FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(Revised May 9, 2017)

General
Q1: How did the FAA come up with these BasicMed requirements?
A: The FAA did not develop these requirements. The requirements are from the U.S.
Congress, which enacted the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (PL 114-
190) (FESSA) on July 15, 2016. Section 2307 of FESSA, Medical Certification of
Certain Small Aircraft Pilots, directed the FAA to “issue or revise regulations to ensure
that an individual may operate as pilot in command of a covered aircraft” if the pilot and
aircraft meet certain prescribed conditions as outlined in FESSA. The FAA regulations
implement the provisions in § 2307 of FESSA.

Q2: How does BasicMed affect FAA medical certificates? Does FAA still offer the third class
medical?
A: BasicMed does not affect medical certificates at all and did not do away with
third-class medical certification. In fact, third-class medical certification is still required
for GA aircraft and flights that do not meet the criteria for BasicMed. Nothing about the
FAA’s medical certificate program has changed with BasicMed, and you can still apply
for a first, second, or third class medical the way you always have. BasicMed is merely
an additional qualification you can use to fly, in lieu of holding a medical certificate.

Q3: Is there a grace period for meeting BasicMed?
A: No. You must meet all BasicMed requirements before you can use BasicMed.
However, you can still operate a covered aircraft with a medical certificate as long as that
certificate is unexpired. If you don’t meet all of the BasicMed requirements, then you
must hold an FAA medical certificate.

Q4: I can’t remember if my medical certificate was valid after July 15, 2006. How can I find
out if I meet the BasicMed requirements?
A: You may contact Federal Aviation Administration, Aerospace Medical
Certification Division AAM-331, PO Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73162 (phone:
405-954-4821) to ask when your most recent medical certificate expires or expired, or to
request a copy of your most recent medical certificate.

Q5: Do I need to keep my expired paper medical certificate as proof that I held a medical
since July 15, 2006?
A: It’s not a bad idea to hold on to your expired medical certificate (or
documentation from the FAA of that medical certificate) but there is no requirement for
that.

Q6: Can I exercise BasicMed and hold a medical certificate at the same time?
A: Yes. If you are operating under BasicMed, then you must comply with the
BasicMed operating limitations (e.g. flying only within the U.S. and at or less than 250
knots). When operating under BasicMed, you are not exercising the privileges of your
medical certificate.

Q7: My medical certificate expired in 2011 and I submitted an application for an FAA
medical certificate using MedXPress but I never went to an AME for my physical exam. Does
this application prevent me from using the previous medical certificate to meet the requirement
to hold a medical certificate at any point after July 15, 2006?
A: No. Since an AME never accessed or imported your application, you didn’t
complete the application process and you may use the previous medical certificate
(before you submitted your MedXpress application) to comply with BasicMed.

Q8: My most recent medical certificate was suspended for legal action by the FAA and then
later reinstated. May I operate under BasicMed?
A: No. If your most recent medical certificate was suspended due to legal action
(even if it was later reinstated) you must obtain a new FAA medical certificate of any
class before operating under BasicMed. However, if your application was previously
denied and you subsequently received a new medical certificate or a special issuance, you
may operate under BasicMed.

Q9: Do I have to always “hold or have held a medical certificate” in the past 10 years?
A: No. There is no 10-year requirement, or a 10-year “look-back”. You only need to
have held a medical certificate at any point after July 14, 2006. If you meet that
provision, then you never have to hold a medical certificate again to operate under
BasicMed, unless you develop one of the conditions identified in 14 CFR 68.9 that
require you to get a special issuance (i.e., psychosis, epilepsy, heart replacement, etc.).
Special Issuance Medical Certificates

Q10: I thought BasicMed did away with special issuances! Why is the FAA requiring this?
A: The FAA still issues special issuances along with medical certificates for all
classes of medical certificates. Under BasicMed, getting a special issuance for certain
medical conditions is a requirement of the FESSA legislation passed by Congress. The
BasicMed rules have to follow the law.

