Bahamas, Canada, Mexico urged to recognize BasicMed
AOPA has requested that the governments of the Bahamas, Canada, and Mexico recognize the new FAA medical certification rule known as BasicMed, under which many FAA-certificated pilots plan to fly when the program launches May 1.
The three countries are among the most popular destinations for general aviation pilots, “and we would like to see this continue and even grow,” said AOPA President Mark Baker in letters to the top transportation officials of the Bahamas, Canada, and Mexico.
Hundreds of thousands of GA pilots are expected to participate in BasicMed. Many AOPA members have contacted the association and expressed their wishes to be able to fly to the three countries as BasicMed-participating pilots, Baker wrote.
BasicMed will allow compliant pilots conducting noncommercial flights in aircraft that weigh no more than 6,000 pounds, with no more than five passengers, to act as pilot in command without a third class medical certificate. At least once every four years, participating pilots must visit a state-licensed physician, provide the physician with an FAA-generated checklist, and receive affirmation that the physician has performed an examination and discussed all the items on the checklist, including medications.
Every two years, participating pilots must take a free online medical education course in aeromedical factors, and keep the certificate of completion in their logbook. The course will be available soon through the AOPA Air Safety Institute.
More information about BasicMed is available on AOPA Online.
