Originally Posted by
apache
Probably more accurate to ask how many valid medicals are out there!
Quite so, the numbers have been checked and crunched, Paul Phelan for one did them some time back, you can see the results on ProAviation, VOCA Support, AOPA and AuntyPru websites. How many lost since then compared to new would be essential information, any truly interested regulatory body would have that running total at their fingertips. A guesstimate now would be 15 thou Class 1 & 2s, taking out the O/S students. Of course the waters are muddied with RAAus numbers, but with so few GA flying schools and DAMES dropping out by the dozens it all becomes more and more difficult and expensive, especially for those in the bush who don't want to squeeze into a 600 KG category that's not suitable for the job. BTW creating that category was one of the worst decisions ever, inducing thousands into aircraft often not optimal or sufficiently capable or suitable for purpose. Eg., lack of interior space, range, carrying ability and strength to cope with our often windy and harsh conditions. Not to decry all of those building and flying in RAAaus, lots of amazing and inventive designs. I could go on but might get chopped for thread drift. Cheers. PS there's no safety case for av. specific medicals, another topic!