### 18 June 21312
Docket Management Facility 

### U.S. Department ofTransportation 12ee**N~d** 

### JerseyAve. SE, 

### Washington, 

### DC, 2135913
DocketNumber FAA-2012-0350
Dear sirs:
I am writing to express my support for the provisions of docket number FAA-2012-0350, theAOPA/EAAMedical Exemption request to allow certain pilot activities without the burden of a 3rd-classmedical certificate.
I soloed in 1964 and holdCFI andATP ratings (ASMELS) as well as an A&P certificate. I own three aircraft, two of which wouldbe allowable under the proposed request. My flying currently consists of approximately 60 hours per year ot dual i:light instruction, :LOU hour ot part**lJ~** work, and 150 hours of personal flying, mainly for transportationbetween Washington state and Illinois and enjoyment ofbackcountry strips in the western U.S. My total time is approximately 9500 hours, most of which is PH-:. T usc> <'lnnnal physic::als from my physjc::irm and my ovc>rnll assc>ssmc>nt ofmy own physical condition to determinemy suitability for flight.
The proposal enhances safety for at least two reasons: • Flight instructors will be able tomaintain currency as pilots. Although the present FARs allowa CFI without a medical to instruct while not PIC, it is difficult to teach effectively in an aircraft without being able to fly it on his/her own. • It would improve the overall health of pilots because there would
don't go to the doc, I don't have anything to report!")
The proposal would remove a financial barrier to continued flying; the present testing requirements for a special issuance medical canbe enormous (in excess of $10,000 per year), for what is likelymuch less than another full yearbecause of administrative delays.
Pilot education is undoubtedly a good thing, and the proposal would rTJl;<r;;nt-.::>.::> .::>rlnr;:,t-ir\n r\n m.::>rli r;,l m;:,t-t-.::>rC< .::>vArv t-wr\ u.::>rirQ 'T'h.::> WinrT<:< nrr\rTrrim**:::;~----~-~-- ~._..·** ......**~--~~--** ...---**-~~-------~~ ~~·._..-**  ----- ........ - .__J.**~··~** ...1.**~-·-~ ~**  ----**··---:;:~--** l.--**~ '='-~-··**  is excellent, as aremy CFI renewals every two years. I read all I can about otherpilots' experiences through columns like "I learned about flying from that" and NTSB reports. Another source of information on medical issues wouldbe welcome.
The proposal would encourage pilots to stay active and involved. Personally, as I age (currently 67), I am reluctant to invest anymore time ormoney in additional ratings or aircraft upgrades, since every visit to theAME for a medical puts my entire investment at risk. It wouldbe much more corrtfortable havin.gmy future as a pilot be roughly as secure as my future as a driver. (I wouldn't hesitate buying a new car now, for instance)

. The increased confidence inbeing able to continue inaviation would keep a substantial number ofpresent pilots in aviation which translates to greater spending and a healthier aviation and aviation support community. New pilots would also be encouragedbybeing able to fly reasonably useful aircraft without a medical.
I don't think the third-class medical adds perceptibly to safety in aviation; even airline captains have died while flying, and that is with far more rigorous screening. The proposal with its emphasis on education wouldn't add anymore risk to piloting. Finally, I think the l80hp cutoff is reasonable; I live on a non-ferry island in Washington andmy plane is the onlypractical way to get to and from the mainland. Alight-sport aircraft just isn't viable for hauling groceries or going camping.

Lytle Johnson Decatur Island Anacortes WA 98221 catrax@rockisland.com