Can somebody explain to me the general disdain for SP?

[valittu]

I've been reading on this site and others for a while and I've noticed a general disdain for the Sport Pilot certificate. Why do so many people often suggest and even insist that SP students go PPL? I'm aware of the limits of the ticket, but if those limits don't affect the student, why force more requirements down the throat of a person who will never fly at night, carry more than one passenger or fly anything other than their own LSA? Even if the person decides later to become a PPL, has he really lost anything but an SP checkride fee? Why is this thought of by so many pilots as being such a bad decision? What's behind the bias?

 

[Jim Logajan]

In short, I simply can't get a 3rd class medical as I have one lazy eye.

I think you may be wrong about not being able to get a Third-Class.

That "I think you may be wrong" needs to be changed to "You are wrong".

EminiTrader, there are no visual fusion tests in the 3rd class medical. There are such tests in the 1st and 2nd class, but not 3rd class. I know one can pass a 3rd class medical with this problem because I suffered from lazy eye/strabismus since at least my early teens. When I had enough money I had surgery to straighten the eyes, but for the purpose of visual fusion it was considered a cosmetic surgery (not paid for by insurance; several thousand out of my pocket.)

I think that the only thing you may need to be wary of with respect to vision tests is section 67.303(d) of the regs, which doesn't seem likely to be an issue for you, given you had a CDL.

I don't think there is anything special you need from Dr. Bruce other than confirmation or correction/clarification of the above information.

Lastly, a book I would suggest to others with lazy/crossed eyes is "Fixing My Gaze: A Scientist's Journey Into Seeing in Three Dimensions." by Susan R. Barry.