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, designed to replace traditional FAA medical examiner visits for eligible pilots.
- To qualify, pilots must hold a valid U.S. driver's license, complete a free online aeromedical course every two years, and undergo a physical exam with a personal physician every four years.
- This reform reduces bureaucracy and costs, especially benefiting pilots over 40 and those with special-issuance medicals, but includes operational limitations on aircraft (e.g., max 6,000 lbs, 6 seats), altitude, speed, and restricts flying for compensation or outside the U.S.
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