BasicMed for Pilots: Requirements, Limitations, and How It Works

BasicMed is an FAA program that allows eligible pilots to fly without a traditional FAA medical certificate. Created by Congress through the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 and implemented on May 1, 2017, BasicMed was designed to reduce the medical certification burden on general aviation pilots who fly recreationally or for personal transportation. Instead of seeing an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) and obtaining a first-, second-, or third-class medical certificate, qualifying pilots can visit their regular physician and complete a brief online course. For many general aviation pilots, BasicMed has eliminated one of the most common barriers to staying current and flying legally.

Who Qualifies for BasicMed?

To use BasicMed, a pilot must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

• Held a valid FAA medical certificate after July 14, 2006. You must have been issued at least one FAA medical certificate on or after this date. Pilots who have never held an FAA medical certificate are not eligible for BasicMed.
• Not had their most recent medical certificate denied, revoked, or suspended. If an AME denied your application, or the FAA revoked your certificate, you are not eligible for BasicMed unless you subsequently obtain a valid medical certificate.
• Hold a valid US driver's license. The driver's license substitutes as proof of medical fitness and must be carried during BasicMed operations.
• Hold at least a sport, recreational, or private pilot certificate (or higher). Student pilots operating solo are not covered under BasicMed for that purpose.
• Not be under any FAA order that limits or prohibits flight. If the FAA has issued a special medical certificate with limitations, BasicMed may not supersede those conditions.

The BasicMed rule is codified at 14 CFR §61.23(c)(3) and the underlying statute at 49 USC §44703(f). The program is straightforward for most GA pilots, but those with prior medical certificate actions should review their history carefully before relying on BasicMed.

BasicMed Limitations

BasicMed covers a wide range of general aviation flying, but it has specific limitations that pilots must understand before operating under it:

• Maximum 6 occupants (including the pilot) in the aircraft
• Maximum 6,000 lbs MTOW — aircraft above this weight require a traditional FAA medical
• Maximum 250 knots indicated airspeed — high-performance aircraft may exceed this limit
• Maximum altitude of 18,000 feet MSL — Class A airspace begins at 18,000 feet and requires IFR operations, which in turn require an ATP or current medical
• No compensation or hire — BasicMed does not authorize any commercial operations; all flight must be for personal or recreational purposes
• Operations within the United States only, unless a bilateral aviation safety agreement (BASA) with another country specifically allows BasicMed operations in that country

These limitations cover the vast majority of piston and light turbine general aviation flying. Most Cessnas, Pipers, Beechcraft, Cirrus, and similar aircraft fall well within the weight and speed limits. Larger aircraft such as the Cessna 421 (at 7,450 lbs MTOW) or any aircraft configured for compensation are outside BasicMed's coverage.

How to Get BasicMed: Step by Step

The BasicMed process is simpler than a traditional FAA medical certification. There are two recurring requirements that work on different timelines:

Step 1: Complete the Online CMEC Course (Every 24 Calendar Months)

The FAA requires you to complete an online medical education course every 24 calendar months. The course covers medical conditions relevant to safe flight, medication considerations, and when to consult an Aviation Medical Examiner. The AOPA Air Safety Institute offers the FAA-approved course at no charge. Completion generates a certificate that you present to your physician.

Step 2: Visit a State-Licensed Physician (Every 48 Calendar Months)

Any physician licensed by a US state can perform the BasicMed examination — your regular primary care doctor, a specialist, or any other licensed physician. The physician does not need to be an FAA AME. The exam covers the areas in the CMEC checklist.

Step 3: Physician Completes FAA Form 8700-2 (CMEC)

The physician completes the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist on FAA Form 8700-2. The form covers cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, psychiatric, vision, hearing, and general health areas. Both the pilot and physician sign the form. The pilot retains the original — it does not go to the FAA. You must carry it (or a copy) when exercising BasicMed privileges.

BasicMed vs Third Class Medical Certificate: Key Differences

Understanding the tradeoffs between BasicMed and a third-class FAA medical helps pilots choose the right option for their situation:

• Physician requirement: BasicMed allows any state-licensed physician; third-class requires an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)
• FAA involvement: BasicMed results are not reported to the FAA; third-class exam results go directly to the FAA's Aerospace Medical Certification Division
• Renewal frequency: BasicMed physician visit is every 48 months; third-class for pilots over 40 is every 24 months (every 60 months if under 40)
• Aircraft weight limit: BasicMed caps at 6,000 lbs MTOW; third-class has no weight limit based on medical class alone
• Altitude limit: BasicMed caps at 18,000 ft MSL; third-class has no altitude limitation from the medical itself
• Compensation: BasicMed prohibits compensation; third-class does not prohibit it for private pilots (though a commercial certificate and appropriate operations are still required for hire)
• International flight: BasicMed is generally US-only unless a BASA applies; third-class medical is recognized more broadly internationally

BasicMed Aircraft and Operation Restrictions

Beyond the weight, speed, and altitude limits, pilots should understand what specific operations are and are not allowed under BasicMed:

• Allowed: VFR and IFR personal flights, flight training (as a student), glider towing (if aircraft meets weight limits), formation flying (non-compensated)
• Not allowed: Part 121 or Part 135 commercial operations, acting as PIC for compensation or hire, operations requiring an ATP medical standard, flights in Class A airspace
• Flight instruction: A CFI may act as PIC under BasicMed while providing flight instruction if the aircraft and flight meet all BasicMed limitations
• Medical conditions: If a physician identifies a condition that would be disqualifying under FAA medical standards, they should not complete the CMEC. Pilots are responsible for honestly disclosing medical history to their physician.

The CMEC checklist includes a list of specific medical conditions that are disqualifying under BasicMed. These include conditions that would require special issuance under traditional FAA medical standards, such as certain cardiac conditions, seizure disorders, insulin-dependent diabetes, and psychiatric conditions requiring medication. If you have a condition on this list, you should discuss it with an Aviation Medical Examiner before relying on BasicMed.

Common BasicMed Questions Pilots Search

• Can I fly a Cessna 172 under BasicMed?
• Does BasicMed allow me to fly a Piper Seneca (twin engine)?
• What happens if my driver's license expires — can I still use BasicMed?
• Can I fly to Canada or Mexico using BasicMed?
• Does my regular doctor need any special training to complete the CMEC?
• Can I use BasicMed if I previously had a medical certificate denied?
• What medications are acceptable under BasicMed?
• Is there an age limit for BasicMed?
• Can a student pilot use BasicMed for solo flight?
• Where do I find the CMEC form (FAA Form 8700-2)?

Frequently Asked Questions