Basics of BasicMed

Q: How does BasicMed work?

A: In a nutshell, you need four things to qualify for and remain current with BasicMed:

1. Hold or have held a medical certificate issued by FAA at any point after July 14, 2006.
2. Current and valid U.S. driver’s license.
3. BasicMed specific physical exam completed within the past 48 months.
4. Basic med online self-assessment course completed within the past 24 months.

That is all. If 2, 3, or 4 go out of date, your BasicMed privileges cease until corrected. The physical and course should be done in the same month for ease of remembering when they are due but that is not a requirement.

To start on BasicMed, download the comprehensive medical examination checklist (CMEC) from the AOPA website. Complete the two pages of health history. Visit a state-licensed physician for the physical and have the physician complete the two examination pages of the CMEC. Be sure you leave the office with the CMEC in hand.

After that, visit basicmedicalcourse.aopa.org to complete the course and pass the 20-question quiz at the end. Last, apply for BasicMed by entering the requested physician visit information from the CMEC form, then download and print the completion certificate. Keep the completion certificate and CMEC in your logbook (or airman record).

Nothing gets sent to the FAA; this is a common point of confusion. AOPA only notifies the FAA Airmen Certification Branch of the date of your physical and date of your course completion as these two bits of information become part of your airmen record. Check your BasicMed status anytime online (amsrvs.registry.faa.gov/airmeninquiry) by entering your last name and pilot certificate number.

In 24 months, revisit basicmedicalcourse.aopa.org and complete the course, entering the same CMEC information from your physical 24 months ago.

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