(frustrated flier) wrote in
m:

I am unclear on two Sport Pilot issues: First, a new pilot may qualify
for a Sport Pilot ticket even though he or she takes a medication that
would preclude a 3rd class medical.

You're confusing two issues, Qualifying for the ticket and exercising the
privileges of same are two separate issues. It's illegal to fly while
taking medications that disqualify you from a medical. Sport pilots are
still required to self-certify under Part 61 rules, same for private and
higher pilots exercising sport pilot privileges.

However, an experienced pilot with
a higher ticket may not operate as a Sport Pilot if he lost a medical
last year for taking the same medication. In other words, both pilots
have exactly the same medical history: One is allowed to fly as a
Sport Pilot and the other is not.

This is only the case if the pilot had his medical revoked, denied, etc. in
writing. If the AME told the pilot he/she didn't qualify for the medical
but the pilot never received a letter from the FAA stating so, and the
pilot is no longer taking the disqualifying medication, that pilot can
exercise sport pilot privileges if he otherwise qualifies to do so.

For the second issue, let's assume the medication is an SSRI where the
preponderance of medical opinion is that the medication does not
impair a pilot and makes them less of a risk if they need it. This is
the same medication that has been commonly prescribed to combat Navy
carrier pilots and Canadian fliers for years without issues. The same
medication that was prescribed for the ATP who will fly your family
home for Christmas but he cannot take it out of fear of losing his
medical.

Unless something has changed, what the Navy or the Canadians have to say
about that medication makes no difference in this issue...