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Reviewing the basics of BasicMed
The calls we receive help us understand why pilots are opting for BasicMed. In many cases, the deciding factor involves a special issuance authorization from the FAA. The ongoing process of renewing a medical under an authorization can be expensive, time consuming, and frustrating. Fortunately, about 95 percent of pilots who apply for a medical are issued the certificate by the AME at the time of exam. For those pilots who can relatively easily qualify for an FAA medical, the benefit to using BasicMed is the additional two years of duration without the need for a physical exam. For pilots on special issuance, the benefits are even more substantial.
The special issuance is required just one time, after which the pilot can qualify for BasicMed, potentially saving thousands of dollars in annual health care provider visits, medical tests, and delays while waiting for the renewal of that annual authorization. You may hold a medical certificate and a BasicMed qualification at the same time.
If, while using BasicMed, you develop one or more of the 11 conditions that require the one-time special issuance, you cannot continue with BasicMed until the FAA has granted that special issuance, but again, you only need to do it once.
The BasicMed physical exam with a state-licensed physician is required every 48 months to the day. You do not send anything regarding BasicMed to the FAA. The only data the FAA receives is sent electronically via the submission of the certificate form you complete at the end of the medical self-assessment course. You are not required to carry the paperwork in the airplane.
There is no penalty for allowing the physical exam or course to expire, other than not being legal to operate with BasicMed until you renew.
Notice of annual meeting of members
The annual meeting of the members of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association will be held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at the headquarters of AOPA, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland, 21701, located on the Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK), for the purpose of receiving reports and transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting, specifically including the election of trustees. If you are not able to attend, but would like to appoint your voting proxy, please visit aopa.org/myaccount or call 800-872-2672. —Justine A. Harrison, Secretary
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