On September 1, 2004 the FAA released its final regulations with respect to the requirements and limitations of the Sport Pilot License category.  One of the perceived advantages of flying in this category is that if you have a current drivers license in general you do not need an airman medical certificate.  However be aware that if  your current medical certificate has been denied, revoked or suspended, or if you have an application that has been deferred, until your application for a Airman Medical Certificate has been evaluated by the FAA  these situations will  preclude you from using a drivers license for the Sport Pilot License .  If your FAA Airman Medical Certificate application is ultimately denied  you will not be eligible to fly as a Sport Pilot using a drivers license. One may consider this the FAA's ultimate "Don't  Ask; Don't Tell" rule, however the FAA appears to take the understandable position that if they are aware of a medical condition that may adversely impact your flying ability they can not indirectly give you permission to fly.

    The FAA  has a FAQ sheet on this issue and the rest of this web page contains a copy of this information. The original can be found in the  Federal Air Surgeon's Medical Bulletin • Fall 2004, which is posted on  the  Civil Aeronautical Medical Institute.  A tabular summary comparing  the medical and operational aspects of the Third Class Medical Certificate, Recreational Category, and Sport Category, can be found in the public portion of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association  (AOPA)  website.

What if my most recent application for FAA airman medical certification was denied (and I was not granted Special Issuance), my most recently held airman medical certificate was suspended or revoked, or my most recently held Special Issuance was withdrawn? I understand that I may not use my current and valid U.S. driver's license as medical qualification to exercise sport pilot privileges. What do I do?

You may ask the FAA for reconsideration of your eligibility to hold an airman medical certificate. While it is impossible to predict a favorable outcome, your medical condition may have improved, thereby permitting your certification. If you are not ultimately qualified by the FAA, you have the option of appealing the decision to the National Transportation Safety Board.

What if I hold a Special Issuance? Is that considered denial of an application for an airman medical certificate?

No. Special Issuance is not considered the denial of an FAA airman medical certificate.

What if I was previously denied a medical certificate, I resubmit my application and, ultimately, I am certified? Must I continue hereafter to renew my medical or may I use my current and valid U.S. driver's license as evidence of medical qualification?

If you are ultimately certified then you are no longer on record with the FAA as having had your most recent application denied or your most recently held FAA airman medical certificate suspended or revoked, etc. Therefore, it is not necessary to maintain airman medical certification thereafter to exercise sport pilot privileges provided you hold a current and valid U.S. driver's license and provided you otherwise qualify.

What if I already hold a pilot certificate and a valid airman medical certificate? Do I have to maintain my airman medical certificate if I will only be exercising sport pilot privileges or may I use my current and valid U.S. driver's license as medical qualification?

You may use your current and valid U.S. driver's license to exercise sport pilot privileges; however, you must hold the required, valid FAA airman medical certificate if you wish to exercise private pilot (or higher) privileges.

What if I know (or suspect) that I have a significant medical condition and I hold (and have been able to maintain) a current and valid U.S. driver's license? Am I authorized to exercise sport pilot privileges provided I otherwise qualify?

Long-standing FAA regulation, § 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 FAA revised § 61.53 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 §§ 61.23 (c) (2) (iv) and 61.303 (b) (2) (4) for sport pilot operations.

What if I have a life-long, chronic medical condition (e.g., diabetes mellitus) and I have never applied for or held an FAA airman medical certificate and my medical condition has never precluded me from being able to renew my U.S. driver's license? Am I authorized to exercise sport pilot privileges provided I otherwise qualify?

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.

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This page was last updated on 06/05/06