BasicMed Status Report

After about eight months, as of early November, according to AOPA, approximately 25,000 pilots had taken advantage of BasicMed since the official roll-out on May 1, 2017. Since the FAA does not track this, we dont know the exact percentage of pilots who did not have a current medical after a multi-year hiatus from flying and decided to get back into flying with BasicMed, as opposed to pilots with medicals who renewed expiring medicals with BasicMed. AOPA estimates about 50% for each group. It will probably take at least two years for the BasicMed numbers to stabilize as pilots with current medicals decide to renew with BasicMed, but at this time it seems to be working.

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Monday, January 08, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

BasicMed, rolled out in May 2017, has been adopted by approximately 25,000 pilots, offering an alternative to traditional FAA medicals for certain general aviation operations.
It permits flight in aircraft with up to six seats and a 6,000 lbs maximum takeoff weight, below flight levels, with up to five passengers, and at speeds not exceeding 250 KIAS, but is not for commercial flights or most international travel.
Pilots must complete an online medical education course and pass a BasicMed exam where a physician uses medical judgment to determine overall fitness to fly, distinct from the diagnostic requirements and specific standards of an FAA medical.
While offering benefits such as longer validity periods, pilots are responsible for understanding BasicMed requirements, educating examining physicians, and self-certifying their fitness to fly before each flight.

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After about eight months, as of early November, according to AOPA, approximately 25,000 pilots had taken advantage of BasicMed since the official roll-out on May 1, 2017. Since the FAA does not track this, we don’t know the exact percentage of pilots who did not have a current medical after a multi-year hiatus from flying and decided to get back into flying with BasicMed, as opposed to pilots with medicals who renewed expiring medicals with BasicMed. AOPA estimates about 50% for each group. It will probably take at least two years for the BasicMed numbers to stabilize as pilots with current medicals decide to renew with BasicMed, but at this time it seems to be working.

A Fresh Look

While the BasicMed roll out is still at its infancy, I have heard comments and observations from fellow pilots and CFIs that perhaps reflect a lack of full understanding of BasicMed. But first, let me be clear: BasicMed is not for every pilot, just like a First Class FAA medical is not for every pilot. Some pilots might find it stressful to search for a doctor willing to do a BasicMed exam or explain BasicMed to a doctor. It is simply another option for pilots who fly powered aircraft. If you prefer to get an FAA physical, there is nothing in BasicMed that would prevent you from doing so.