faa dropping 3rd class med?

I understand that the FAA wants to standardize with other ICAO nations -

There are now 2 classes in most other countries -

1st class is for pilots flying for hire (to be taken every 6 months) -

2nd class if for private pilots -

So in effect, the 3rd class FAA medical would become a 2nd class -

I have not seen or heard of any NPRM about it -

.

The FAA lowered the requirement to hold a third class medical when they approved the "Sport Pilot" designation a few years ago. A pilot exercising the privileges of a Sport Pilot can self-certify that he/she has no medical problems that would prevent the safe completion of the flight.

Several of the "alphabet" groups (AOPA, EAA, etc.) have been lobbying the FAA to drop the medical requirement for private pilots completely, but it hasn't happened yet.