True story… a local pilot was prescribed an anti-anxiety medication to deal with a sleep issue after a family member had passed. The pilot did not take the medication, but being an honest sort, reported it on his next 3rd class medical application. It took 6 years and $15,000 of his own money for numerous psychological tests (fortunately, he could afford the psychological testing… ) before he was finally able to get a special issuance. The prescribing physician tried to help as did the AME. Other than the requirements for more psych testing, crickets from Oklahoma. I don’t have his financial means, so my flying would have been done forever.
If I had a legally disqualifying health issue and my own physician(s) aren’t concerned that it will affect my ability to pilot an aircraft: 1) Why should the FAA be concerned, and 2) Other than a small risk of a perjury charge, why should I report it?
Those are rhetorical questions, of course. I’m still young and healthy… but I won’t always be that way.
As a topic for another discussion, all of the hoopla over the supposedly upcoming changes to the LSA rules could be eliminated by extending basic med to ALL individuals… or by completely eliminating the need for a 3rd class medical. Where is the data that indicates SPORT pilots are dying or having incapacitating medical conditions above and beyond the general population while flying? That data doesn’t exist.