FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsMedium
A sport pilot chooses to use a valid U.S. driver's license in lieu of an FAA medical certificate. Which condition must this pilot meet to legally exercise sport pilot privileges under this option?
- AThe pilot must carry both the driver's license and an expired FAA medical certificate as proof
- BThe pilot must have previously held at least a third-class medical certificate
- CThe pilot must pass a vision test at the DMV annually regardless of license expiration
- DThe pilot's most recent application for an FAA medical certificate must not have been denied, suspended, or revoked, and the pilot must comply with each restriction on the driver's license
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The pilot's most recent application for an FAA medical certificate must not have been denied, suspended, or revoked, and the pilot must comply with each restriction on the driver's license
Under 14 CFR 61.23(c), a pilot may use a valid U.S. driver's license instead of a medical certificate if their most recent medical application was not denied, suspended, or revoked, and they comply with any restrictions listed on the license (e.g., corrective lenses). No prior medical certificate history is required.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An expired medical certificate is not required to be carried.
- B. Sport pilots need not have ever held an FAA medical certificate.
- C. Vision testing frequency is governed by the state DMV, not an FAA annual requirement.
Driver's License Medical Alternative
A sport pilot may substitute a valid U.S. driver's license for a medical certificate if certain conditions in 61.23(c) are met.
- Most recent medical application must not have been denied/suspended/revoked
- Must comply with all license restrictions
- No prior medical certificate history required
Memory trick: Driver's license works unless FAA already said 'no' to you.