Q: I started flight lessons and put in several hours years ago. I would like to complete my certificate and buy an airplane. Three and 1/2 years ago, I had open-heart surgery, and I’m on medication for diabetes (I should be going off this medication soon). I radically changed my diet, and I am in the best shape I have been in many years. I’m 61 and have wanted to do this since I was much younger. What do you think?
A: First, congratulations on turning your health around—that is an accomplishment that will pay off in many ways, and hopefully allow you to get back into the air. In order to do that, you’ll need to determine what your best option is as far as the medical certificate you’ll need to fly solo and obtain a private pilot certificate—assuming that’s your goal.
If you have held a medical certificate since July 14, 2006, and you’ve never been denied a medical certificate before, you may be able to apply for BasicMed, generally, as long as you can hold a driver’s license in your state, and you don’t have any conditions that are disqualifying. You can find out more on the FAA’s BasicMed page. You may also find these FAQs helpful.
