J. Ivey

Re: Docket Number FAA-2012-0350: I am writing in support of the EAA/AOPA Medical Exemption request. I am a private pilot, single-engine land with approximately 3,000 hours of piston engine flying. Of this approximately 80% has been in aircraft meeting the proposed exemption criteria of having 180hp or less, four seats or fewer and fixed gear. I currently own two aircraft that fall within this category. I currently fly approximately 100 hours per year for recreation and personal transportation purposes. I am excited in participating in the proposed medical education course required by the proposed exemption to learn more about assessing my physical status before each flight. I have always made efforts to ensure my medical fitness before each flight and feel this is as important as other skills pilots hone continuously such as being able to evaluate weather and make in-flight decision making. I have participated in the FAA Wings program along with taking AOPA short courses online. I approach flight reviews as an opportunity to hone my skills and learn more about being a safe pilot. Periodic medical educational programs will bring medical issues in flight planning into the same importance as these other regimes of pilot continuing education. I have a degree in Aerospace Engineering and have worked for small and large aircraft manufacturers to ensure safety in designing and operating airframes and know our customers ensure these airframes stay airworthy. Why should medical fitness be only discussed one and one with our AME on an occasional basis? This new proposal will really help bring medical fitness understanding to small airplane pilots before every flight. We should not only check the weather before flight we should put an emphasis on self-evaluating our medical fitness. Reducing the burden of requiring a 3rd Class medical certificate with the proposed exemption is a win for pilots, the private sector and the FAA.