What if every time you rented an aircraft or put fuel in the tank you could get some of that cost back in your wallet? With AOPA’s new World Mastercard you can. AOPA has negotiated this and other great deals with Commerce Bank. In addition to 2-percent fuel savings, card members also get 4 percent back on any purchase through AOPA—such as AOPA branded apparel, coffee mugs, and more. Card users also get 3 percent back on purchases from select AOPA partners in a wide variety of aviation categories. Oh, and one more thing: You receive 1 percent cash back on any purchase. These reasons are why AOPA Senior Vice President of Marketing Jiri Marousek calls the AOPA World Mastercard “the best card for pilots.”
In addition to cash-back incentives, use of the AOPA World Mastercard supports the association’s efforts to protect general aviation. Membership dues can’t cover all the initiatives AOPA undertakes to protect and defend general aviation—fighting user fees, ATC privatization, and egregious FBO pricing, and advocating for improvements such as BasicMed—so funds put back into the association from your use of the AOPA World Mastercard help keep GA strong and members flying. Next time you top off your fuel tank or rent an airplane, think about the savings and the benefits you could be receiving from the AOPA World Mastercard. It’s our members who keep AOPA hard at work, and it’s why we’re recommending the “best card for pilots.”
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Am I eligible?
How BasicMed can return you to the skies
By Ferdi Mack
Q: I’ve heard about the BasicMed program from my hangar neighbors. Can I take advantage of BasicMed?
A. BasicMed is an attractive alternative to third class medical certification for many pilots already flying for pleasure, although based on your medical situation and age you may find that continuing with your third class routine is just as easy.
To fly under BasicMed, your most recent medical application cannot have been denied, nor can your currently issued medical certificate have been suspended, revoked, or withdrawn for any reason. If you held a valid FAA medical certificate of any class, regular or special issuance, on or after July 15, 2006, you are likely eligible. Anyone who has never held an FAA medical certificate must apply for, and receive, a medical certificate one time before being able to exercise pilot privileges under BasicMed.
If you have medical conditions that fall under the umbrella of certain cardiovascular, neurological, or mental health disorders, you may need to obtain a one-time FAA special issuance medical certificate to fly under BasicMed.
If BasicMed is an option for you, you must comply with two recurring requirements. First, a physical examination must be performed by your treating physician once every 48 months, where both the airman and the physician must complete the form. Second, an online course must be completed every 24 calendar months.
BasicMed operating limitations include not more than 6,000 pounds maximum takeoff weight, under 18,000 feet, and not in an aircraft certificated for more than six occupants, including the pilot. For more details, you can review our BasicMed materials online (www.aopa.org/fittofly), contact AOPA’s Pilot Information Center at 888-462-3976, or email [email protected].
Ferdi Mack is senior manager of the AOPA Pilot Information Center.
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