Is a Medical Certificate Required for a Private Pilot Check Ride?

Here are the details on the use of BasicMed and its criteria, according to the FAA.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 09:06 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A pilot can use BasicMed for a check ride as long as they meet all the required BasicMed criteria.
To qualify for BasicMed, a pilot must hold a current U.S. driver's license, have held an FAA medical certificate after July 14, 2006, and undergo a physical examination from a state-licensed physician who completes the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC).
Additionally, the pilot must complete an online BasicMed medical education course and retain the completion document.

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Question: I’m a private pilot learner flying on a third-class medical certificate. Life got in the way, and I’ve determined that my medical will expire before I complete my training. I’d like to fly using BasicMed, but can I take the check ride with that, or must I renew the third-class medical?

Answer: According to the FAA, “as long as the pilot meets the criteria to fly with BasicMed, they can use it, including on a check ride.”