Third Class Medical Reform Rule Accepted by FAA

Are You a Pilot?

Have you held an FAA Medical Certificate in the past 10 years?

According to FAR Part 68, known as BasicMed, you now have an alternative to certify that you are healthy enough to fly.

BasicMed will become effective from May 1, 2017.

FAA supports the new rule as it simplifies regulations and makes general aviation flying affordable.

As per the new Part 68 rule, pilots can now fly some aircrafts without holding a medical certificate, provided they follow a number of FAA provisions.

Pilots who decide to go through the no-medical-certificate route will need to fulfill the following requirements:

• Posses a valid driver’s license
• Complete a medical education course in the past 24 months

Restrictions on Pilots

The BasicMed rule applies some restrictions on pilots:

• Carry no more than 6 people and less than 6,000 pounds weight
• No faster than 250 kias and below 18,000 feet
• VFR and IFR day / night flights allowed

The new rule applies both for turbine-powered and rotorcraft airplanes.

Under BasicMed, pilots are still required to clear a medical examination every 4 years, however, it need not be from an FAA medical examiner.

The agency has asked pilot to refer the AOPA website for the aeromedical course and it has no plan to create a separate course.

Pilots are not required to become a member of AOPA to take up the free course.

How to become eligible for BasicMed?

Hold a valid FAA medical certificate in the past 10 years, including a special issuance medical

Pilot who never had a medical or did not held one in the past 10 years will have to obtain a third-class medical certificate. Thereafter, they can become eligible for BasicMed.

Pilot who fly for compensation or hire are not eligible for this new rule.

Parts 61 and 91 are still being amended by the FAA to reflect the changes.

According to Michael Huerta, FAA administration, an alternative path has been provided to traditional medical certificate. It will enable airmen to maintain required level of safety.

If you previously held a medical, you can only use BasicMed.