"3rd Class Medical

[JohnWF]

I allowed my 3rd class medical to expire since I am flying an LSA and don't really need it.

I am 82-years old; weigh one pound more than I did at age 17; have no known medical problems except I need and use glass as required for driving.

I am thinking of renewing my 3rd class just to remove the altitude restriction that is associated with using my driver's license in lieu of the 3rd class medical, but don't want to take the risk that there might be something I am unaware of.

Is it ethical or even possible for an AME to give me an exam with no FAA paperwork to see if I could pass if I formally applied and took the exam?

 

[Jim Logajan]

Is it ethical or even possible for an AME to give me an exam with no FAA paperwork to see if I could pass if I formally applied and took the exam?

My own quick glance through the Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners didn't turn up any prohibition or "reporting" requirements on such consultations. If a doctor acting as a treating physician also happens to be an AME and finds something wrong that would disqualify you for a medical, he or she doesn't appear to be under any requirement to report it to anyone in the FAA.

Also - AOPA allegedly has a service of some sort for this sort of consultation.

EDIT: Since my own AME has performed such a consultation with me and this site advertises such confidential pre-exams, I would say all you need to do is locate an accommodating AME.