Basic med FAA
An Alternate Way For Pilots to Fly Without Holding an FAA Medical Certificate
BasicMed
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (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.
A Closer Look at BasicMed
BasicMed is an alternate way for pilots to fly without an FAA medical certificate, as long as they meet specific requirements. Print off an 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 2 free online courses to choose from:
Eligibility
On July 15, 2016, Congress passed legislation to extend the FAA’s funding. This legislation, the FAA Extension, Safety, Security Act of 2016 (FESSA), includes relief from holding an FAA medical certificate for certain pilots. This relief is called BasicMed. Congress further modified BasicMed FAA in the Reauthorization Act of 2024.
If you meet the BasicMed requirements, you can now operate under BasicMed (without an FAA medical certificate)!
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, then go fly!
Aircraft Requirements:
- Any aircraft authorized under federal law cannot carry more than 7 occupants
- Aircrafts cannot exceed a maximum takeoff weight of more than 12,500
Operating Requirements:
- Cannot carry more than 6 passengers
- Operates under VFR (visual flight rules) or IFR (instrument flight rules) within the United States, at or below 18,000 feet MSL (mean sea level), not exceeding 250 knots
- Flights may not operate for compensation or for hire
- Pilots must exercise private pilot privileges in Pilot in command (PIC) or as a required flight crew member (ex. safety pilot)
- Flight instructors
- Pilots examiners
Stay Cleared for Takeoff
Schedule your exam with Dr. Harrison, a trusted expert in aviation medicine.
Special Requirements
Pilots must meet specific aircraft, operating, and medical requirements to ensure safe flight and compliance with FAA regulations. Aircraft requirements include proving the plane is airworthy and meets all FAA safety standards.
Operating requirements focus on compliance with FAA regulations regarding pilot health and fitness. Special Issuance allows pilots with medical conditions to continue flying with specific conditions, provided they meet necessary medical and treatment protocols.
Aircraft Requirements
Aircraft must meet the following FAA safety and equipment standards for flight:
- 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
Pilots must comply with the following rules for flight operations and safety:
- Carries not more than 6 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;
- Psychosis is 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;
- Bipolar disorder
- 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 a 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
- Heart replacement
Nearby Lodging
You’ll find convenient lodging nearby, including Comfort Suites Manhattan and Best Western Manhattan Inn.
Both offer clean, comfortable rooms and easy access to both Kansas Aviation Medicine locations, making your stay stress-free before or after your appointment.
