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JALLEN wrote: I was under the impression that quite a number of pilots who had developed health issues, due to old age, decrepitude etc were turning to Sport Aviation when they could no longer get a medical. Maybe a version of DADT or something, what the FAA doesn't know your doctor shouldn't tell them etc.

The distinction is likely that they developed health issues that might have impeded them from passing a flight medical, but they didn't take the exam and they're still willing to self certify.

I don't think you can self-certify if you fail the exam w/o a Special Issuance.

None of it is inexpensive. Not even light sport.

One other note - if you take the FAA medical and fail for any reason, you're done. Anything that would disqualify you for private pilot would also disqualify you for sport pilot. If you don't take the exam, it's not an issue.
If you're on medications, you better make sure that they're on approved list now - before you go in for that physical. I can't stress this enough.
Ever been treated for depression? You're probably disqualified without some very expensive additional screening, assuming your off medication.
Have prescription sleep aids? They're not allowed.

Again, start slow. Aviation isn't less expensive than it was 6 years ago. If you're going to do it, join a club now. It'll save you money even if you discontinue your training.

i8godzilla wrote:Look at the requirements for Sport Pilot. I do not believe there is a medical component.

That's true. However, sport pilot still requires you to self-certify that you're OK for flight. If you believe that your vision might impede you in any way, you can't fly sport either.
Look at what translates to private pilot. If you're recreational, my guess is that you're not going to spend a lot of time at night. And a C172 or basic entry level rental plane really can't fly with full fuel and more than 2 passengers in most cases...

My suggestion is to go for what's cheapest next. Don't assume you're going turbine and IFR. You'll really need some wealth to fly turbines or be some form of professional pilot.
You'll find that it's a pain to get a rental aircraft at night in most cases... And true ability to use a rental for cross country will depend on how much the rental shop likes you.

Most economic method: Join a club. Do it now before completing flight training. Most clubs have their own instructors. It solves the night/weekend availability issue.

Hows your health generally? The eyesight limits are pretty easy to meet and pretty cut and dried. Just know that you're going to have to list every single visit to the doctor for the last 5 years, every prescription and you'll need to track that stuff from now on. There is a great doctor over on the AOPA forum (Bruce) who will give you advice for free.