Sport Pilots And Glider Pilots Flying Without Medicals Must Comply With Fit-For-Flight Rules

In a letter sent to all U.S. Senators, the Airline Pilots Association’s (ALPA) president, Tim Canoll, claims he represents 52,000 pilots and 31 airlines in his belief that changes to the 3rd class medical requirements are dangerous. His letter describes his concerns, and he also displays his lack of knowledge about the 3rd class medical and the regulations as they apply to pilots not required to have medicals.

While it’s understandable that airline captain Canoll does not comprehend the rules for GA pilots flying without medicals, it’s very important that pilots exercising privileges under medical exempted rules do understand that they are still under a regulatory requirement to only fly when physically fit.

The regulations covering this are found in FAR part 61.53 (b). Which states in part, “Operations that do not require a medical certificate. For operations provided for in §61.23(b) of this part, a person shall not act as pilot in command, or in any other capacity as a required pilot flight crewmember, while 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.” (Note: FAR 61.23(b) explains who may operate without a medical certificate)

FAR part 61.53 also makes a similar statement for pilots, including airline pilots, which are required to carry medical certificates.

Under today’s regulations, thousands of glider pilots and sport pilots are operating safely without a 3rd class medical. These pilots are trained and tested in all rules applicable to operating in the national airspace system. A lack of a medical certificate has nothing to do with following the rules, using common sense, and flying only when physically fit.

(LSA image from file)

FMI: www.faa.gov