Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 9:43 pm
What the law says:
"Not know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make that person unable to operate a light-sport aircraft in a safe manner."
What the law DOES NOT say:
"Not know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would cause rejection for a 3rd class medical."
Diabetes might cause rejection for a medical certificate. As a sport pilot CFI, I would have no problem soloing a diabetic provided the condition is closely monitored and cared for. In this instance, I would make sure the student visits his doctor on a regular basis, keeps on top of his diet and exercise and takes any medication. I would also recommend taking a blood sugar reading before each flight as part of the IMSAFE procedure.
Here's why that law was written: Should a pilot fly an airplane while sick or injured, and that illness or injury is a factor in an accident, the FAA now has a law they can cite in court. "You violated FAR exty-ex point ex."
Finally, I'll cite the thousands of private pilots and above who have straight-up lied to their AME's and go on to not have accidents as evidence that [what is unsafe] and [what is disqualifying] are two overlapping but different sets of things. I'll also bet my gold wings that fewer sport pilots have lied on a medical application than private pilots.
"Not know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make that person unable to operate a light-sport aircraft in a safe manner."
What the law DOES NOT say:
"Not know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would cause rejection for a 3rd class medical."
Diabetes might cause rejection for a medical certificate. As a sport pilot CFI, I would have no problem soloing a diabetic provided the condition is closely monitored and cared for. In this instance, I would make sure the student visits his doctor on a regular basis, keeps on top of his diet and exercise and takes any medication. I would also recommend taking a blood sugar reading before each flight as part of the IMSAFE procedure.
Here's why that law was written: Should a pilot fly an airplane while sick or injured, and that illness or injury is a factor in an accident, the FAA now has a law they can cite in court. "You violated FAR exty-ex point ex."
Finally, I'll cite the thousands of private pilots and above who have straight-up lied to their AME's and go on to not have accidents as evidence that [what is unsafe] and [what is disqualifying] are two overlapping but different sets of things. I'll also bet my gold wings that fewer sport pilots have lied on a medical application than private pilots.