[Peetwo]

Via the PAIN email chain - Sandy (17/07/16):

Momentous Private Pilot medical reform in the USA

This will give a great boost to General Aviation in the US. 

It would provide a considerably larger stimulus here if achieved in Australia. 

Our Private Pilot Licence Class 2 medicals have fallen off a cliff. Aaron Lane has compiled the attached table, Aaron has been commissioned to provide a GA report and this table will be part of that report.

Aviation Medical Certificates 2000-2015.docx

Car driver standard medicals for PPL is a crucial reform for Australia's GA revival.

Sandy

---------- Forwarded message ----------


From: EAA <connect@eaa.org>
Date: Saturday, 16 July 2016
Subject: EAA Reaches The Goal - Aeromedical Reform Is Now Law!
To: sandy@reith.com.au



View this email online

Third Class Medical Reform Signed into Law

Today, President Obama signed the 2016 FAA funding extension into law with third class medical reform attached. After years of effort by EAA advocacy, pilots will finally see relief from the constant hassle and expense associated with third class medical renewals.

The legislation allows most pilots who have held a valid medical certificate since July 2006 to fly without needing another FAA medical exam. Instead, pilots can be examined by their personal physician every four years and take an online aeromedical factors course every two years to remain medically qualified to fly.

EAA’s efforts to bring third medical class relief to pilots would not have been possible without the support of our members. The true strength of our advocacy efforts lies within the membership base that we represent, and every additional member increases our chances of affecting change. Today proves that together we can make a difference.

Please join EAA today!

Join EAA Now >>


For more information, see EAA's FAQ page on aeromedical reform.

Hmm...those figures for the Class 1 & 2 medicals is very disturbing...

Class one initials & renewals have basically flat-lined since 2004-5, but what is far worse is the rapid decline since 2008-9 of the class 2 initials & renewals. Especially when you consider that class 2 medicals also reflect the wannabes & commercial training pilot ranks (i.e. the future lifeblood of the industry)...   

Cont/- Via Pro Aviation:

Pro Aviation

Sharp End Aviation News and Features


Aeromedical Reform – a giant boost to USA’s general aviation sector


A decade of joint effort by USA general aviation interest groups culminated in a huge victory for American GA pilots last week when US President Barack Obama signed “third class” pilot medical reform into law as part of the 2016 Federal Aviation Administration Extension Bill passed by Congress in that week.

Ten years of teamwork has rewarded the USA Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA) and Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) with a breath of fresh air that will reaffirm the USA’s leadership in the help of strong government support of its vibrant general aviation sector.

The move will free thousands of USA pilots from restrictions on the former one-size-fits-all certificate that imposed similar limitations to those CASA applies to Australian class 2 medical certificate holders, which heavily limit aircraft speed, operating altitudes, number of passengers, systems complexity, and VFR-only operations.

The president’s signature came just hours before the FAA’s existing authorisations became law, and the clock is now ticking on FAA’s mandate to translate the new laws into its regulations with tight deadlines.

Who will benefit?

Prior to the new rules, USA third-class medical holders were limited to 4 seats but only one passenger, 180 hp, single-engine, fixed gear, day VFR-only conditions, a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet or up to 2,000 feet AGL and an obligation to take a (free) on-line aeromedical online training in aeromedical factors every two years.

Pilots flying under the new rules will now be allowed to operate aircraft weighing up to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg), carrying up to five passengers plus the pilot in command, flying at up to 18,000 feet, and at cruising speeds of up to 250 knots. Pilots, if appropriately rated, can fly VFR or IFR in qualified aircraft. There are no limitations on horsepower, number of engines, or gear type.)

“This means almost any third-class medical certificate holder can benefit from these reforms,” says EAA. “In fact, almost anyone who has held a regular or special issuance third-class medical certificate within the 10 years preceding the date the legislation is enacted will never again need to visit an aviation medical examiner (AME). If you’ve never held a third-class medical certificate, you will need to get a medical certificate one-time only. If your regular or special issuance medical certificate lapsed more than 10 years before the legislation is enacted, you will need to get a medical certificate one time only. And if you develop certain cardiac, neurological, or psychological conditions, you will need a one-time only special issuance medical.”

What’s in the bill?

Pilots will still need to visit their personal physician at least once every four years and provide an FAA-developed checklist of issues to be discussed during the visit: “Both you and your physician will need to sign the checklist saying that you discussed the items on it. You will then need to make a note of the visit and include the checklist in your logbook. You do not need to report the outcome of the visit or file any paperwork with the FAA unless you are specifically requested to do so.

“You also will need to take online training in aeromedical factors every two years. The training will be offered free of charge.

“The legislation considerably expands the number of USA pilots and aircraft who will be eligible to fly under third-class medical reforms.”

Fuller detail is available on the web sites of the (USA) AOPA and the EAA

MTF...P2