Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
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Impact of Medical Reform
Now that the FAA's Third Class Medical Reform has passed and the criteria have been expanded, any thoughts on how this might impact Zenith builds if the builder so chooses (e.g., EAB vs. the LSA limits)? Or how it might affect what your build?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Stan Cooper on
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Sounds exactly like my story. In October, 2006, I let my 3rd class S.I. medical lapse, sold my 172, and began flying LSAs as a sport pilot. I bought an AMD 601XL-B, changed the certification from SLSA to "Experimental Operating as Light Sport", and took the Rainbow 16 hour LSRI course to get my Light Sport Repairman-Inspection certificate.
After BasicMed became law last year in May, I went to my primary care physician with a copy of the AOPA brochure explaining BasicMed and my completed part of the CMEC, and he gave me the physical exam. I think it helped that he had once been a student pilot. The physical only cost the $20 office visit deductible for my Medicare annual physical exam.
Last Sunday, flying back to Oakland from SoCal, I ran into 35 knot headwinds at all altitudes and landed after dark back at Oakland. If I hadn't had BasicMed, I'd have had to spend the night in a hotel. The LSA is all I need; my average fuel consumption on the trip was 5.1 gph, and I can do my own maintenance and conditional inspections. I have no desire for a bigger or faster airplane.
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Permalink Reply by Glenn Davis on
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I guess I got lucky. My P.C. signed it after I explained BasicMed to him and that I kept the forms and he did not have to interact with the feds.
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Permalink Reply by Joe Hopwood on
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Me too. No issue at all. I don't recall the form saying that the doctor was certifying I was safe to fly an airplane. AME did not say that either. Just don't have any of the disqualifying check marks. I really feel for the folks that are healthy and their doctor will not sign. I would also suggest getting another doctor. My class II SI was expired for 2 years when Basic Med came in. I would still have my 172 had it been a couple of years earlier.
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Permalink Reply by John Austin on
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I don't recall the form saying that the doctor was certifying I was safe to fly an airplane. AME did not say that either.
Joe, actually, the form does say the doctor is certifying you as safe to operate an aircraft! Here's a quote lifted from the form, right above where the doctor signs (Form FAA 8700-2):
... I certify that I am not aware of any medical condition that, as presently treated, could interfere with the
individual's ability to safely operate an aircraft.That statement is what so many docs get hung up about - they're not pilots and they have no idea what level of health makes you "safe" to operate an aircraft!
John
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Permalink Reply by Jim McGauhey on
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I went over this with my AME, who did Basic Med exam for me. it's a change in perspective and attitude. Whether stated or not, the AME in any class medical was saying you are safe to fly an aircraft. Basic med is saying I don't see any reason why you are unsafe to fly an aircraft. One is approval, the other is lack of reason to disapprove. It is subtle, but definitely a difference. I made sure the AME was in agreement that this was the intent and perspective. I was only his 2nd Basic Med exam, so he said he was learning also. After carefully thinking about it, he agreed and we were off to the races.
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Huge difference between "not aware" and "certify" John. And the way it is worded is why a doctor should be willing to sign if they have not checked in item in the form that would make them suspicious. Jim says it is a "subtle" difference but I disagree with that as well. The statements are not even close. To "certify" one should be fully qualified and knowledgeable on all as aspects. To be not aware could be nearly the opposite.
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Permalink Reply by Larry Griffin on
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Attempted to get a Basicmed exam done, but my primary Doctor wouldn't touch it with a 10 ft pole! Checked on a few others and one told me that he was a Doctor not a Pilot!
I'm trying to contact my AME to see if he will perform this.......if not.... then I'll do the 3rd class.
How often do you see a doctor for basicmed exam? My 3rd class is every 2 yrs....
Larry
Arkansas
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As I recall, Basic Med exam is every 4 years, but must take online course every 2 years. Every doc is different. If you read all the comments above, many have had no issues. I had mine with the FAA Doc that has done my 3rd Class for years, and it went great, even no paperwork for CPAP. He did charge the same, but no UA, and must faster, easier exam. Remember, even after doc exam, you must take the online course.
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Larry, I found that giving my primary care physician a copy of the AOPA's BasicMed Pilot & Physician Guide before the exam did a lot to mitigate his concerns about doing the physical and signing the CMEC.
You can download the pdf file here: https://www.aopa.org/-/media/files/aopa/home/advocacy/pilots/medica....
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Stan.....I called my primary Doctor and was told that he WAS NOT going to it....period. It's like my first AME doctor I seen, I asking to get a 3rd class exam and he said that I need to see another doctor....he only does 1st class exam.
Hopefully, the last AME that I used for my last 3rd class can do Basicmed......
Larry
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My 3rd class was every year as I had an SI. There can be a wide range of conditions that could make one better than the other for each individual. But one thing the Basic Med has on AME medical is Basic Med can not be failed only denied. AME medical can be failed and then the fun begins to get it back.
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Permalink Reply by John McGlynn on
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Just saw the latest note and couldn't help myself. I got my Basic Med sign-off Friday after a 7 year wait and in the words of the Pointer Sisters I'm So Excited . I had a non-disqualifying valve repair in 2010 but my cardiologist was dead set against small planes while the Primary Care Physician wanted a Cardiologist concurrence that I was good to go. I don't think the original Cardiologist would fly in anything smaller than a B737 and it's my own fault that I waited so long. I finally went to a pilot cardiologist recommended by a friend who ran his own tests and supported my application. My Primary Care Physician was ok with that and signed the form at my next appointment. Meanwhile I bought a Kitfox IV and put 500 hours on it while flying it to JAX to OSH and later to FRG in NY, I'm building a RANS S-19 that is "90" done :).
Now for the bad news rumors. I saw a forum note a couple of days ago that the insurance folks aren't so accommodating of us seniors and are charging upwards of $3K for insurance on a C172 and similar A/C. I was paying $1200 for insurance for my Kitfox which I insured for $23K.
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