Over 55 and the 3rd class medical

[dogpilot]

The new process, online, doesn't complete until the AME enters data from his side. He just prints out your pre-app, they fill in the blanks as they go, then go enter it after they finish. So you will have a dangling application. Now when they switch to an online app from a tablet device they may completely take it out of the AME's hands. Don't laugh, it isn't too far off. It started with EKG's. The AME used to do it and mail the paper tape in. Now they have to send it by data link and the FAA medical makes the EKG call on pass fail. We tested a device in the Navy that used a reverse process to focus an image on your retina to check your eyesight. No memorizing the chart anymore. The issue was measuring alignment of your eyeballs, they didn't have that tech at the time.

So yes, in the future, when we all fly to the airport using jetpacks wearing white unitards. We will sit in a special chair while a computer checks our vitals and prints a barcode on our wrist to authorize us to fly. Right below our name, 'Not Sure.'

[Kevin]

I've been taking first class physicals since I was 23 yrs. old, I'm 57 now. I was all set to retire at 60 then they went and raised the retirement age to 65. That was OK with me until my wife figured out I could squeeze in another 5 years. If I make through those 16 physicals I plan to go sport pilot from then on. You hear of some of the strangest stories on how someone was denied their medical and then I know of several walking dead that get by every 6 months. There is no parity among AME's.

[mikewings]

Interesting discussion. Have not been here for a while so read the entire thread. The way the laws are written now you gotta decide probably before you want to, to go Sport Pilot bc if you wait till you have a problem you are screwed. I gotta say after flying since 1963 I am totally happy to fly my S7S and not worry about the medical even though I could pass 3class if I really wanted to. Would much rather be here than not flying at all . Several minor things can kill it completely, it all depends if they are on the hot list of the FAA. Now that would raise my BP of I had to worry about them at the AME's


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[88H]

I didn't read thru the discussion in detail so this may have already been said, but why in the world are there any medical requirements for anyone not flying commercial???

The government issues drivers licenses without medicals, why not pilots.

I just renewed my 3rd class. Took an 1.5 hours out of my day, $75 fee and is anyone safer. I don't think so.

Just another example of the govt way too involved in our lives and way too much control over things they have no business regulating. In the process, they cost folks time and money.

Sorry, had to rant!!

Larry

[A1Skinner]

I'm a ways off of 55, but here's my question on medicals. If I can pass my class 1 aviation medical, why can I not use that for my class 1 drivers license? The aviation medical is way more in depth and cover many more issues. Seems like a scam to make me pay an extra $150 every few years.
Is it the same way in the US or is it just Canada that is this way?
Sorry for the thread drift...

David

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[c170pete]

I'm a ways off of 55, but here's my question on medicals. If I can pass my class 1 aviation medical, why can I not use that for my class 1 drivers license? The aviation medical is way more in depth and cover many more issues. Seems like a scam to make me pay an extra $150 every few years.
Is it the same way in the US or is it just Canada that is this way?
Sorry for the thread drift...

David

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You ask a very rational question, but I wouldn't expect a rational answer from any government on this planet.

[A1Skinner]

[/quote]

You ask a very rational question, but I wouldn't expect a rational answer from any government on this planet.[/quote]


Well the very reasonable answer I got from Alberta transportation was that my aviation medical stated that I consume 1 to 2 units of alcohol per week, and they don't know what a unit is. Could be one beer, or a case, or a pallet for all they know. So in order for them to accept it I would need to get a liver function study and 5 other tests done in order for it to count, just to he sure that I don't have an alcohol abuse issue. Never mind the box 2 lines above that asks if I have an alcohol abuse issue that is checked no. I have buddies that have gotten DUIs and not need those studies to get there drivers license back...
Lon story short, I go to a walk in clinic and walk out with my drivers medical. Not a single thing about alcohol on it!

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[c170pete]

my point exactly. The left hand doesn't know what the other left hand is doing.

[A1Skinner]

And as stated above, I'm a lot more dangerous on the road with 50 tons of truck with lots of peole then I am in my 1650 lbs of Citabria in the air with not many others...

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[c170pete]

Back to the subject of decreasing your blood pressure...

I am pushing 50, too much desk work, too much good food and good beer, a love of strong coffee, life governed by needs of family, work, etc, I find myself in less than ideal condition. BP never a problem before, I noticed it creeping up over the last couple years or so but didn't give it the attention it deserved.

Before going to the AME I got an electronic BP widget and started watching it more frequently. 130's over mid 80's. OK I'm gonna pass, right? Went to the AME end of March and he measured my all time high of140/91. OK I passed. This time. But that 91 set off the alarm for me.

