FAA GA Medical Reform

The current agenda for general aviation medical reform is to remove the requirement of renewing your third class medical certificate completely. Anyone who has received a third class medical certificate within the past ten years would not be required to renew that certificate if the bill passes. Anyone who receives a third class medical certificate (if the bill passes) would not be required to renew that certificate unless a new medical condition is developed requiring a special issuance medical certificate (Tennyson 2015). A logbook endorsement would take the place of renewing the third class medical certificate and would be completed by an aeronautical medical examiner every four years.

The suggested reform is already far in the regulatory process. The suggested reform is currently a bill and is awaiting vote on an amendment by the Senate (Tennyson 2015). The legislation must first be signed into law prior to the Federal Aviation Administration beginning the regulatory rulemaking process. The rulemaking process could take up to a year.

I agree with increasing the renewal time requirement of a third class medical certificate. This would allow third class privileges for a longer period of time which will benefit general aviation pilots (primarily those above the age of 40). I am against removing the renewal time requirement completely though. I think the third class medical certificate renewal should still be required (to ensure medical standards are met). Removing the requirement completely may create a safety hazard. I think requiring a logbook endorsement every four years by an aeronautical medical examiner is a positive response.

I do feel that medical reform is necessary for general aviation pilots. The current third class renewal time requirement is too short and should be extended to accommodate general aviation pilots (primarily those above the age of 40). Requiring them to renew their third class medical certificate every few years is not necessary.

Tennyson E. (2015 November 29). Closer Than Ever. Retrieved November29 2015.