The BasicMed form (Advisory Circular 68-1A) provides the official FAA guidelines for pilots who want to fly certain small aircraft without a current medical certificate. Introduced on May 3, 2017, BasicMed offers an alternative to the traditional medical certification process under 14 CFR Part 67, allowing private, recreational, and student pilots to continue flying by meeting a set of medical and training requirements.
Pilot Eligibility
To qualify under BasicMed, a pilot must hold a valid U.S. driver's license, have held an FAA medical certificate issued after July 14, 2006, and not have had any medical certificate denied, suspended, revoked, or withdrawn by the FAA. Pilots must disclose known medical conditions to their physician and confirm compliance with all treatment requirements. Pilots who have never held an FAA medical certificate or whose most recent certificate was refused are not eligible for BasicMed.
BasicMed Requirements
Eligible pilots must complete three requirements: (1) finish a free online medical education course from an FAA-accepted provider every 24 calendar months, (2) undergo a comprehensive medical examination by a state-licensed physician using the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) every 48 months, and (3) operate only covered aircraft that weigh no more than 6,000 pounds with a maximum of six seats. Pilots who prefer the traditional FAA certificate can complete the FAA Form 8500-7 medical application through an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) instead.
Aircraft and Operational Limits
Under BasicMed, pilots are limited to aircraft that do not exceed 6,000 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight and are authorized for no more than six occupants. Operations must remain within U.S. airspace, below 18,000 feet mean sea level, and at airspeeds no more than 250 knots indicated. Pilots may not fly for compensation or hire under BasicMed and must follow any conditions noted on the CMEC by their physician.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Basicmed Form |
| Form Length | 34 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 8 min 30 sec |
| Other names | basic med expiration, faa basicmed blank, faa basic med limitations, faa basicmed |