BasicMed breaks 50,000
Two years have passed since general aviation pilots were given the choice to bypass the hoops and hassles of third class medical certification with BasicMed. Now, more than 50,000 aviators are enjoying the freedom to fly under the reform’s provisions.
If you’re late to the party, BasicMed allows eligible pilots to fly aircraft authorized to carry up to six occupants and with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of no more than 6,000 pounds. Pilots can fly up to 250 knots indicated airspeed and up to 18,000 feet msl.
Once you have completed the education course, passed the quiz, and printed the completion certificate, along with a completed medical checklist and exam, you are ready to get out there and fly under BasicMed!
BasicMed is a huge victory for the GA community and the most significant shift in medical reform in decades. AOPA’s government affairs and advocacy team led the push in Congress, and, the FAA implemented BasicMed through its new Part 68 regulations.
And pilots—don’t forget you can also file that flight plan to other BasicMed-accepted destinations like the Bahamas.
For those who still have questions about BasicMed, AOPA has a number of resources under its Fit to Fly page. Pilots can also contact AOPA’s Pilot Information Center for assistance via email or by phone (888-462-3976).
