AOPA says it’s endorsing an amendment to a highway bill that will include measures to relax third-class medical requirements for private pilots. The language mirrors that of the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 but has been proposed as an amendment to the Senate highway bill now before the chamber. It was put forth by Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark. “We very much want to see third-class medical reform enacted by any means possible, and we appreciate the leadership of Senators Manchin and Boozman in bringing this issue forward and working to have it added to the highway bill,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “Both these senators understand just how important this issue is to the general aviation community and have demonstrated that they’re willing to act to give pilots relief from the outdated and cumbersome third-class medical process.” FAA Administrator Michael Huerta told media at AirVenture Oshkosh that other opinions must also be considered.
He said that despite the widely held belief among the pilot community that safety won’t suffer with the absence of the third-class medical, the agency also hears from those who hold the opposite view. The highway bill, as amended, is now under consideration by Congress and Baker is urging pilots to make their opinions known. “Thanks to all of you who have contacted your legislators. If you have or haven’t already been in touch with your senators or your member of Congress, I urge you to contact them now to support this amendment. Every voice counts,” Baker said.
