Medical Certification of Certain Small Aircraft Pilots; physician's statement

[RV7A Flyer]

Originally Posted by BobTurner

Does anyone know the rules for cfi's?

Yes. They, too, must have an anus. Them's the rules!

[jcarne]

Originally Posted by APACHE 56

If a physician is not a pilot nor has ever been in a cockpit how can he "certify" that someone is safe to operate an aircraft? I would anticipate some number of physicians (assuming they read the statement) will be reluctant to sign.

As far as I'm concerned anyone who can drive a 7,000 pound f-350 down the highway should be able to fly an 1800 lb bird. (Yes I know there are heavier planes that apply...) lol

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by Charles in SC

I have always wondered if there is a picture in a medical book somewhere of a perfect anus for the doctors to go by. There must be a benchmark somewhere.

Lots of benchmarks in Washington DC.

[vgb]

Lets see, I can haul over 120,000lbs have 30 tires on the pavement over 90 feet long, 600hp. Be 16 feet wide in traffic. and they are worried about me flying in a aircraft that weighs 1065lbs 180 hp on the hiway in the sky and my commercial license medical card is not valid with the FAA. You would think it would be better than the new basic medical regs.

[PCHunt]

Originally Posted by BobTurner

Does anyone know the rules for cfi's? Some years ago the FAA ruled cfi's were teachers, not pilots, and therefore did not fly for hire and thus needed only class 3 medicals. Does that still apply? E.g., can cfi's participate in the new program?

It is my understanding that, unless a CFI will be acting as PIC, NO MEDICAL at all is required.

I have been known to be wrong, on more than one occasion!

Standing by for correction.....

[rleffler]

Originally Posted by BobTurner

Does anyone know the rules for cfi's? Some years ago the FAA ruled cfi's were teachers, not pilots, and therefore did not fly for hire and thus needed only class 3 medicals. Does that still apply? E.g., can cfi's participate in the new program?

The FAA FAQ states as long as the CFI isn't PIC the new medical is adequate, but if they are PIC it's considered compensation and requires a traditional medical.

[edsong]

Gil got the answer on the first try!!!

[StuBob]

Originally Posted by APACHE 56

If a physician is not a pilot nor has ever been in a cockpit how can he "certify" that someone is safe to operate an aircraft? I would anticipate some number of physicians (assuming they read the statement) will be reluctant to sign.

Three points:
1) If you have a previous medical (which you must), the doctor is only agreeing with what a previous AME has said. No new liability here.

2) Being a pilot is irrelevant. Non-truck-driving doctors have been "certifying" DOT physicals for decades.

3) Any doctor who's reluctant to sign something as benign as this hasn't given any thought to what he attests to daily. For example, some 15% (IIRC) of new breast cancer patients have a documented normal breast exam. That being the case, there's a lot more liability in writing "Breasts: normal" than there is in this FAA form.

Bring your bits and $100 to Indianapolis and I'll sign that thing right now!

[rvsxer]

Originally Posted by rleffler

The FAA FAQ states as long as the CFI isn't PIC the new medical is adequate, but if they are PIC it's considered compensation and requires a traditional medical.

Actually, for a long time now, no medical at all has been required for a CFI to ply his trade, for hire, as long as the student could act as PIC under the conditions of the flight (i.e. no pre-solo students). This is right from the FAA. I've seen a copy of the letter. The new "medical" apparently won't bridge the "gap" to non-PIC qualified students.

[flightlogic]

I hate to turn a funny thread around to serious... but I did notice the confusion about tattoos. It has always been my understanding that they are used for identification of the deceased. At times.
One other bit of trivia. In the fine print of your old traditional medical, you gave the right to the government to autopsy your body. This cannot be denied, even if family members object. I am sure they will keep this in force. The blame the pilot mentality always includes autopsy and tox screens.