Is BasicMed for you?

More than 80,000 pilots have qualified to fly safely under BasicMed since its inception in 2017. In the AOPA Pilot Information Center, we receive many questions about qualifying and flying under this medical certification. Let’s get answers, so you can take advantage of this great benefit.

How do I get started on BasicMed?

Download and enter your medical history on the comprehensive medical examination checklist. Once finished, schedule a physical exam with a doctor of your choice and have that doctor complete their section of the form. Afterward, complete the AOPA medical self-assessment online course. Retain the medical checklist and the course completion certificate in your logbook or airman records.

What happens if I let it expire; how do I get back into BasicMed?

The physical is valid for 48 months and the course is valid for 24 months. You must keep track of both dates just like any other pilot currency item you track. If one or both have expired, just complete it again to renew your BasicMed privileges. The only “penalty,” as it were, is that you cannot act as pilot in command with either or both requirements out of date. You must keep your state-issued driver’s license current as well to fly with BasicMed.

Do I need to carry the BasicMed documentation with me when I fly?

You do not! This is usually the most surprising fact about BasicMed. You must retain the aforementioned documents, but you do not have to carry them with you when you fly. If challenged, anyone (including you) can access the public airman database and see the last date you took the physical and the last date you completed the course.

Can a pilot take a flight test on BasicMed?

Yes. A pilot may take any flight test while on BasicMed. Remember here that you are only exercising PIC privileges while taking a flight test, not exercising the privileges of the certificate you are testing for and hope to earn.

Call or email the AOPA Pilot Information Center for more help getting started flying on BasicMed.