BasicMed breaks 50,000

If you’re late to the party, BasicMed allows eligible pilots to fly aircraft authorized to carry up to six occupants and with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of no more than 6,000 pounds. Pilots can fly up to 250 knots indicated airspeed and up to 18,000 feet msl.

As pilot in command, you must have a comprehensive medical examination and FAA medical examination checklist completed by a state-licensed physician every 48 months (calculated to the exact day). Pilots must also complete an online medical education course every 24 calendar months (calculated to the last day of the month). Remember to keep track of the dates when you will be due for another medical exam and education course completion.

Once you have completed the education course, passed the quiz, and printed the completion certificate, along with a completed medical checklist and exam, you are ready to get out there and fly under BasicMed!

BasicMed is a huge victory for the GA community and the most significant shift in medical reform in decades. AOPA’s government affairs and advocacy team led the push in Congress, and, the FAA  implemented BasicMed through its new Part 68 regulations.

And pilots—don’t forget you can also file that flight plan to other BasicMed-accepted destinations like the Bahamas.

For those who still have questions about BasicMed, AOPA has a number of resources under its Fit to Fly page. Pilots can also contact AOPA’s Pilot Information Center for assistance via email or by phone (888-462-3976).