Q11: I had a special issuance in the past. When do I need to get another one?
A: You need to undergo the FAA process for special issuance if you newly develop
(or have never held a special issuance for) any of the following medical conditions since
the last time you received a FAA medical certificate:
Mental Health:
(i) Personality disorder severe enough to have repeatedly manifested
itself by overt acts
(ii) Psychosis
(iii) Bipolar disorder
(iv) Substance dependence within the previous 2 years
Neurologic:
(i) Epilepsy
(ii) Disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory medical
explanation of the cause
(iii) A transient loss of control of nervous system functions without
satisfactory medical explanation of the cause
Cardiac:
(i) Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
(ii) Coronary heart disease that has required treatment
(iii) Cardiac valve replacement
(iv) Heart replacement
For more information on the conditions requiring special issuance, please see
faa.gov/go/basicmed

Q12: I had cardiac valve replacement in 1988, and held a special issuance for that condition
until March of 2007, when my most recent special issuance/medical certificate expired. In
December of 2009 I had a myocardial infarction (heart attack) but I was not flying at the time
and did not have a current medical certificate. I have not applied for an FAA medical certificate
since my previous medical certificate expired in 2007. Can I fly under BasicMed?
A: No. You have to obtain a special issuance medical certificate due to your 2009
heart attack. Though you previously held a special issuance for your 1988 cardiac valve
replacement, you will still have to report that on your new medical application. In order
to receive a new special issuance medical certificate, you must meet all requirements to
hold a medical certificate. This includes not only being eligible with your history of a
2009 heart attack, but also remain eligible for your 1988 heart valve and any other
medical conditions that you may have.

Q13: When I was 13 years old I had a clinical diagnosis of bipolar disorder. I’m now 35 and
have always been symptom-free as an adult. Do I really need to get a special issuance to fly
under BasicMed?
A: Yes. To operate under BasicMed, 14 CFR 68.9(a)(1)(iii) requires you to undergo
the special issuance process and be issued a medical certificate at least once if you have
ever had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. You still have to apply for a medical certificate
with special issuance even if you are, or have been asymptomatic for a long time.

Q14: I have coronary heart disease that has required treatment, and I also have epilepsy. I
understand 14 CFR 68.9 requires me to get one special issuance for each condition. Do I get two
separate special issuances, one for each?
A: No. A special issuance addresses all conditions you may have, whether just one
or several. You need to apply for a special issuance medical certificate and, if you are
eligible, the FAA will grant a special issuance covering all of your conditions. If you
have been granted a special issuance for your current condition(s) that require one special
issuance for BasicMed under FESSA, and then later you are diagnosed with one or more
additional conditions, then you would need to apply for a new medical certificate and
receive a new special issuance.

Q15: I had a cardiac valve replacement as an infant. I’m now 35 and have held a medical for
15 years, and have reported the valve replacement on previous applications for medical
certificate, but was always given a “clean” medical certificate and was not required to get a
special issuance. Do I need to get a special issuance to fly under BasicMed?
A: Section 68.9(a)(3) requires, “an individual…seeking to serve as pilot in command
[under BasicMed] must have completed the process for obtaining an Authorization for
Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate for each of the following…”. Without further
details, we cannot comment on why you were previously issued without getting a special
issuance. However, FESSA is clear that you will need to undergo a one-time process for
obtaining a special issuance for your heart valve replacement. We would encourage you
to discuss the situation with your AME so he or she can direct your application to the
special issuance process.
Q16: I had a heart attack in 2008 and the FAA issued me a special issuance, but I let it lapse. I
have had no other medical problems. Can I use BasicMed?
A: Yes. As long as you have had not had another heart attack or developed another
new condition requiring going through the process for a special issuance identified in
section 68.9, you may use BasicMed.
Pilots

Q17: Do student pilots need to hold a medical certificate when they go for their private pilot
checkride?
A: Individuals who are new to aviation will need to get one medical certificate if they
want to fly under BasicMed. After that, they can fly under BasicMed forever, as long as
they fly a BasicMed-compliant aircraft and never fly for compensation or hire. Most
student pilots will still hold their first medical certificate when they apply for their private
pilot certificate.

