I got another solicitation to join AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) for $70 member ship fee. So I replied: Aug 3, 2017 Dear AOPCA, You insist on a 3d class medical. Provide them free of charge and passing with a valid drivers license and then contact me. Robert J. Wilson I regularly pass within a few feet of cars traveling with a closing rate of 140 mph; drive at night, and; carry my wife and her dogs to appointments. Yet the AOPA opposed legislation that would have relieved private pilots of the 3d class medical expense and bi-annual examination. As far as I'm concerned, they are useless. I would rather (and have in the past) been a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association which is on the right side and lobbies for this change. Bob Wilson
AOPA and FAA within past 3 weeks have a new medical status called BasicMed. Have you looked into that Bob, and does it change your thinking? On the automobile side, I feel that medical requirements for licensing are too lax in general. You might not agree. I'm sure we'd agree that oncoming traffic with no centerline barrier (beyond paint) can be a very unsettling thing.
Long term, it is less bad. The regs require getting a 3d class medical after July 14, 2006. Thereafter, I can use a family practice physician for the Basic Medical but that would be two years out. Basic Med won't substitute for the first 3d class. However, I've been seeing a physicians assistant after my previous physician moved to Kwajalein with her family. But she may be back by then. Bob Wilson
Not shilling for AOPA, I just noted new developments when visiting their website. Moved to Kwaj? Well there's a nothing place unless you're into fancy radars. That's public knowledge right?
