BasicMed Takes Effect

Effective May 1, 2017, you may no longer need to hold an FAA third-class medical certificate to serve as pilot in command. The change results from FAA implementing a Congressional mandate enacted last year, which directed the agency to develop appropriate regulations to eliminate the third-class medical for specified flight operations. The image below, prepared by the FAA, highlights BasicMeds major provisions.

Sunday, April 23, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Effective May 1, 2017, BasicMed allows pilots to serve as pilot in command for specific flight operations without a third-class FAA medical certificate, fulfilling a Congressional mandate.
To qualify, pilots must complete a physical examination with a state-licensed physician using the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC), pass an online medical education course, consent to a National Driver Register check, and hold a valid U.S. driver's license.
While insurance providers like Avemco stated they would accept BasicMed without increasing premiums, the program has limitations, including applying only when acting as Pilot In Command and requiring a previous FAA medical certificate issued after July 15, 2006.

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A long time in coming, the policy came as a result of several factors, including 10-plus years of experience with the FAA’s sport pilot certification, which does not require a medical certificate, and implementing legislation introduced and pushed through Congress by U.S. Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.). Along the way, AOPA and EAA put substantial efforts behind the legislation, helping get it through both houses of Congress and to the President’s desk last year for signature. That’s the big print. And there’s plenty of fine print.