The Red Tape Rant
Here’s the real kicker: The FAA’s idea of “streamlining” is just more bureaucracy for pilots. They’re now doubling the trouble if you mess up your paperwork. First, you get a denial that tanks your BasicMed and Sport Pilot eligibility. Then, you have to do a bunch of extra work to get them to reconsider. It’s like failing a test and then having to fill out a new application just to retake it.
For pilots who were already struggling with the system, this isn’t simplifying—it’s more like moving the goalposts and charging you an extra fee to play the game. If the FAA really wanted to help, they could just ask for the missing paperwork instead of handing out blanket denials. This feels less like efficiency and more like punishing anyone who doesn’t send a perfect application the first time.
This “fix” might reduce the FAA’s workload, but it’s definitely not reducing yours.