Plan your FAA exam as close to the first of the month as possible. Even if you have a special issuance certificate for a limited time, the FAA third-class medical exam should only take place every 24 calendar months, or 60 months if you are under 40 years old. Light sports aircraft have a gross takeoff weight of 560 kg or less (600 kg in the case of a seaplane). They are subject to a different set of rules regarding certification, maintenance, and pilot licensing.
You don't need a private pilot's license to fly one, for example. There is no doubt that the cardiac aspect is a cause for concern: even a humble private pilot is expected to demonstrate turning maneuvers of up to 2 g, placing an additional burden on the heart. You don't want the pilot to faint because his heart isn't strong enough to keep his brain oxygenated during a turn or for a cardiac emergency to occur. I was quite surprised to once read a study in which the average heart rate of a pilot was analyzed during a normal, routine and uneventful landing; peaks of 160 or 170 beats per minute were very common.
There are quite strong reasons that justify the FAA's deep concern for any type of heart, blood pressure, or circulatory problems. The problems are so common that, in fact, there are some fairly reliable guidelines for the issuance of special products, whose main concern is whether or not the pilot is at risk of falling dead suddenly. During the flight, you will always need to have your doctor in your possession. Depending on the type of certificate you obtain, your medical exam will last between six and sixty calendar months.
Either way, you can begin your flight training and earn your student pilot certificate without the stress of not being medically fit to fly. Many AMEs are pilots who love to talk about their experiences, both through the lens of a pilot and a doctor. Even if your goal is to obtain a private pilot certificate or a commercial pilot certificate, it's still a good idea to pursue top-notch medical studies if you want to become an ATP in the future. Whether you want to become a private pilot or an airplane pilot, the next step is to get your medical certificate.
Any of the three medical certificates will allow you to train and fly only as a private pilot, and you can always try to meet the requirements for another type of certificate later, as needed.
