Getting Started Again

[gmatejcek]

Congrats on both the weight loss program and getting the aviation fire lit again!
With regard to the colorblindness issue, have you tested for a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA)? Forty years ago or so I had a student who could not pass the FAA color vision test. Longer story shorter, one night he went to a tower controlled field with a fed in the cockpit with him. While at the end of the runway, the tower went through a pre-planned series of light gun signals with the student calling out the colors as he saw them. Despite his issues with the standard office test, he scored perfect in the real world of official aviation colors and was granted a medical with the SODA.
FWIW-

[N4YDQ]

I took flying lessons including ground school in 1996. Subsequently, the FAA rescinded my medical certificate because they did not like one of my medicines for BP control. I did not contest the decision at the time because usually the government agencies win.


I know now that some changes have been made and the Sport Pilot Category allows use of a State drivers license as OK for medical purposes. At age 74 is there any way, you know of, I can get back to flying again. I am in good health with BP under control with diet and meds.


I could not find any of my old records in the FAA database. For what it’s worth my student pilot certificate was EE-1648148 dated 07-15-1996. I have approximately 12.6 total hours flight time and 26 takeoffs and landings in a Cessna 172 from Maxwell AFB.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have to offer.
Roland in Montgomery,Alabama

[CHICAGORANDY]

IMHO find a flight school near you that has a Sport Pilot program - many places don't - and enroll. Your experiences from 28 years ago should make doing the full Sport Pilot course easier. And also unless you can afford to buy one, see if there are any LSA rentals within a reasonable distance from home. Many places don't have any near enough to matter.... ask me how I know -lol

If you come up positive on both counts? There is nothing to prevent you from getting back into the air. Failing that there is always a Part103 Ultralight to consider. No license required.

[N4YDQ]

Thanks for the response. Found two EAA chapter within 15 miles of me. So, most likely instructors as well. I will confirm. Also, I'm aware of the Sport Pilot Academy at Oshkosh as an option.

Regards,
Roland

[CHICAGORANDY]

Best of luck - hopefully an available LSA is also local. Please report back.

[Jeffrey Meyer]

Your past flying experience should make the training smoother. Also, look into LSA rentals nearby; sometimes they’re hard to find.

[Celt902]

I took flying lessons including ground school in 1996. Subsequently, the FAA rescinded my medical certificate because they did not like one of my medicines for BP control. I did not contest the decision at the time because usually the government agencies win.


I know now that some changes have been made and the Sport Pilot Category allows use of a State drivers license as OK for medical purposes. At age 74 is there any way, you know of, I can get back to flying again. I am in good health with BP under control with diet and meds.


I could not find any of my old records in the FAA database. For what it’s worth my student pilot certificate was EE-1648148 dated 07-15-1996. I have approximately 12.6 total hours flight time and 26 takeoffs and landings in a Cessna 172 from Maxwell AFB.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have to offer.
Roland in Montgomery,Alabama

Unfortunately, the 1 caveat to the driver’s license “medical” for Sport Pilot is that your FAA medical must not have been denied or revoked previously. I’m thinking your best bet is to purchase a part 103 ultralight which will still give you the gift of flight. There is no harm in trying but the FAA would probably deny your Sport Pilot license based on the previous revocation. Talk to an Aviation Medical Examiner to see what their thoughts are on your situation. Maybe that medication is no longer on the “bad list.”

[rwanttaja]

Unfortunately, the 1 caveat to the driver’s license “medical” for Sport Pilot is that your FAA medical must not have been denied or revoked previously. I’m thinking your best bet is to purchase a part 103 ultralight which will still give you the gift of flight. There is no harm in trying but the FAA would probably deny your Sport Pilot license based on the previous revocation. Talk to an Aviation Medical Examiner to see what their thoughts are on your situation. Maybe that medication is no longer on the “bad list.”

I suggest asking this question on the "Medical Topics" section of the Pilots of America forum page:

https://www.pilotsofamerica.com/community/

Doctor Bruce Chien hangs out on that page, and has helped a lot of folks with medical issues.

Ron Wanttaja

[Dana]

As @Celt902 said you can't fly as a Sport Pilot if your most recent medical was denied or revoked, and your medication might be allowed... are you even on the same medication nearly 30 years later?

[N4YDQ]

Does anybody know if the proposed changes (MOSAIC), due out next year will change the medical restriction?