AVweb contacted senior aviation medical examiner Dr. Brent Blue, who said, "I think the FAA is actually starting to float the idea of either dropping or relaxing third class medicals."
http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/avflash/1806-full.html#203880
http://www.avweb.com/podcast/podcas...icalCertificate_203881-1.html?kw=RelatedStory
I think that at the very least the FAA should allow an AME a little more discretion in approving 3rd class medicals. AMEs could be given a list of documentation requirements so that less stuff would need to go to Oklahoma City. Another option would be to create a 4th Class medical with some restrictions between 3rd class and LSA which could be issued by an AME without going through the special issuance process. This could fix the problem that prevents those who have been previously rejected from flying under LSA rules.
