BrianL99 wrote:MrMorden wrote:BrianL99 wrote:
Can you give me an example of a condition that would disqualify you for a 3rd Class Medical, but wouldn't prevent you from exercising Sport Pilot privileges?
The real answer is: "Any condition for which you have consulted with your personal physician(s), and both you and they agree that you can safely operate an LSA."
If you and your doctor both agree that you can safely fly an LSA, you are within the scope of the regulations. There is no set of disqualifying conditions for Light Sport privileges as there is for a third class medical. Instead it's left for the pilot to exercise reasonable judgment in consultation with his/her physician(s).
I guess I read the Regulations differently.
Thanks
I believe the FAA Counsel has agreed with my interpretation.
EDIT:
From the FAA website:
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QUESTION: If I suspect I have a significant medical condition, but have never had an FAA medical certificate denied, suspended, or revoked, can I exercise sport pilot privileges using my current and valid driver's license, if otherwise qualified?
Response by the Federal Air Surgeon
Long-standing FAA regulation, § 61.53, prohibits all pilots — those who are required to hold airman medical certificates and those who are not--from exercising privileges during periods of medical deficiency. The FAA revised § 61.53 to include under this prohibition sport pilots who use a current and valid U.S. driver's license as medical qualification. The prohibition is also added under §§ 61.23 (c) (2) (iv) and 61.303 (b) (2) (4) for sport pilot operations.
You should consult your private physician to determine whether you have a medical deficiency that would interfere with the safe performance of sport piloting duties. Certain medical information that may be helpful for pilots can be found in our Pilot Safety Brochures.
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Note bold portions above. For a class three medical, "deficiency" is determined by the requirements of the medical regarding conditions and medications, as well as the SI guidelines. For Sport Pilot privileges, none of that applies and deficiency is determined by the pilot in consultation with his physician. Note the language "You should consult your private physician to determine whether you have a medical deficiency"...the determination is actually made by your physician consult, notwithstanding any requirements determining "deficiency" for a third class medical.