Edward Bellamy wrote:The change in standards (and for gliding it is a change) looks like in the gliding world it will impact all student pilots and about 20% of qualified pilots (based on a survey at our club); This was a change imposed on BGA members with zero consultation and no rationale.
@ls8pilot are you saying that 20% of qualified pilots would not be able to do PMD on Part-21 with the current wording?
That is based on a quick best estimate at my own club - AFAIK the BGA is gathering input on this so will have a more accurate figure for the CAA. It does of course depend on how you interpret some of the criteria, for example what is "medical treatment" , what is "recent" and what is "history of...." but given the age profile of most qualified pilots (60% of our members are over 50, and the proportion of our qualified pilots will be more like 70%-80%) then you can assume that a significant portion have had some sort of medical treatment, cardiac problems or minor surgery in the last couple of years. I'm taking a medium case assumption that "New Medical Treatment" meant something you had to visit a hospital for in the last couple of years, rather than a simple GP visit.
Also note that the current wording implies all student pilots (gliding) will need a LAPL medical (or better). Currently we work on a simple self-declare system that says you meet DVLA Class 1 standards, normally backed up by a driving licence (or alternative declaration if you dont drive for cadets and the like).
So if you add in student pilots it will impact around 30% of our total membership. I know the BGA are very much "on the case " with this, and we do have some time to sort it out, so I'm quite hopeful that either we will get the 2000Kg rule back or at the very least some more sensible criteria or clearer interpretation of the criteria. As for the student pilots .... most clubs offer some sort of 'package to solo' that is around the £1000 mark (much cheaper for cadets), adding £70-£100 for a medical on top this will be a big hit, especially for 14 year olds. I wonder what the ATC will do ?