So what do I do about this? Diet? Exercise? Meds? I've been in pharmaceutical R&D for 20 years or so and I am not a big fan of starting with meds for a variety of reasons. Meds (for me) would be treating the symptom, not the cause of the problem. Not gonna give up my caffeine addiction or good BBQ and dark beer without a fight, so I started a exercise routine of 40-60 minute power walks 4x per week, more or less, and monitoring BP at least twice weekly.

OK, my BP started to come down. Surprising result is how fast and how far. IN JUST 8 WEEKS my BP now is about 115/75.

Not sure if this is the best approach for everybody, but it's working for me. Might even reduce the extra belly ballast I carry.



(I am trying to post a plot of this data, not having much luck right now but will try again later)

Cheers and good health,

Pete

[hotrod150]

I didn't read thru the discussion in detail so this may have already been said, but why in the world are there any medical requirements for anyone not flying commercial??? .........

So have you (& everyone else here who feels medicals shouldn't be required for private flying) submitted an online comment in favor of passing the current "self-certify" proposal which has been submitted to the FAA?
If you're not part of the soution.....

[OscarDeuce]

While I know we've debated this before and I'm in a minority here, I'll go on as saying this is no solution. Why? Because it doesn't go far enough and doesn't address the issue 88H raises - why is there such a requirement for private, i.e. non-commercial aviation. Yea, I've heard the argument that if this passes, maybe in another 5 years...but hey, I ain't getting any younger. LSA and the AOPA proposal with all its limits works for a lot of people but not for everyone. Oh, I suppose I'll mosey on over there and say something to help out my fellow aviators that this helps - seems like the neighborly thing to do. However, DC to LA is still a long way in anything with 180 HP and fixed gear, particularly if you can only go VFR during the day.

Best
O-2

[hotrod150]

While I know we've debated this before and I'm in a minority here, I'll go on as saying this is no solution.......

It's a solution for people like me, & it's the first step of a solution for guys like you. Kinda like if you want a big family, & you tell the old lady it's no good when she gets pregnant-- you want 4 kids (all at once), go back & try again.
Never gonna get to the next step if we don't take the first step. And with the feds, it's gotta be baby steps. You saw what happened to the proposal to get rid of medicals for flying anything under 12,000 pounds.

[Glidergeek]

While I know we've debated this before and I'm in a minority here, I'll go on as saying this is no solution.......

It's a solution for people like me, & it's the first step of a solution for guys like you. Kinda like if you want a big family, & you tell the old lady it's no good when she gets pregnant-- you want 4 kids (all at once), go back & try again.
Never gonna get to the next step if we don't take the first step. And with the feds, it's gotta be baby steps. You saw what happened to the proposal to get rid of medicals for flying anything under 12,000 pounds.

You mean this http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/medical-ce ... ition.html

[hotrod150]

....You mean this http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/medical-ce ... ition.html

Yeah that's what I've been calling the "self-certify" proposal. There was an earlier proposal by a private party to completely do away with any medical certificate requirement for flying anything 12,000 pounds & under, which was just flat-ass rejected by the feds. This AOPA/EAA proposal has (I think) a pretty good chance of goinmg through, but we all need to jump onboard & send in our comments in favor of it. It's easy, you can do it online via that linked site-- click "submit comments online" after reading the "tips for filing comments".

[WWhunter]

Glad this was brought back to the forefront. I was just on the phone with the spousal unit a few hours ago discussing this proposal. She was willing to send off a comment even though she doesn't pilot a plane. She sees the issues I have gone through for years and thinks it is BS. She knows me well enough that I will not fly if I feel the slightest bit 'yucky' or having issues. I think most pilots feel the same way. The ones that fly when they are sick, unfit, drinking, whatever...are the same one that will do it no mater what the rules are.

hotrod150, thanks for posting that link because I spend the better part of an hour trying to find the right links to email to her so she can send her comment.

[Bighorn]

http://flightphysical.com/part67/Class3 ... _67301.htm

The link above has some rather interesting stuff to read. I'm still not out of the woods yet with my 3rd class, have another 2-3 weeks and more test, I will post the outcome and the story then.

I counted 11 sucessfull flight physicals so far in my life, the 12th one is not over yet. This last one has been and interesting journey. So far I can tell all you younger guys, "trust but varify" first before you start your exam. In other words, I use to walk in to the AME's office and what every he said I trusted and openly answered.....not anymore. I want to know exactly what can be asked and tested for before we start. Ask alot of questions of your AME before you start, if anything is in question STOP and ask if you can come back another day and finsh. There are some very nice people on various web sites to e-mail and ask questions. I will interview several AME's before (if I get through this one) I take another flight physical.
Somehow I feel I got snookered......my fault for not being "Wise" to the system. Young Ones...listen to my words and keep your guard up at all times, even if you think you know the AME.

Life will get better