Q18: Does BasicMed affect sport pilots?
A: No. If you are exercising sport pilot privileges in an aircraft that meets the
definition of a light-sport aircraft, then you may continue to operate using either a
driver’s license or an FAA medical certificate. Sport pilots can fly with only a driver’s
license, and are not required to comply with BasicMed.

Q19: The driver’s licenses that are currently issued by my State don’t meet the REAL ID
requirements. Will I be in compliance with BasicMed if I use my non-REAL ID-compliant
driver’s license?
A: Yes. Any valid driver’s license issued by a State, territory, or possession of the
United States can be used to meet the driver’s license requirement in BasicMed.

Q20: What happens if I have a restriction on my driver’s license?
A. Any restrictions on the driver’s license also apply to exercising pilot privileges
under BasicMed. A typical example would be the requirement to use glasses or
corrective lenses while driving, so that restriction would apply while flying, too.

Q21: What documents do I need to carry during flight to exercise BasicMed?
A: Only a valid driver’s license, in addition to the other required documents not
identified under BasicMed, such as your pilot certificate and photo ID. Your driver’s
license that’s required to be in your possession when operating under BasicMed can also
be used as your required photo ID.

Q22: What documentation do I need to keep?
A: You only need to keep the original or a legible copy of your Comprehensive
Medical Examination Checklist (all pages) and your medical education course
completion certificate. You must store these in your logbook; you can store them
electronically in any format, as long as you can produce an accurate and legible
representation of these documents at the request of the FAA. You don’t have to carry
either of these documents in any form while flying under BasicMed.

Q23: Can I fly outside the United States under BasicMed?
A: No. You cannot fly outside the United States when operating under BasicMed.

Q24: Can I exercise my CFI, as PIC, under BasicMed?
A: Yes, as long as you are flying a covered aircraft.

Q25: Can I use BasicMed to act as a safety pilot, rather than holding a medical?
A: Only if you’re acting as PIC while performing the duties of safety pilot. The
statutory language prescribing BasicMed said it only applies to people acting as PIC.
BasicMed cannot be exercised by safety pilots who are not acting as PIC but are required
crewmembers.

Q26: Do I still have to have a flight review required by § 61.56?
A: Yes. BasicMed does not affect any pilot requirement other than the holding an
FAA medical certificate.

Q27: I’ve mislaid my BasicMed course completion certificate. Can I still fly under BasicMed?
A: No. Although you don’t need to have them in your personal possession, you must
be able to produce the BasicMed course completion certificate and the completed
Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (or an accurate and legible representation
of those documents) if you are asked by a representative of the FAA Administrator. You
should contact the provider of the medical course to obtain a replacement course
completion certificate.

Q28: Can I use BasicMed privileges to take an Airline Transport Pilot practical test?
A: Yes, as long as you’re flying an aircraft covered by BasicMed for that practical
test. A person taking any FAA practical test is exercising no more than private pilot
privileges because the operation is not being conducted for compensation or hire.
Q29: I’m a Designated Pilot Examiner. Can I give check rides while using BasicMed?
A: No. You have to hold a medical certificate when performing the duties as an
Examiner in an aircraft when administering a practical test or proficiency check, per
14 CFR 61.23(a)(3)(vii).

Q30: I use an electronic pilot logbook. Can I use this to store my BasicMed documentation?
A: You can attach those documents to your electronic logbook, or you may store
them in any other fashion as long as an accurate and legible representation of those
documents can be made available upon request, the same as for your pilot logbook.

Q31: The medical course required that I enter my personal information and the name and
license number of the physician who conducted my individual medical examination. Why is the
FAA collecting this information?
A: The BasicMed legislation (FESSA) requires the FAA to collect that information.
The pilot’s personal information will be used to conduct the NDR check. The FAA will
store the information it is required by FESSA to collect in the airman’s record.

