that a person shall not act as pilot in command if that person knows, or has reason to know, of any medical condition that would make the person unable to operate the aircraft in a safe manner.

Becoming a sport pilot will still remain a simpler way to obtain a pilot certificate, and a third class medical is not an issue.

(Image from File)

FMI: www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/faa_regulations