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, Part 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 CFR 61.53 has been revised 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 CFR 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. Review this web site frequently for helpful information about determining what constitutes a significant medical deficiency, and if there is any doubt, find and consult an AME.

• Back to Sport Pilot FAQ's
  
  
• Show me the Class 3 Medical Standards
  
  

For more FAA information on the Sport Pilot Certification, please contact the FAA directly:

Federal Aviation Administration
CAMI, AAM-300
P.O. Box 26080
Oklahoma City, OK 73125