There aren't a lot of Part 142 training centers around, either, and the regulation allows this option only at a Part 142 training center (which is not the same as a Part 141 flight school) -- and that center and its equipment must be specifically approved for a flight review course.
A bit easier, as it doesn't have to be a Part 142 training center. The difficult IPC requirements to be approved in a flight simulation device are the circling maneuver and landing from an instrument approach.
...probably in the big, expensive full flight simulators. I suspect SimCon and RTC can do the same.
As of a few (or maybe several) years ago, Simcom does not do IPCs in most or all of their fixed simulators AFaIK. I used to get an IPC in one of their Baron sims (FTDs) when I went there each year or so but for the last few times I had to go the 6 approaches, tracking, and holding route which is really just as easy as long as you aren't 6+ months out of currency.
AFaIK there is a fairly significant difference between the medical condition required for self-certification vs passing an AME exam. IOW, I think you can often meet the "letter of the law" with conditions that would preclude getting an FAA medical certificate.
How about the medical requirements for a drivers license in your state.
How about prostate cancer? The FAA feels the risk of sudden incapacitation is high enough to defer to the palace but I'd certainly feel comfortable self-certifying after my doctor told me I was cured and get back to life.
Of course, there is no FAA drug database. AOPA and EAA try though. The FAA bureaucrats say it's too hard for the collective staff in OKC to keep it current, of course, the individual pilot sure better keep up.
That may be your opinion, but it's simply wrong.
The Federal Air Surgeon disagrees.
IOW, as long as you have never had a medical certificate denied, suspended, or revoked, the mere fact you have a condition which would disqualify you from obtaining or holding a medical certificate does not stop you from flying as a Sport Pilot as long as you have determined in consultation with your own physician that you can safely perform as a Sport Pilot. Of course, there are some conditions (say, uncontrolled epilepsy) which clearly would not allow that. However, if you had a heart attack but are fully recovered and your doctor sees no significant/elevated risk of recurrence, then you can fly as a Sport Pilot without going through the FAA's post-heart attack Special Issuance process.
I think that's what the regs say.
I know that's not what the regs say. As I said above, there are conditions which would be disqualifying but not necessarily compromising safety -- those mostly conditions which could result in a Special Issuance after considerable expense and effort. The beauty of the Federal Air Surgeon's guidance is that for Sport Pilots, if you and your physician agree you're safe to fly, you don't have to go to the expense and effort of proving that to the FAA before flight.
Agreed, but as I said, the fact that something would prevent normal issuance of a Third Class medical does not automatically preclude legal flying as a Sport Pilot.
I'm not saying it -- the Federal Air Surgeon is (in writing no less), and he's far more qualified to make that statement than I am. The only things that automatically medically disqualify you from Sport Pilot flying are lack of a US driver's license combined with denial of your last medical application/revocation or suspension of your last medical certificate.