Congress has a bill on the floor that simplifies the third-class, making it uneccessary for most. Some of the major ways that this bill is improved include: "allowing pilots to fly airplanes up to 6,000 pounds, which includes the vast majority of the light GA fleet. Pilots can fly IFR under the proposed rule, they can carry a reasonable number of passengers, and they can fly fast airplanes, up to 250 knots." (Goyer, 2015)
It comes as no surprise that this bill was not put on the table by the FAA, but rather became Congress mandated. Congress saw the need to step in and force the issue. This can be good and bad, because with the good, you also have the potential to see the bad, or the silly... "You might get good rules, like the Pilot's Bill of Rights, and you might get silly ones, like the expensive and scientifically insupportable requirement that new airline pilots have 1,500 hours of flight experience." (Goyer, 2015)
I do think that medical reform is necessary, as the restrictions and the requirements put on those who wish to fly can be quite ridiculous. In my personal experience, it seems that if you have anything in your past that the FAA can use against you, they will do so. Easier to just say no than to look a little deeper into a situation. For example: after having spine surgery in 2010, I was on VA (Veteran's Affairs) prescribed pain medication for a long time. The surgery was less than successful, and this seemed an easier solution than to look at the root of the problem. Fast forward three years (2013), and I stopped taking the pain meds. This was my choice. No addiction, I just hate taking medication, and needed to seek alternate ways to manage the pain. Since 2013, I have been fighting with the FAA to obtain a medical. I have met every one of their requirements, but have been unsuccessful in obtaining my certificate. The last seven responses from them have been exactly the same letter, with only the date being changed. The only thing it asks for is my current list of medications, including any pain meds, or the date that I stopped taking them. Oh, after denying me (again) of course. My list of medications have not changed since 2013, and I have not taken any medications that would DQ me, but still I am unable to be cleared medically. Reform is necessary!
References
Goyer, Robert. (May 5, 2015) Medical Reform - Finally! (Flying Magazine) Retreived from http://www.flyingmag.com/blogs/going-direct/medical-reform-finally
I do understand that the medical the restrictions and the requirements put on those who wish to fly maybe ridiculous but I do think that they are beneficial. A third class medical requires pilot to pass the following Distant vision: 20/40 or better in each eye separately with or without correction, Near vision 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction, as measured at a distance of 16 inches (410 mm), Color vision: Demonstrate the ability to perceive the colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties, Hearing: Demonstrate the ability to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room, using both ears, at a distance of six feet, with their back turned to the examiner, or pass an approved audiometric test, Ear, Nose, and Throat: Exhibit no ear disease or condition manifested by, or that may reasonably be expected to be manifested by, vertigo or a disturbance of speech or equilibrium, blood pressure: Under 140/90, no Mental disorders or substance dependence.
ReplyDeleteA driver’s license requires drivers to pass visual acuity of 20/40 and a peripheral field of vision of 140 degrees. Visual acuity less than 20/40 to and including 20/50 and a peripheral field of vision of 140 degrees or less to and including 110 degrees. Drivers may have High blood pressure, mental disorders and substance abuse issues. Now is this really what we would to allow in the air. They are dangerous on the road and they will be dangerous in the air.
My point that I was making was that I have met every requirement asked of me by the AME and the FAA, and I am still denied. I have none of the issues you mentioned, and my eyesight is 20/15. Regardless of what I am told, I am convinced that due to my service in a combat arms MOS in the military, I am being denied, and it is easier for the FAA to tell me I am not meeting their requirements than to tell me the REAL reason.
DeleteReform is absolutely necessary for situations like yours, and I know you're not alone. Psychos can lie and pass anything up to first class medicals, but real American hero's like Chad get denied. I spit in the FAA's general direction!
ReplyDeleteThanks buddy. Might need to get you into a position at the FAA where you can make some waves haha.
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