What is BasicMed?
Under the BasicMed rule, you might never need to see an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) again if you have a valid medical certificate at any time after July 14, 2006. Pilots who meet specific qualifications can also fly under BasicMed without having an FAA medical certificate. Pilots must print the FAA Form 8700-2, BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC), and have a physical examination performed by a state-licensed physician to fly under BasicMed. After finishing an online medical education, you can take off!
What kinds of flights are covered by BasicMed?
Generally speaking, flight training and all flying save for commercial activities, including day and night VFR operations and even IFR flying, are covered under BasicMed. This form of flying is referred to as recreational or personal flying. A maximum of five passengers may be transported when flying under basic medical, and the aircraft can only have six seats and may not be certified to carry more than 6,000 pounds. Additionally, pilots are limited to a speed of 250 knots and a height of 18,000 feet MSL (no Class A operations).
How frequently should I renew my BasicMed?
Pilots must see their primary care physician (or any state-licensed physician) at least once every four years, according to BasicMed regulations, and submit the CMEC, which outlines the subjects of the visit. The checklist must be signed by the pilot and the doctor attesting to the completion of each item. Pilots should record the mandatory visit in their logbook and maintain their checklist. As proof that you had a current medical after the law was passed on July 14, 2006, it’s also a good idea to save a duplicate of your expired medical. Reporting or submitting anything directly to the FAA is not necessary.
What kind of instruction must I finish to fly under BasicMed?
Every two years, pilots must finish an online aeromedical considerations training course. The Mayo Clinic or AOPA are offering the course for free. A note of the training should be recorded in the pilot’s logbook, and a copy of the certificate of course completion should be preserved.
BasicMed Summary – what documentation do you need to fly?
• Hold a U.S. driver’s license.
• Hold or have held a medical certificate issued by the FAA at any point after July 14, 2006.
• Answer the health questions on the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) and complete your examination by any physician – required every 4 years.
• Take the online medical education course (required every 2 years) and complete the attestations/consent to the National Driver Register (NDR) check. Keep the course completion document.
Here are the steps to get a BasicMed:
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
To travel under BasicMed, you must determine your eligibility by completing an eligibility form.
Here’s AOPA’s form.
Step 2: Download the checklist
Download the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) and fill out your section if you qualify.
Step 3: Consult a Physician
Make an appointment to fill out the CMEC (the checklist) with your physician.
Step 4: Enroll in the Course Online
After your medical visit, it’s time to complete the AOPA or Mayo Clinic course.
Visit either website, register, and then enroll in the course. You will receive your certificate of completion around one hour later.
