request that the FAA grant exemption requested by AOPA/EAA for private pilots to self-certify medical fitness for flight

More than 16,000 persons have commented to FAA re: this petition; for the past six years, there have been no private aviation accidents in which pilot's medical condition was a contributing cause. Current regulations already permit pilots to fly small sport aircraft without an FAA medical exam. Approval of this exemption would be an economic boost to small aircraft firms that sell/rent private aircraft, and would also expand the active pilot population. It would also cut regulatory costs within the FAA. Pilots flying under this exemption would be required to take mandatory training in aeromedical issues, which would arguably make them safer (more medically aware) than pilots under current 3rd-class medical rules.