The complication of getting a medical certificate with the FAA eats up a pilot’s time and energy.
Learning how to fly was probably a walk in the park compared to dealing with the FAA medical certification process.
Why spend all those years in school and then not be able to fly?
That’s the bad news.
There is hope when it comes to dealing with the FAA, not all pilots have to get their full traditional medical certificate.
Introducing BasicMed: Your path to a faster way to fly and get approved with the FAA.
In this episode of The Pilot Lawyer Podcast, you’ll discover what BasicMed is and how you can navigate the traditional licensing process and fly almost immediately with just a simple driver’s license and a qualifying medical exam.
Listen to This Episode
Access the FAA and BasicMed episode on your preferred platform:
What You’ll Learn About BasicMed
This episode covers essential information for pilots seeking an alternative to the traditional medical certificate. Key topics include:
- How a state-licensed physician, including a chiropractor in some cases, can help you get your BasicMed approved (7:30)
- One physical exam you need to get BasicMed and have yourself flying by almost next week (7:50)
- The comprehensive medical examination checklist used for BasicMed and why this can speed up your licensing process (7:50)
- How to get to the “Go Fly” FAA stamp of approval so you don’t spend months waiting on the ground (7:57)
- Understanding BasicMed eligibility requirements, including considerations for pilots with certain medical conditions (11:30)
- Medical conditions that may affect your BasicMed qualification (12:03)
- Aircraft weight and passenger limitations under BasicMed regulations, including the 12,500-pound maximum takeoff weight restriction (23:11)
Understanding BasicMed Requirements
BasicMed provides an alternative pathway for pilots who meet specific criteria. Instead of obtaining a traditional FAA medical certificate, eligible pilots can fly under BasicMed with a current driver’s license and a medical examination performed by any state-licensed physician. The physical exam follows a standardized checklist, and once completed, pilots receive authorization to fly without the traditional medical certification process.
To qualify for BasicMed, pilots must have held a valid FAA medical certificate at some point after July 14, 2006, and that certificate cannot have been revoked, suspended, or withdrawn. Pilots must also complete an online aeromedical factors course every two years and undergo a physical examination every four years.
BasicMed does have operational limitations. Pilots flying under BasicMed are restricted to aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less (excluding transport category helicopters), carrying no more than six passengers (seven total occupants including the pilot), and flying at speeds not exceeding 250 knots. Additionally, BasicMed only applies to flights within the United States and at altitudes below 18,000 feet MSL.
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!
The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers
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