Lesson 11.3 Medical Certification & BasicMed After the Checkride

Lesson 11.3 – Medical Certification & BasicMed After the Checkride

After you earn your Private Pilot certificate, you must continue to meet medical requirements to act as pilot-in-command. You have two main options: a traditional FAA medical certificate or BasicMed (if you qualify).

Reference

14 CFR Part 61 and Part 68

FAA BasicMed information

Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

Traditional Medical Certificates

• Third-Class Medical – Required for most Private Pilot operations if you are not using BasicMed.

• Valid for 60 months if you are under age 40 at the time of the examination; 24 months if age 40 or older.

• Issued by an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

You may not act as pilot-in-command if you know (or have reason to know) of a medical condition that would make you unable to meet the medical standards.

BasicMed

BasicMed is an alternative to holding a current Third-Class medical certificate for certain private operations.

To fly under BasicMed you must:

• Have held a valid FAA medical certificate after July 14, 2006

• Not have had that medical denied, suspended, or revoked

• Complete a BasicMed medical education course every 24 calendar months

• Receive a comprehensive physical examination by a state-licensed physician every 48 months and keep the completed checklist in your logbook

• Comply with the aircraft and operating limitations

BasicMed operating limitations include:

• Aircraft maximum certificated takeoff weight of 6,000 pounds or less

• Maximum of 6 occupants (including the pilot)

• Flights within the United States

• Maximum indicated airspeed of 250 knots

• Cannot be used for operations that require a Second- or First-Class medical

Practical Points After the Checkride

• Keep track of your medical (or BasicMed) expiration dates.

• If you develop a new medical condition, you must stop flying as pilot-in-command until it is properly addressed.

• BasicMed is convenient for many private pilots, but it has clear aircraft and operational limits.

• When in doubt about a medication or medical condition, consult an Aviation Medical Examiner.