BasicMed privileges

Ideal answer

BasicMed is an alternative to holding a current FAA medical certificate. To use it I need a valid US driver's license, an FAA medical held at any point after July 14, 2006 that wasn't denied/suspended/revoked, a Comprehensive Medical Examination signed by any state-licensed physician within the preceding 48 months, and the BasicMed online course completed within the preceding 24 months.

Key points to mention

• Alternative to a current FAA medical (14 CFR 61.23(c)(3))
• Valid US driver's license required
• Held an FAA medical at some point after July 14, 2006
• Most-recent FAA medical not denied, suspended, or revoked
• Comprehensive Medical Examination (CMEC): preceding 48 calendar months
• BasicMed online course: preceding 24 calendar months

REF: 14 CFR 61.23(c)(3)

Ideal answer

Per 14 CFR 61.113(i): aircraft authorized for not more than 7 occupants with max certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 lbs, operated with no more than 6 passengers on board, at or below 18,000 ft MSL, and at no more than 250 knots indicated airspeed. VFR or IFR. Within the US unless the destination country authorizes BasicMed.

Key points to mention

• Max takeoff weight: 12,500 lbs
• Max passengers: 6 (7 occupants total)
• Max altitude: 18,000 ft MSL
• Max airspeed: 250 KIAS
• VFR or IFR — both allowed
• Within the US unless destination country authorizes
• Not for compensation or hire
• Limits raised by the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act (Pub. L. 118-63)

REF: 14 CFR 61.113(i)

Ideal answer

Two independent clocks. The Comprehensive Medical Examination by a state-licensed physician runs every 48 calendar months. The BasicMed online medical course runs every 24 calendar months. Both must be current at the time I act as PIC; they don't sync.

Key points to mention

• CMEC physician exam: every 48 calendar months
• Online medical course: every 24 calendar months
• Two independent clocks — they don't sync
• Both must be current when acting as PIC

REF: 14 CFR 61.23(c)(3)(i)(C), (D)

Ideal answer

Yes. § 61.113(i) restricts the aircraft, altitude, speed, and purpose — not VFR vs. IFR. With an instrument rating and current IFR experience under 61.57(c), I can fly IFR under BasicMed. Same for night flight.

Key points to mention

• IFR permitted with instrument rating + currency
• VFR permitted
• Day or night — both fine
• 61.113(i) restricts size/altitude/speed/purpose, not operation type

REF: 14 CFR 61.113(i)

Ideal answer

Anyone who has never held an FAA medical after July 14, 2006; anyone whose most-recent FAA medical was suspended, revoked, or whose Special Issuance authorization was withdrawn; and anyone whose most-recent FAA medical application was completed and denied. A medical that simply lapsed is fine.

Key points to mention

• Never held an FAA medical post-July 14, 2006 → ineligible
• Most-recent medical suspended or revoked → ineligible
• Most-recent SI authorization withdrawn → ineligible
• Most-recent application completed and denied → ineligible
• Naturally-lapsed medical (no denial/suspension/revocation) → still eligible
• New student pilots can't start on BasicMed — need initial FAA medical first

REF: 14 CFR 61.23(c)(3)(ii), (iii), (iv)

Ideal answer

Certain conditions require a one-time FAA Special Issuance before you can use BasicMed — primarily certain cardiac, neurological, and mental health conditions listed in 14 CFR 68.9. Once cleared by SI you stay on BasicMed unless the condition changes; you don't have to renew the SI annually.

Key points to mention

• One-time Special Issuance required for specific conditions per 14 CFR 68.9
• Cardiac (e.g., MI, valve replacement, certain rhythm disorders)
• Neurological (e.g., epilepsy, certain disturbances of consciousness)
• Mental health (e.g., psychosis, bipolar)
• After clearance: stay on BasicMed unless condition changes
• Not the same as an annually-renewed Special Issuance under Part 67

REF: 14 CFR 68.9