What is BasicMed?
BasicMed is an alternate way for pilots to fly without holding an FAA medical certificate so long as the aviator meets specific requirements.

What are the BasicMed Privileges?
A pilot flying with BasicMed Privileges may conduct any operation that they would otherwise be able to perform using a pilot certificate and a third-class medical certificate, except that such operations are limited to:

• Flights carrying no more than five passengers.
• Aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of no more than 6,000 lbs.
• Aircraft that are authorized to carry no more than six occupants (including the pilot).
• Flights within the United States, at an indicated airspeed of 250 knots or less, and at an altitude at or below 18,000 feet mean sea level (MSL).
• Flights not for compensation or hire.

What Do You Need to Fly Under BasicMed?
The most comprehensive document on BasicMed is Advisory Circular (AC) 68-1A.
1. Hold a current and valid U.S. driver’s license.
In accordance with §§ 61.23(c)(3) and 61.113(i), pilots operating under BasicMed must hold a current and valid U.S. driver’s license and comply with all medical requirements or restrictions associated with that license.
2. Hold or have held a medical certificate issued by the FAA at any point after July 14, 2006.
In accordance with § 61.23(c)(3)(i)(B), persons operating under BasicMed must hold or have held a valid medical certificate issued under part 67 at any point after July 14, 2006. This medical may have been a first, second, or third-class medical certificate, including any FAA medical certificate issued under an authorization for special issuance (“special issuance medical certificate”).
The most recently issued medical certificate may have been a special-issuance certificate or may have expired. However, it may not have been suspended or revoked, or in the case of a special issuance medical certificate, it may not have been withdrawn.
3. Answer the health questions on the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC).
Section 68.5(a)(1) requires the individual to complete the individual’s section of the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) described in § 68.7(a) and to provide the completed checklist to the physician performing the examination. The form is FAA 8700-2 on the FAA Website, and you can also find more information about these requirements in chapter 7 of AC 68-1A.
4. Complete your physical examination by any State-licensed physician and have that physician complete the CMEC (be sure to keep the CMEC).
For an individual to operate under BasicMed, they must receive a comprehensive medical examination from a State-licensed physician during the previous 48 months in accordance with § 61.23(c)(3)(i)(D). The physician does not need to be an FAA-designated AME, although AMEs are not prohibited from providing this examination.
You then take your completed FAA Form 8700-2 (required in step 3 above) with you so the physician can complete the remaining portion of the exam requirements.
5. Take the BasicMed Online Medical Education Course. Keep the course completion document issued to you by the course provider.
Pilots flying as PIC under BasicMed must complete a medical education course during the 24 calendar months before acting as PIC of a covered aircraft. The medical education course requirements are listed in § 68.3. You can also find a full breakdown of the requirements in AC 68-1A, chapter 6.

Every individual is different. This is a general breakdown of the requirements. Should you have other questions about BasicMed, you are welcome to contact our firm for assistance.