Q32: Some States allow active duty service members to continue to use an expired driver’s
license for the purposes of operating a motor vehicle, for a specified period. Would these expired
driver’s licenses be valid under BasicMed?
A: Individuals can use expired driver's licenses in this circumstance, as long as the
individual possesses documentation from the State, territory, or possession (along with
their expired driver's license) indicating the continued validity of the driver's license,
based on that state’s active duty military status exception you cited. The documentation
can be information from a website of that State/territory/possession. The individual must
also possess documentation indicating their active duty military status.

Q33: Are PA-32 (Piper Cherokee Six series aircraft) “authorized to carry not more than 6
occupants”?
A: The Piper PA-32-260 (Cherokee Six 260) and PA-32-300 (Cherokee Six 300)
aircraft are authorized by their type certificate (as set forth in Type Certificate Data
[TCDS] A3SO) to be equipped with 6 seats and also to be equipped with 7 seats only if
they have been converted by the installation of Piper Kit No. 69072-3. If your PA-32-260
or PA-32-300 is equipped with 6 seats and has not been converted to a 7-seat
configuration by installation of the Piper kit, you may fly the aircraft under BasicMed. If
your aircraft has been converted to the 7-seat configuration using the Piper kit you may
not fly the aircraft under BasicMed. To fly that aircraft under BasicMed you would have
to remove the installed kit and document its removal in the aircraft’s maintenance
records. An FAA Form 337 would not be required to document the installation or
removal of the kit. You may also fly the aircraft under BasicMed if it is equipped with the
6-seat Optional Club Seat configuration.
A total of 14 aircraft models are listed on TCDS A3SO and their eligibility to be operated
under BasicMed depends upon the specific aircraft model.
The Piper PA-32R-300 (Lance), Piper PA-32RT-300 (Lance II), PA-32RT-300T (Turbo
Lance II), PA-32R-301 (Saratoga SP), PA-32R-301T (Turbo Saratoga SP), PA-32-301
(Saratoga), and PA-32-301T (Turbo Saratoga) are authorized to be equipped with 7
seats. Although the center seats may be removed and replaced by Optional Club Seats to
carry 6 occupants and some aircraft are also authorized for an unmodified 6 seat
configuration, all these aircraft are authorized to carry more than 6 occupants without
further modification and therefore may not be operated under BasicMed. These aircraft
may only be operated under BasicMed pursuant to the issuance and inclusion in their type
design of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that restricts the aircraft to 6 seats.
The PA-32R-301 (Saratoga II HP), PA-32R-301FT (Piper 6X), and PA-32R-301XTC
(Piper 6XT) are only authorized to be equipped with 6 seats and may be operated under
BasicMed.
The PA-32R-301T (Saratoga II TC) is authorized to be equipped with 5 or 6 seats and
may be operated under BasicMed.
The PA-32S-300 (Cherokee Six Seaplane), PA-301-32R-301 is authorized to be equipped
with 7 seats and may only be operated under BasicMed pursuant to the issuance and
inclusion in its type design of an STC that restricts the aircraft to 6 seats.
If your aircraft has been altered to permit the installation of a 7th seat by an STC, the seat
may be removed and the aircraft may be operated under Basic Med provided the removal
is recorded in the aircraft’s maintenance records and also on FAA Form 337 (unless the
removal instructions were provided as part of the STC).
Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC): Pilots and Physicians
For Pilots:
Q34: How do I find a physician to conduct the BasicMed medical examination?
A: Any state-licensed physician who is familiar with your complete health history
would be a good choice.

Q35: Can my AME provide the medical examinations under BasicMed?
A: All AMEs are state-licensed physicians and may elect to conduct physical
examinations required under BasicMed. But the FAA does not require AMEs to provide
medical examinations under BasicMed. It is up to the individual AMEs to decide
whether to offer BasicMed medical examinations based on medical practice
considerations.

Q36: I took my Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) with me to my yearly
physical exam with my primary care physician. She signed it but kept the original and emailed
me a copy of it in .pdf. Can I still fly under BasicMed even though I never possessed the original
CMEC that I filled out?
A: You can have an electronic and/or paper version of your CMEC, as long as you
can produce an accurate representation of these documents at the request of the FAA.
We’d recommend you have both electronic and paper copies, since the FAA won’t have a
copy of the CMEC. Again, you don’t have to carry these documents while flying under
BasicMed.

