BasicMed lets many private pilots fly without holding a current FAA medical certificate, as long as they meet its requirements. For pilots flying typical general aviation airplanes, it has become a popular alternative to the third class medical. Here is how it works and who qualifies.
This page is educational and is not medical advice. Confirm current BasicMed rules and limits with the FAA and your physician. This is part of our FAA Medical Certificate guide.
What BasicMed is
BasicMed is an alternative to the traditional FAA medical certificate. Instead of seeing an Aviation Medical Examiner on the usual schedule, you complete a physical exam with a state-licensed physician and an online medical education course, then fly within BasicMed’s operating limits.
Who qualifies
In general, you qualify for BasicMed if you have held a valid FAA medical certificate at any point after July 14, 2006, and that most recent medical was not revoked, suspended, or withdrawn. In other words, you need to have been medically certified once; after that, BasicMed can keep you flying.
BasicMed requirements
- Get a physical exam with a state-licensed physician using the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC), once every 48 months
- Complete a BasicMed online medical education course every 24 months
- Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license and comply with its restrictions
What you can fly under BasicMed
- Aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight up to 6,000 pounds
- Up to 6 occupants
- Below 18,000 feet MSL and not faster than 250 knots
- Not for compensation or hire
These limits cover the vast majority of general aviation airplanes that private pilots actually fly. The exact figures have been adjusted over time, so verify the current limits before relying on them.
BasicMed vs. the third class medical
A third class medical is issued by an AME and is required before your first solo and for many operations. BasicMed is an ongoing alternative once you have held a medical, often more convenient for established private pilots because the physician exam is needed only every four years. Student pilots still need a medical to solo; BasicMed becomes most useful later.
Frequently asked questions
Who can use BasicMed?
Generally, pilots who have held a valid FAA medical since July 14, 2006, that was not revoked, suspended, or withdrawn.
How often do I renew BasicMed?
A physician exam every 48 months and the online course every 24 months.
What can I fly?
Aircraft up to 6,000 pounds and 6 occupants, below 18,000 feet and under 250 knots, not for hire.
Can a student pilot use BasicMed to solo?
No. You need to have held a medical first, so students get a third class medical to solo and may move to BasicMed later.