Back in the air

Q. What does BasicMed mean for me?

A. AOPA worked hard for years on behalf of its members to bring about third class medical reform that the FAA refers to as BasicMed. Nearly 80,000 pilots have qualified to fly safely under BasicMed since its inception in 2017. (See how to qualify at right.)

BasicMed allows pilots to transition from the normal medical certification process to a medical qualification where they work with their personal physician. Pilots flying under BasicMed are allowed to operate “covered aircraft” having a maximum certificated takeoff weight of not more than 12,500 pounds, and are authorized to carry up to seven occupants (up to six passengers plus the pilot in command), at altitudes up to 18,000 feet msl and at an indicated airspeed of up to 250 knots. Pilots, if appropriately rated, can fly VFR or IFR. Pilots flying under the exemption cannot operate for compensation or hire.

Once you qualify to fly under BasicMed, at least once every four years (48 calendar months), you’ll need to visit a state-licensed physician. At the visit, you’ll need to provide your physician with an FAA-generated checklist, and your physician will need to affirm that he or she has performed an examination and discussed all the items on the checklist, including medications, with you. Your physician will have to affirm that he or she is unaware of any medical conditions that, as presently treated, could interfere with your ability to safely operate an aircraft. You will then need to retain the completed checklist with your logbook or in an accurate and legible electronic format. You would only provide it to the FAA if requested, such as during a routine ramp check, an investigation, or enforcement action. This form is not mailed to the FAA.

Every two years (24 calendar months), you’ll also need to take the free Medical Self-Assessment Course. You’ll need to provide the FAA with some of the same certifications as you have in the past, such as an authorization for the National Driver Register to provide your driving record to the FAA, and a statement that you understand that you cannot act as a pilot in command, or any other capacity as a required flight crewmember, if you know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make you unable to operate the aircraft in a safe manner.

aopa.org/basicmed