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Briefing: July 2017

The FAAs BasicMed rule took effect on May 1, creating a new option for pilots who want to fly without an FAA medical certificate. Under the BasicMed rule, pilots can fly under certain circumstances without a medical certificate, but they must pass an online course about aviation medical issues, complete a medical exam and checklist, and meet certain other criteria. The FAAs Advisory Circular (AC 68-1) on Alternative Medical Qualifications describes in detail how pilots can comply with the new policy.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA's BasicMed rule is now active, offering pilots an alternative to traditional medical certificates by meeting specific requirements.
  • Two Icon Aircraft staff members, including lead engineer Jon Karkow, died in an A5 crash near Icon headquarters, prompting an NTSB investigation.
  • Cessna has ceased production of its Mustang light jet after delivering over 470 units, with the company's M2 jet now filling its market niche.
  • Conferences highlighted future aviation: Uber's Elevate summit explored flying taxis with a 2020 demo goal, and the AUVSI conference showcased drone advancements amid regulatory debates.
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BasicMed Now In Effect

The FAA’s BasicMed rule took effect on May 1, creating a new option for pilots who want to fly without an FAA medical certificate. Under the BasicMed rule, pilots can fly under certain circumstances without a medical certificate, but they must pass an online course about aviation medical issues, complete a medical exam and checklist, and meet certain other criteria. The FAA’s Advisory Circular (AC 68-1) on “Alternative Medical Qualifications” describes in detail how pilots can comply with the new policy.

Two Icon Staffers Killed In A5 Crash

Jon Karkow, lead engineer at Icon, and new employee Cagri Sever died on May 8 when the Icon A5 they were flying crashed on the shore of Lake Berreyssa, near Icon headquarters in California. In its preliminary report, the NTSB said a witness, who was aboard a boat on the lake, told investigators he saw the A5 flying about 30 to 50 feet above the water, at what seemed to be a low speed. The witness said the airplane passed by his position and entered a nearby cove. The area where the crash occurred is known as Little Portuguese Canyon, and the terrain is steep and narrow, according to Icon. “We’re unsure why the plane flew into such a narrow canyon that had no outlet,” said Shane Sullivan, Icon’s director of flight. Icon said a flight data recorder was recovered from the accident aircraft, and NTSB investigators reviewed it together with Icon engineers.

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