New chance to comment on 3rd class medical exemptions

[Apophis]

Why does the exemption specifically prohibit pilots from acting as PIC of a balloon or glider? These two aircraft categories/classes already do not require a medical certificate to act as PIC.

 

[z987k]

A person operating under the AOPA/EAA medical exemption may:

1. Carry no more than one passenger; and
2. Not pay less than the pro rata share of the operating expenses of a flight with a passenger, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenses, or aircraft rental fees.

• b. A person operating under the AOPA/EAA medical exemption may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft—
  1. That is certificated—
     • i. For more than four occupants;
     • ii. With more than one powerplant;
     • iii. With a powerplant of more than 180 horsepower, except aircraft certificated in the rotorcraft category; or
     • iv. With retractable landing gear;
  2. That is classified as a multiengine airplane, powered-lift, glider, airship, balloon, powered parachute, or weight-shift-control aircraft;
  3. That is carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire;
  4. For compensation or hire;
  5. In furtherance of a business;
  6. Between sunset and sunrise;
  7. At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher;
  8. When the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles;
  9. Without visual reference to the surface;
  10. On a flight outside the United States, unless authorized by the country in which the flight is conducted;
  11. To demonstrate that aircraft in flight as an aircraft salesperson to a prospective buyer;
  12. That is used in a passenger-carrying airlift and sponsored by a charitable organization; and
  13. That is towing any object;
  14. Without completion of the AOPA/EAA airman self-certification medical education course within the preceding 24 months.

So it is more in line with recreational than private privileges.

Eh, works for me. I don't really care. I mean, if you're abiding by those rules, you're not flying anything bigger than a small cherokee or 172, away from anything moving fast, and only on perfect days... so um. Whatever.

 

[rframe]

Why does the exemption specifically prohibit pilots from acting as PIC of a balloon or glider? These two aircraft categories/classes already do not require a medical certificate to act as PIC.

I think it's just to be super clear about the very limited scope they are asking for (single engine 180-hp or less, 4 passenger, non-complex airplanes). Small specific changes are more easily justified and more difficult to refute.