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Permalink Reply by Stan Cooper on February 10, 2017 at 6:56pm

The FAA has published Advisory Circular 68-1 Alternative Pilot Physical Examination and Education Requirements, which details the implementation of the third class medical reform called "BasicMed." The AC has the proposed medical checklist as well as a very thorough F.A.Q. It is scheduled to be implemented on May 1, 2017.

Link to AC 68-1 (3.3 MB pdf):

AC 68-1 Alternative Pilot Physical Examination and Education Requir...

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Permalink Reply by Larry Zepp on February 12, 2017 at 9:54am

Hi Richard,

Some local pilots schedule a CDL truck driving physical first as a dry run. It is very similar to the third class exam.

Be aware that as soon as you begin the paperwork on a third class application, you must complete this with approval or you will be listed as "denied". This includes signing the form to start and then not completing the exam. Avoid Denied and revoked status and you can still fly as a sport pilot. Any pilot holding a third class medical within the last 10 years from July 2016 can transition to the new medical program on May 1, 2017 without a third class exam. Good luck, Larry Zepp

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Permalink Reply by Lawrence Bird on February 13, 2017 at 9:08am

Our state DOT (VA) lists this for the CDL physical:

The basic requirements for passing a DOT physical exam are:.

• Vision in both eyes as well as each eye individually needs to be 20/40, with visual improvement devices, such as glasses or contacts allowed.
• Ability to distinguish color is necessary.
• Hearing should be good enough to notice a forced whisper at a minimum distance of 5 feet.
• Your blood pressure must be lower than 160/100. Prescription medication to control blood pressure is allowed.
• Cannot have diabetes that requires insulin injections; diabetes controlled through a diet or oral medication is permitted.
• The maximum level of blood sugar an applicant is allowed to have is 200.
• No use of a Schedule 1 drug, amphetamine, narcotic or any habit forming drug is allowd.
• In case you are currently diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease such as collapse, congestive cardiac failure or cardiac insufficiency, then you will need to present the Medical Examiner with a stress test as well as with a note from your physician which states that you are able to drive a commercial motor vehicle without restrictions restrictions.

Any idea where this may/may-not deviate from the 3rd-Class...

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Permalink Reply by Ken Ryan on February 13, 2017 at 10:18am

Color vision is not required, but night flying will be prohibited.

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