The new rule only allows Pilots to fly certain aircraft that are operated pursuant to several conditions. The aircraft must meet the following requirements:
The pilot must operate the aircraft covered in accordance with the following flight conditions:
The aircraft is not carrying more than six (6) passengers;
Yes, a BasicMed pilot can act as a safety pilot when required by 14 CFR § 91.109 for flight in simulated instrument conditions.
An FAA rulemaking amendment supported by AOPA and effective December 22, 2022, expanded BasicMed rules to allow a required pilot flightcrew member who is not acting as PIC to operate under BasicMed. A pilot is a required flightcrew member during those portions of the flight the pilot is acting as a safety pilot required by 14 CFR § 91.109 for flight in simulated instrument conditions.
Whether operating under BasicMed as a required pilot flightcrew member or PIC, pilots must meet the same BasicMed eligibility and qualification requirements.
Yes, the FAA final rule for BasicMed does apply to the person acting as PIC, including flight instructors or Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). As an example, the FAA has noted that flight instructors meeting the requirements of the new rule may act as PIC while giving flight training without holding a medical certificate, regardless of whether the person receiving flight training holds a medical certificate. Remember though that only the CFI certificate (not commercial pilot privileges) can be used under BasicMed, even though ratings can be earned up to ATP.
As long as the twin engine aircraft is not authorized under Federal law to carry more than 7 occupants and has a maximum certificated takeoff weight of not more than 12,500 pounds, you will be able to fly a twin-engine aircraft as long as you operate in accordance with the additional conditions in the new rule, listed above.
No. A "covered aircraft" which conforms to the limitations of the new rule is defined as one that is authorized under Federal law to carry not more than seven occupants; and has a maximum certificated takeoff weight of not more than 12,500 pounds.
No. A "covered aircraft" which conforms to the limitations of the new rule is defined as one that is authorized under Federal law to carry not more than seven occupants; and has a maximum certificated takeoff weight of not more than 12,500 pounds. AOPA has acquired an STC for Piper PA-32 models that allows BasicMed operations if the optional 7th seat is removed. The STC is available at no cost to the pilot.
Yes, if you do not exceed 250 knots indicated airspeed. The aircraft must be operated as follows: the covered aircraft is not authorized to carry more than 7 occupants (and is not carrying more than the pilot and six passengers) and has a maximum certificated takeoff weight of not more than 12,500 pounds. The individual is operating the covered aircraft under visual flight rules or instrument flight rules. Also, the flight, including each portion of that flight, is NOT: carried out for compensation or hire, including that no passenger or property on the flight is being carried for compensation or hire; at an altitude that is more than 18,000 feet above mean sea level; outside the United States, Mexico and the Bahamas, unless authorized by the country in which the flight is conducted; or at an indicated air speed exceeding 250 knots.
Yes. The rule makes no distinction among category or class of aircraft. If the aircraft meets the provisions for “covered aircraft” you can fly it in accordance with limitations in the new rules, listed above.
You can fly under the medical reform provisions outside of the United States only if authorized to do so by the country in which the flight is conducted. It's a good idea to check with AOPA or the aviation authority for the country in which you intend to fly to determine what conditions you will need to meet to fly internationally. Currently only Mexico, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands accept BasicMed. Canada does not currently accept BasicMed.