BasicMed is the soon-to-be adopted medical certification standard for private pilots written into a new Part 68 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. The FAA in January adopted the rules after a long, and at times contentious, fight with aviation groups that had for years pressed for third-class medical reform. The revised regulations that take effect on May 1 will permit many thousands of pilots to skip their periodic visits to an aviation medical examiner (AME) and instead take a free online aeromedical factors course every two years and visit their personal physician for a checkup every four years.
Is BasicMed Right for You?
Key Takeaways:
- BasicMed is a new medical certification standard for private pilots, effective May 1, 2017, allowing many to forego traditional FAA medical exams.
- To qualify, pilots must hold a U.S. driver's license, visit a personal physician every four years, and complete an online aeromedical course every two years.
- Operating limitations include flying aircraft under 6,000 lbs and certified for six or fewer people, altitudes below 18,000 feet, speeds under 250 KIAS, and within the United States.
- This reform primarily benefits pilots over 40 and significantly streamlines the process for those previously requiring special-issuance medicals, reducing costs and bureaucratic delays.
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