Orlando Harmon
BasicMed is a program that offers eligible pilots an alternative means of renewing and maintaining their medical certification. It is a flexible, convenient, and cost-effective option for pilots who want to avoid visiting a designated aviation medical examiner (AME) every few years. BasicMed qualifications require pilots to download and print the FAA's Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist, which must be completed by any state-licensed physician, and kept with the course completion certificate. This medical certificate is necessary for insurance purposes and allows pilots to fly without holding an FAA medical certificate, as long as certain requirements are met.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is BasicMed? | An alternative way for pilots to fly without holding an FAA medical certificate as long as they meet certain requirements. |
| Who is it for? | Private pilots flying certain small aircraft for non-commercial purposes. |
| Who can sign off on a pilot's competency for this medical certificate? | Any state-licensed physician. |
| What are the benefits? | Reduced costs, convenience, privacy, and flexibility. |
| How often is the medical exam required? | Every 4 years (unless insurance requires more frequent exams). |
| What are the requirements? | A valid U.S. driver's license, a previous medical certificate after July 14, 2006, completion of the BasicMed certification process, and specific aircraft and flight plan parameters. |
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What You'll Learn
- BasicMed is a flexible alternative to a third-class medical certificate
- BasicMed qualifications require a Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist
- BasicMed exams can be performed by any state-licensed physician
- BasicMed certification is available every 4 years
- BasicMed encourages pilots to have regular and frank conversations with their doctors
BasicMed is a flexible alternative to a third-class medical certificate
The program offers several advantages over the traditional third-class medical certificate process. One of the key benefits is that it allows pilots to have their medical exams conducted by their personal physicians, rather than having to visit a designated aviation medical examiner (AME) every few years. This provides increased convenience and privacy, as personal medical records are not shared with the FAA. Additionally, BasicMed can be more cost-effective, with lower office visit co-pays, and offers the flexibility to schedule standard annual physical appointments on the same day and location as the BasicMed exam.
To pursue BasicMed qualifications, pilots must download and complete the FAA's Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist, which includes information on their medical history, prescription and non-prescription medications, dosages, and dosing intervals. This checklist is then reviewed by a state-licensed physician, who can sign off on the pilot's competency for the medical certificate. Pilots must also complete an online course and pass a quiz to obtain their BasicMed completion certificate.
It's important to note that BasicMed comes with certain limitations on aircraft and flight plans. For example, it applies only to recreational pilots flying certain small aircraft for non-commercial purposes within specific weight, altitude, and geographical restrictions. Pilots must ensure that they and their aircraft meet the BasicMed qualifications to be eligible to fly under BasicMed clearance. Additionally, BasicMed certification is valid for four years, unless insurance requires more frequent exams.
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BasicMed qualifications require a Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist
BasicMed is a set of rules that allow private pilots to obtain a medical examination from any state-licensed physician. It encourages pilots to have regular and frank conversations with their doctors, allowing both the physician and flyer to arrive at an informed medical assessment.
To pursue BasicMed qualifications, pilots must download and print the FAA's Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist. This checklist is included in the AOPA's Pilot & Physician's Guide, which is available online. The checklist contains two forms, one for the pilot and one for the physician. The pilot information and medical history portion of the checklist must be completed by the pilot before the exam. It will list any prescription or non-prescription medication that the pilot is currently using, along with information such as dosage and dosing intervals.
During the BasicMed examination, the physician will review various health aspects, including vision, hearing, mental health, and general medical conditions. The physician should address any medications the pilot is taking and discuss their potential to interfere with the safe operation of an aircraft or motor vehicle. After the examination, the physician will complete the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist.
Once the checklist is complete, pilots must keep it with their course completion certificate in their logbook or in electronic format. This will make it easier to complete the 24-month renewal requirement of retaking the course. Additionally, pilots must submit the information from their most recent CMEC and medical examination electronically upon completion of the BasicMed online course.
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BasicMed exams can be performed by any state-licensed physician
BasicMed is a set of rules by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows a private pilot flying certain small aircraft for non-commercial purposes to obtain a medical examination from any state-licensed physician. The FAA has created a Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) that must be completed by a state-licensed physician.
The BasicMed exam can be performed by any state-licensed physician. Advanced practice providers, such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants, may assist with the exam, but only a state-licensed physician may sign off on the checklist. The checklist is similar to a wellness exam, like those conducted for high school athletics or scuba diving certification. It is a simple checklist that covers the patient's medical history and any medications they are taking that could interfere with their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle or aircraft. The physician will also need to affirm that they are unaware of any medical conditions that could interfere with the patient's ability to operate an aircraft safely.
