BasicMed
An alternate way for pilots to fly without holding an FAA Medical Certificate
BasicMed
AOPA worked hard for years on behalf of its members to bring about third class medical reform that the FAA refers to as BasicMed. AOPA has developed a suite of online resources for pilots and physicians to help you make the most of the reforms and enjoy your freedom to fly.
What is BasicMed?
BasicMed is an alternate way for pilots to fly without holding an FAA medical certificate as long as they meet certain requirements. Print off a FAA Form 8700-2; BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) and get your physical exam with a state-licensed physician. Then complete an online medical course and you're ready to fly!
There are two, free online courses to choose from:
Who is eligible?
On July 15, 2016, Congress passed legislation to extend the FAA's funding. This legislation, FAA Extension, Safety, Security Act of 2016 (FESSA) includes relief from holding an FAA medical certificate for certain pilots. This relief is called BasicMed. BasicMed was further modified by Congress in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
If you meet the BasicMed requirements, you can operate under BasicMed (without an FAA medical certificate) right now!
Comply with the general BasicMed requirements (possess a U.S. driver's license, have held a medical after July 14, 2006).
Complete section 2 of the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC), Get a physical exam with a state-licensed physician, and have the physician complete section 3.
Complete a BasicMed medical education course;
Save the signed CMEC and BasicMed medical education course completion certificate in your logbook for safekeeping and go fly!
Aircraft Requirements
Any aircraft authorized under federal law to carry not more than 7 occupants.
Has a maximum certificated takeoff weight of not more than 12,500 pounds.
Operating Requirements
Carries not more than six passengers.
Operates under VFR or IFR, within the United States, at or below 18,000 feet MSL, not exceeding 250 knots.
Flight not operated for compensation or hire.
Pilots exercising Private pilot privileges as Pilot in Command (PIC) or as a required flightcrew member (such as a safety pilot)
Flight Instructors
Pilot Examiners
Medical Conditions Requiring Special Issuance
A mental health disorder, limited to an established medical history or clinical diagnosis of—
A personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts;
A psychosis, defined as a case in which an individual —
Has manifested delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of psychosis; or
May reasonably be expected to manifest delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of psychosis;
A bipolar disorder; or
A substance dependence within the previous 2 years, as defined in §67.307(a)(4) of 14 Code of Federal Regulations
A neurological disorder, limited to an established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following:
Epilepsy;
Disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause; or
A transient loss of control of nervous system functions without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause.
A cardiovascular condition, limited to a one-time special issuance for each diagnosis of the following:
Myocardial infarction;
Coronary heart disease that has required treatment;
Cardiac valve replacement; or
Heart replacement.