FAA BasicMed

medical wings

On July 15, 2016, Congress passed legislation which included relief from holding an FAA medical certificate for certain pilots. This relief is called BasicMed.

The FAA has published the BasicMed rules in Parts 61, 68, and 91.
If you meet the BasicMed requirements, you can operate without an FAA medical certificate.

There are three things you have to do in order to exercise your pilot's license priviledges using the BasicMed medical:

1. Get a routine physical examination by your regular Physician and have the BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist filled out and signed.

click here to see the BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC)

2. Complete either one of these two free online BasicMed courses offered by AOPA or Mayo Aerospace:

Click here to go to the online AOPA BasicMed course...

Click here to go to the online MAYO BasicMed course...

3. Make a logbook entry stating the date that you completed the above requirements and keep the completed checklist in your logbook (in any legible paper or electronic format) so that it could be made available on request.

For additional information these pages may be helpful:

Click here to go to the FAQ's about FAA BasicMed...

Click here to view AC 68-1A BasicMed Document Information...

FAA BASICMED MEDICAL REGULATION HIGHLIGHTS
Pilot Eligibility Pilots must hold a valid U.S. driver's license and comply with any restrictions; have held a valid FAA medical certificate, regular or special issuance, on or after July 15, 2006; and not had their most recent medical revoked, suspended, or withdrawn, or most recent application denied. Pilots with a medical history or diagnosis of certain cardiac, neurological, or mental health conditions will need a one-time-only special issuance for each condition.
Aircraft Specifications Up to 6 seats, up to 6,000 lbs (no limitations on horsepower, number of engines, or gear type)
Flight Rules Day or night, VFR or IFR
Passengers Up to 5 passengers
Altitude Restriction Up to 18,000 feet msl
Geographic Limitation Within the United States (unless authorized)
Speed Limitation 250 knots indicated airspeed
Operating Limitation Cannot operate for compensation or hire, except for flight instruction and as permitted by 14 CFR 61.113
Aeromedical Training Free online course required every two years (24 calendar months)
Physician Visit Every four years (48 months)