[nickwilcock]

Has anyone who has made a Pilot Medical Declaration done so because he/she was unable to meet LAPL Medical Certificate requirements, even with a restriction?

This question does NOT apply to those who have chosen the PMD due to cost / personal preference.

[Flyin'Dutch']

Yes, well not me personally but I have advised numerous pilots to go that way when they were not able to meet the LAPL requirements.

There are a few, not many, conditions which mean pilots cannot get a LAPL medical but meet the standard for the ODL which is for driving cars and it would be nice if These Folks could get at least a restricted LAPL.

The solution to this Problem would be a) a Relaxation of the LAPL standard or b) EASA wide following of the UK's lead and accepting an ODL as requirement to fly EASA aircraft EASA wide.

I think, listening to the discussions at EASA's MEG that there is interest in Option b)

Let's hope that 1) we stay in EASA otherwise Option b) will never happen and 2) losing our voting right if/when we leave the EU does not mean we lose our ability to stimulate the regulations to go in the right direction,

[Oeprince]

I have an NPPL on a medical self declaration.

It is not out of choice. The CAA Medical Division will not allow my AME to grant a Class 2 Medical due to a failure on their behalf to acknowledge the findings of a report from a specialist stating that I do not have the diagnosis the CAA seem intent on labelling me with.

I did not buy an EASA aircraft or a share in one on the basis of the coming changes in April.

If I went to an AME for the first time with my current documentation, I would be granted a Class 2 Medical. I am now in discussions with a litigation team about preparing the next step.

I am currently trying to find solutions for several pilots in a similar position ie microlight rating and rental, permit shares etc. Renting is going to become a serious problem for me and some of my friends.

If the changes go ahead, I would be very interested in forming a team of like minded doctors and solicitors who could offer pro bono assistance and advice to individuals struggling to achieve a LAPLor Class 2 Medical. All information would be dealt with confidentially.

[Bathman]

I know of one pilot who sold his C of A aeroplane and brought a permit aircraft as he can't hold a LAPL medical. I'll point him in the direction of this thread.

[Balliol]

I know of three all oncology related. Most cases I have heard of are not people trying to ‘bypass’ a requirement but simply the number of specialist reports and costs + a decision would not even then be certain = go medical declaration route.

[Paul_Sengupta]

Someone of my acquaintance is resigned to giving up flying and selling the Cessna 172 he's owned for over 35 years this year because of the medical issue.

[Flyin'Dutch']

I also know of plenty of people who take the view that it has to be a Class 2 or nothing, whereby their flying desires would be fully covered by what the LAPL allows.

I have not so much sympathy.

And there are a fair few people who are mis or disinformed by friend/doctors, the internet and on account of that don't try or give up.

For this group I always suggest they find a helpful AME (most are) and discuss the options.

Both the BGA and LAA have one who is happy to discuss any queries. They also send him to the EASA Medical Expert Group Meetings.

[flyingjohno]

I think it depends on how strict your definition is of "unable". I have insulin-treated T1 diabetes.... Last time I investigated I could possibly have got an LAPL medical (although at the time the CAA appeared to have halted considering such cases), but the cost in terms of annual consultants reports and tests was clearly going to be totally disproportionate to both the hours I fly and all the other costs involved in that flying. As I'm only really interested in Annex 2 aircraft anyway, it was a bit of a no-brainer, as I maintain a driving licence without problem.....

[Flyin'Dutch']

CAA has been issuing Medicals to pilots with IDDM, up to and including Class 1 (albeit with some limitations)

The additional costs of the tests is indeed an issue. Alas I cannot see any other option than the pilot/candidate paying for these. Part of the problem is that the default health provision is FOC at the point of contact in the UK, so any charge is considered 'a lot' and secondly the private medical market is less well developed than in some other countries with the commensurate effect on prices.