Medical Certification & the Light Sport Pilot

Since the “Sport Pilot” certificate became available several years ago, there has been confusion among pilots as to the medical requirements and the possibility of transition from heavier aircraft to light-sport. I have heard pilots mention that, since they had lost their medical, they planned to resume flying as sport pilots in light-sport aircraft. Unfortunately, this does not meet the statutory requirements for light sport medical certification.

 Light -sport aircraft (under 14 CFR part 1.1) require a weight limit of 1320# for non-water operation, maximum level airspeed of 120 KCAS, maximum stall speed of 45 KCAS clean, and capacity of no more than two persons, equipped with fixed or ground adjustable propeller, non-pressurized cabin and fixed landing gear. 14 CFR part 61.23, 53 & 303 list medical requirements for the sport-pilot: either a standard aviation medical certification, or a valid US Driver’s license. The person who uses the driver’s license option is required to comply with any restrictions or limitations imposed on the driver’s license, for example the use of corrective lenses. Any Judicial or Administrative order that applies to the operation of a motor vehicle will also apply to piloting light-sport aircraft. Our familiar First, Second or Third Class medical certificates require that we as pilots ground ourselves if we do not meet usual medical standards. Similarly, light sport pilots must “not know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make that person unable to operate a Light-sport Aircraft in a safe manner. Some of the confusion with the new pilot certificate category ensues from the fact that a pilot who has been denied their most recent application for medical certification may not fly with a driver’s license. In addition, if the most recent Medical Certificate has been suspended or revoked, or if an authorization for special issuance has been withdrawn, a driver’s license will not suffice for light sport medical certification until such time as formal medical certification is granted. If unsure about your medical certification for Light Sport, please contact your AME, the regional flight surgeon or the AMCD in Oklahoma City. Subpart 303 has a useful table as to privileges that may be exercised with under drivers license or formal medical certification. 

Steve Wahls is a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner and Family Physician who practices at OHSU Family Medicine in Scappoose. He holds a private pilot certificate and has been enjoying his “new” Cessna Cardinal.