BasicMed Summary: 24-Month Renewal

Let’s get started. If you completed the BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) dated less than 48 months ago, a new medical exam is not needed at the 24-month renewal point. You only need to again complete the BasicMed online course, complete the quiz, and then fill out the online form at the end of the course with your FAA pilot information and the physician’s information from the previously completed CMEC. Once you submit the online form and print your course completion certificate, AOPA will securely submit your completed course information to the FAA on your behalf. Remember that you need to complete this course within 24 calendar months to the last day of the month after your last course completion.

Remember, you must have a current and valid U.S. driver’s license; it is required to fly under BasicMed. Learn More.

Step 1: Make Sure You Have Your Most Recent Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist at Hand

With this renewal, you will need the information from your most recent FAA BasicMed-specific exam that is part of the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC). This will most likely be from your previous BasicMed-specific physical examination 24 months ago. You will submit the details from this CMEC electronically again to the FAA upon completing the online course.

• For your privacy, AOPA does not save any medical related information on the BasicMed course website. If you can’t locate the information from a previous Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC), we recommend contacting the physician who performed the exam for the required information.
• Please be aware that you are required to have a legible copy of the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) with your logbook or in electronic format to be made available to the FAA upon request.

Step 2: Complete the Online Course and Submit Your CMEC Information to the FAA

With your FAA Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) available, complete the BasicMed online course. This includes completing the quiz and then filling out the online form at the end of the course with your FAA pilot information and the physician’s information from the previously completed CMEC. Finally, submit the online form and print your course completion certificate. AOPA will securely submit your completed course information to the FAA on your behalf.

TAKE THE BASICMED ONLINE COURSE or visit BasicmedicalCourse.AOPA.org

IMPORTANT: Using the online form at the end of the course, you must submit details from your most recent BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) to the FAA with each course completion. Earning the course completion certificate without providing your most recent CMEC information does not meet the legal requirements to fly under BasicMed. Under the Federal Aviation Regulations, anyone who makes an intentionally false statement on the CMEC may face FAA legal enforcement action, such as revocation of their FAA certificates as well as other serious penalties.

Step 3: Keep Both Documents with Your Logbook or in Electronic Format

Download or print your course completion certificate and keep it and your Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist with your logbook or in electronic format. It is your responsibility to maintain custody of these records and make them available to the FAA upon request. Do not send any BasicMed-specific medical paperwork to the FAA!

Step 4: Keep an Eye on Your Health

Remember, as PIC under BasicMed you must monitor your health and decide if you are fit to fly. If you experience any new medical events or a change in your health, consider grounding yourself and seek medical care.

Step 5: Go Fly

That's it! Make sure you have a current and valid U.S. driver’s license, have completed a valid flight review, and keep your course completion certificate and Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist with your logbook or in electronic format. As PIC always assess your health before every flight.

You will need to schedule your next BasicMed-specific physical exam to be completed within 48 calendar months since your previous physical exam. Remember, the course renews every 24 calendar months, and the Comprehensive Medical Examination (CMEC) is required every 48 months. When you complete the course, you may opt in to receive a notification from AOPA about the upcoming date of your next course renewal or BasicMed-specific physical examination.

• Your aircraft must be authorized to carry no more than seven occupants
• You must fly with no more than six passengers
• The aircraft must have a maximum certificated takeoff weight of no more than 12,500 pounds
• You may fly at or below 18,000 feet msl
• You may fly up to 250 KIAS
• You cannot not fly for compensation or hire (except flight instruction, which is allowed)
• Transport category rotorcraft certified under 14 CFR Part 29 are excluded from BasicMed.

NOTE: Some insurance companies require more frequent BasicMed renewals or a third-class medical to obtain or maintain coverage. Contact your insurer for further details related to your policy.

Have questions?

Call AOPA's Pilot Information Center at (888) 462-3976), Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, or email [email protected].

Need more information about BasicMed and what it means for you?
Visit AOPA's free BasicMed resources.

Schedule Reminders:

Set up calendar reminders and don’t wait until the last minute; leave time to schedule appointments and take the online course before your BasicMed certificate expires. There are two timeframes to remember to fly as PIC under BasicMed:

• Within the past 48 calendar months, you must have completed a CMEC and medical examination with a state-licensed physician. You must submit the information from this visit electronically upon completion of the BasicMed online course.
• Within the past 24 calendar months, you must have completed an FAA-approved BasicMed online course and earned a certificate of completion.