The FAA requires pilots to obtain a medical certificate to fly. An FAA medical certification is issued after an examination by an FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). An FAA medical certificate demonstrates the pilot’s physical fitness to operate an aircraft.
However, you might be able to fly even though you do not have an FAA medical certificate. BasicMed is an alternative that allows a pilot to fly without a medical certificate. You must meet specific requirements to fly under BasicMed.
What Are the Requirements to Qualify for BasicMed?
Flight instructors, pilot examiners, and pilots exercising private pilot privileges as pilots in command or as required flight crew members can fly under BasicMed. The requirements they must meet for BasicMed include:
Valid Medical Certificate
You must have obtained a valid medical certificate after July 14, 2006. Your most recent medical certificate cannot have been suspended, revoked, or denied. Your most recent medical application has not been denied.
Special Issuance Requirement
If an airman has certain medical conditions, they must disclose them to the FAA before transitioning to BasicMed. Conditions requiring a Special Issuance Authorization before approval for BasicMed include:
- Cardiac conditions including heart replacement, cardiac valve replacement, coronary heart disease requiring treatment, and heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Neurologic disorders or conditions, including epilepsy, transient loss of control of nervous system functions, and disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory medical explanation
- Mental health conditions including bipolar disorder, some personality disorders, substance dependence within the past two years, and psychosis
A Special Issuance is granted by the Federal Air Surgeon to an applicant who does not meet the established medical standards. The FAA must find that the condition is adequately controlled to allow the airman to operate an aircraft safely.
Additional Requirements for BasicMed
In addition to the above, the pilot must:
- Have a current and valid U.S. driver’s license and comply with any medical requirements to operate a motor vehicle
- Complete an online BasicMed education course approved by the FAA and obtain a completion certificate every 24 months
- Complete a Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist
- Attest to your health and consent to a National Driver Registry check
- Complete an examination every 48 months by a state-licensed physician, preferably your treating physician
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 expanded BasicMed, so more pilots may qualify to fly under BasicMed. Even with the expansion, there are still limitations to the BasicMed program pilots should know before applying for BasicMed.
Limitations for Flying Under BasicMed
BasicMed has specific restrictions, including:
- Pilots cannot operate outside of the United States under BasicMed
- There cannot be more than six passengers on the aircraft
- The maximum number of occupants on the aircraft is seven
- Pilots cannot fly above 18,000 feet MSL (mean sea level)
- Pilots cannot operate an aircraft that has a maximum take-off weight of no more than 12,500 pounds
- Pilots cannot operate an aircraft for hire or compensation
- The aircraft cannot exceed 250 knots of true airspeed
Pilots are required to know, understand, and follow all BasicMed requirements and rules. The information in this article is intended for informational purposes. If you have questions about BasicMed, the FAA has detailed information about BasicMed requirements on its website.
What Is an FAA Medical Certification?
A pilot must be in good health to operate an aircraft. An FAA medical certificate is a legal document certifying that a pilot passed an examination conducted by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The examination includes tests for vision, general health, hearing, and cardiovascular. Some pilots may receive a Special Issuance or qualify to fly under BasicMed.
There are three classes of medical certificates issued to airmen:
- First-class medical certificates are issued for airline transport pilots.
- Second-class medical certificates are issued for flight engineers, commercial pilots, air traffic control operators, or balloon pilots exercising commercial pilot privileges
- Third-class medical certificates are issued for private pilots or recreational pilots
Each medical certificate has specific examination and eligibility requirements.
Get Help With an FAA Medical Certificate Denial
If your FAA medical certificate is deferred or denied, we are here to help with FAA medical certification representation. Call The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers for a free consultation with a nationwide FAA aviation lawyer. We are pilots and FAA medical lawyers, so we understand what is at stake when there are problems with an airman’s medical certification.
Contact the Aviation Lawyers from The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers for Help Today
You need both a pilot and a lawyer on your side for your aviation law needs. Don’t hesitate to contact our team from The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced aviation lawyer today.
We’re pilots representing pilots. The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers offers FAA enforcement defense and medical certification representation worldwide!
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