Actually, when the time came, I had to take the privileges away from my parents. It's hard but needed to be done. Likewise, it's time we took responsibility and pushed back on the FAA. Thankfully, for once, congress appears to be on our side. We shouldn't be thankful because it "could be worse" or the bureaucrats might get their feelings hurt. We should push to get what is right.
No, but I do view them as an authority figure with the power to grant and limit my privileges much as my parents were when I was growing up. I've also learned in life that when someone in that position gives you something you ask for, the response most likely to obtain further privileges in the future is "Thank you" followed by responsible exercise of those new privileges, not "That's not enough -- I want more now."
Because s/he isn't a very good AME. If s/he keeps doing this, s/he won't be an AME any more.
Unusual (usually they give you a "valid for Student Pilot privileges only" medical and don't do the SMFT for vision issues until you've completed your training), but not entirely unexpected given your condition.
Yes, because you have already applied for the medical certificate, and if you don't complete the process, it will be denied.
Not absolutely, but it's possible. So make sure you can do all the Tasks required by the section on the test for one-eyed flying before you take the SMFT (see below). That's where your instructor comes in -- s/he should take that section and drill you on it until your performance meets the standard.
To put it bluntly, if you can't pass the SMFT for one-eyed pilots, then you shouldn't be flying, because you would not be able to perform the necessary tasks well enough to be a safe pilot. So don't take the ride until your instructor says you're good enough to pass it.
As the rules currently read, no. Of course, there's no telling what the NPRM I expect to come out within the next couple of months will say, but at this point, its almost impossible that the new rule will be final and in effect before your SMFT deadline, so you're pretty much locked into the current situation.
As I said earlier, because this is in the rulemaking process, there won't be any news until the FAA announces the release of an NPRM. My information suggests that may come at AirVenture.
They did send me a "valid for Student Pilot..." medical clearance. But I was told that I can't solo until I do the SODA.
That doesn't compute. Told by whom, and how were you told?
Not a vendetta. How species work, you should know that. Protecting the errant victim of stupid people weakens the species as a whole. We didn't get where we are by protecting the weak/stupid and the unfortunate taken out by the weak/stupid. Now that we have a helicopter government the empire is in decline.
I am sure that the people I know in Flight Standards want to do that. The only real question is whether the wheels can grind fast enough to make it happen -- NPRM's don't just happen overnight.
The gov't as equalizer and enforcer of social norms only works among those that are afraid or choose to play along. Some judgement proof dirtbag takes out a fine upstanding member of society and the gov't doesn't do much. Still have consent of the governed. Sort of, you can opt out by choosing certain lifestyles.
My guess is just like the pilots -- Day VFR only, aircraft limits, etc. Now, will people with only a DL be able to act as safety pilots (which also affects instructors giving instrument training)?
I expect the regulatory language would read about the same as that for Sport Pilot and Student Sport Pilot. Where that would leave you is something you would have to discuss with your personal physician to determine whether or not you can safely act as PIC in those operations with those aircraft, and how your instructor feels about your actual performance in the aircraft.
I don't think it will "have to be worked out" -- I think they'll just say you have to get another instructor who is legal to act as PIC at night to conduct that part of your training.