The physician will need to review each item on the checklist and discuss the patient's past medical history and any medications that could impact their ability to operate a vehicle or aircraft safely. Based on this discussion and the exam findings, the physician will determine whether they are aware of any medical conditions that could interfere with the patient's ability to operate an aircraft. The checklist is like a physical or wellness examination that physicians perform daily.
The FAA's MedXPress system is only for completing an application for an FAA First, Second, or Third Class medical certificate. If you are pursuing BasicMed qualifications, you must download and print the FAA's Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist. The checklist must be completed by the physician, who will also need to fill out the rest of the exam checklist. This form is not mailed to the FAA but must be kept with the completed CMEC form in the pilot's logbook or electronically. It should be available upon request from the FAA.
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BasicMed certification is available every 4 years
BasicMed is a program that allows pilots to maintain their medical certification without visiting a designated aviation medical examiner (AME) every few years. It was developed in 2016 as part of the FAA Extension, Safety, Security Act. BasicMed certification is available every four years, and while it does come with limitations on aircraft and flight plans, it is a viable option for many recreational pilots.
The program allows pilots to obtain a medical examination from any state-licensed physician, without the need for an AME. This can result in lower office visit co-pays and increased convenience, as pilots can schedule their standard annual physical appointment on the same day and at the same location as their BasicMed exam. Additionally, pilots over 40 only need to undergo a medical exam every four years, as opposed to every two years with a third-class medical certificate.
To obtain BasicMed certification, pilots must download and print the FAA's Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist, which includes information on the pilot's medical history and any medications they are currently taking. The physician must address any medications the pilot is taking and discuss their potential impact on the safe operation of an aircraft. The physician will also need to affirm that they are unaware of any medical conditions that could interfere with the pilot's ability to operate an aircraft safely.
Once the checklist is completed, pilots must submit the post-course form to the FAA to earn their BasicMed completion certificate. It is important to keep this certificate, along with the completed CMEC, in a logbook or electronically for safekeeping. Additionally, every two years, pilots flying under BasicMed must take the free Medical Self-Assessment Course and provide the FAA with certain certifications, such as an authorization for the National Driver Register to provide their driving record.
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BasicMed encourages pilots to have regular and frank conversations with their doctors
BasicMed is a flexible alternative for aviation pilots, allowing them to pursue medical certification without visiting a designated aviation medical examiner (AME). It encourages pilots to have open and regular discussions with their doctors, enabling informed medical assessments and treatment plans.
Under BasicMed, pilots can obtain a medical examination from any state-licensed physician, which can be their personal physician. This examination follows a simple checklist created by the FAA and is similar to a wellness exam. The checklist includes information about the pilot's medical history, including any prescription or non-prescription medications they are taking, as well as dosages and dosing intervals.
By having frank conversations with their doctors, pilots can discuss the potential impact of their medications on their ability to operate an aircraft or motor vehicle safely. While there is no specific list of prohibited medications for BasicMed, certain substances are unsafe for pilots to use while flying, and others may require a waiting period.
To obtain BasicMed qualifications, pilots must download and complete the FAA's Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist, which includes the medical history and pilot information sections. This checklist is kept in the pilot's logbook or stored electronically. The CMEC doctor visit information and pilot certificate details are submitted before receiving the course completion certificate.
BasicMed offers advantages such as reduced costs, convenience, and privacy, as personal medical records are not shared with the FAA. It is available every four years and provides an alternative to the traditional third-class medical certificate process. Pilots can also hold both BasicMed and third-class medical certifications simultaneously if they wish.
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Frequently asked questions
BasicMed is a program that offers eligible pilots an alternative means of renewing and maintaining their medical certification.
BasicMed is less expensive, more convenient, less time-consuming, and more private than traditional medical certification. It also allows pilots to have their personal physician conduct their medical exam.
To be eligible for BasicMed, you must have a valid U.S. driver's license, have held a medical certificate after July 14, 2006, and not have had your most recent application for a medical certificate denied. Your aircraft and flight plans must also meet certain qualifications.
To obtain BasicMed, you must download and print the FAA's Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist, get a BasicMed-specific exam by a state-licensed physician, and keep your completed CMEC form and course completion certificate in your logbook or electronically.
