How Long Do I Wait?

[captcarl]

Okay, here's my quandary. I allowed my medical to lapse awhile back. So,
I can now fly an LSA by using my driver's license as my "medical" and using my
ATP as my pilot's ticket. My daughter, on the other hand, had her last medical
denied. So, she's shut out of using her ATP (except in gliders) since she is
precluded from utilizing the driver's license option as a result of that denial
of her last medical certificate.
I'm in the market to buy a plane. I'd like a four-seater. But, that would
necessitate a medical certificate. If I were to fail the exam, I would then be
shut out of flying even a two-seat LSA. So, its a case of one in the hand, or
two in the bush. Do I leave well-enough alone and limit myself to a two-seat
LSA and thus forego any risk associated with failing a medical exam? Or, do I
put off the purchase of a plane for who-knows-how-long in hopes that the Feds
will see the light and allow the driver's license to be a new-found substitute
for a 3rd--class medical? That would open the door for the purchase of a
desired four-seater.
In the meantime, my ownership aspirations for a four-seater are,
unfortunately, dwindling on the vine. I'm not getting any younger, and my
flying days are becoming subject to what's left of my life expectancy How much
longer should I wait before making my move and eschewing a four-seater and
accepting the limits of a two-seat LSA?.

[Bill]

Buy the LSA now and enjoy flying now. You can sell the LSA and buy a four-seater if and when the medical regulations change to allow that. In the meantime, life will be more worthwhile.

Another option would be to rent an LSA, while waiting for the regulations to change. But that may not be feasible. I have an 80-mile drive one way to rent the nearest LSA and it certainly is a deterrent to flying frequently while I'm building my EAB.

[ssmdive]

You are expecting the Govt to do anything fast? Lets not forget that the FAA has twice now been moving toward reducing the medical (once with recreational, then again with LSA) and both times turned left at the last second. IIRC, Rec was supposed to be without a medical, the FAA still required it. And LSA was supposed to be without a medical, but at the last second they added in the part about being denied meant you could not do LSA with a drivers license.

I have a little bit of faith that things will change, but I have very little faith it will be anytime soon.

I'd buy an LSA and go fly with my daughter. And some of the LSA's are really nice. A classic Cub is a classic Cub and the Carbon Cub is down right insane. You give up a little, but unless you want a serious acro plane or a 4 place cross country machine I don't think you give up much.

[Bill Greenwood]

If you are an AOPA member, they can discuss your medical condition with you and see if there is anything which would be a negative to you getting a 3rd class medical. I think EAA may also offer a similar service, and either may be joined for a $45, well worth it.
If you have something major like recent DUIs they can tell you before you even take the FAA medical. If there is any doubt you could even go to a non FAA doctor for a good check up and see if there are any problems. If not, you could get your current medical. Or stay with the LSA program. However, course, no matter what paper you have or not, your don't want to fly if there is any real reason not to.

If it is mostly you and your daughter do you really need more than 2 seats?
Of course, a little more performance than an LSA may be enjoyable.

Good luck

[Dolpho]

You answered your own question. Have to go LSA as you note. Trying to get SI takes so much time and effort that based on your forecast, it just not feasible. I did it because I enjoyed flying different aircraft. If you just want to fly around, there are a few good LSAs ) And I mean FEW!. DIsregard the reviews by interested parties (LAMA associated people) and you will be fine.

[tspear]

You have basically answered the question. Two seat LSA is the obvious answer.
If you really want the third class medical, join AOPA as others have stated and get a reference to Dr. Chen or other AME consultants. They can give you the full write up and exam without it being "official". They will then be able to determine your chances of passing the actual AME visit, and what information you need to have prepared.

Tim

[DanWilkins]

I had the same issue. I asked myself this question: Am I willing to give up flying to take a chance at getting a non-LSA airplane? I am in good health and took a chance knowing I would be grounded if I failed. I passed.

Just how important is it to you to have a four-place airplane?

Of course flying gliders is "real flying" according to many glider pilots.

[jedi]

Of course flying gliders is "real flying" according to many glider pilots.

If you try and loose, there are some nice two seat motor gliders out there. Katana Tiefun, etc.