Q37: What should my physician do if he or she is not sure whether they can do the BasicMed
physical examination?
A: The determination by the physician is their professional choice, and the FAA does
not direct any physician to do the BasicMed physical examination. The conditions of
their state medical license and other medical practice considerations will probably be
important in their decision.

Q38: Is the examination covered by medical insurance or do I have to pay out of pocket?
A: That is a billing decision between you and your physician. There is no FAA
prohibition against using your annual physical exam with your general practitioner
(typically covered at least in part by health insurers) as an opportunity to conduct your
BasicMed physical examination.

Q39: My physician is willing to do the examination, but what should he or she do if they have
questions? Can they call the FAA for medical advice about my conditions and whether they can
sign off?
A. No. BasicMed provides an alternative to third-class medical certification that
allows your physician to make a determination based on their clinical judgment. The
FAA (e.g., the Federal Air Surgeon and all FAA aerospace medicine representatives)
may only address questions relating to 14 CFR part 67 and the standards for airman
medical certification, and then only when there is a current application on file.
Your physician should consider consulting available aeromedical resources on the flight
hazards associated with medical conditions/medications. The FAA provides these
resources for informational purposes only, to include:
• The FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners (AME Guide) at
http://www.faa.gov/go/ameguide;
• The FAA Pharmaceuticals (Therapeutic Medications) Do Not Issue – Do Not Fly
list at http://www.faa.gov/go/dni;
• Chapter 8 of the FAA’s Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM 8-1-1), which
addresses medical facts for pilots and is available at
http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/;
• www.faa.gov/go/basicmed;
• www.faa.gov/GO/AME.

Q40: Can my physician call an Aviation Medical Examiner for advice?
A: Yes, but it is up to the AME do decide if they can offer advice. The AME may
only address questions as a private physician, not in any official capacity as a FAA
designee. The AME may determine to what extent he or she may wish to offer
information, advice, or an opinion, outside of their designated AME capacity.

Q41: I don’t have a doctor who is a M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) or D.O. (Doctor of
Osteopathy). I do use a chiropractor physician and a naturopathic physician. Can I use them?
A: The FAA relies on the determination of each state (as well as each territory and
possession of the United States) as to which persons it will license as physicians. If the
person holds a license as a physician issued by any state, territory, or possession, then he
or she meets the requirement as a state-licensed physician. However, the FAA
recommends that you check with the medical licensing board or authority in your state
for clarification as to whether other classes of “state-licensed physicians” are felt to have
the privileges, training and experience to conduct all portions of the Comprehensive
Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC).

Q42: I just received a 3rd class medical certificate. Can I use my medical certificate to meet the
requirements for a comprehensive medical examination?
A: No. Section 2307 of FESSA did not allow for an exam associated with an FAAissued
medical certificate to substitute for a comprehensive medical examination.

Q43: Can my AME examine me for BasicMed and a FAA medical certificate at the same time?
A: An AME is not prohibited from conducting a comprehensive medical examination
for BasicMed in the same visit as an examination for an FAA issued medical certificate.

Q44: My state-licensed physician who conducted my medical examination refused to sign the
Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC). What can I do?
A: You should talk with your physician to see what the medical reasons were behind
his or her decision not to sign the CMEC. You may not operate under BasicMed without
a completed CMEC, and the FAA strongly recommends addressing those medical issues
before flying under any circumstances.

Q45: Can’t I just go to another physician if my state-licensed physician refused to sign the
Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC)?
A: As stated in the previous question, you ought to know the reason(s) why your
original physician refused to sign. What were the medical conditions and/or medications
that affected the physician’s opinion about your ability to safely fly aircraft? It may be
something as simple as managing your medical conditions better or changing
medications. Or, there might be something more serious that, once addressed, would
allow the physician to sign the CMEC. Under 14 CFR 61.53, you must not fly if you
know (or have reason to know) of a medical condition that would make you unsafe to fly.

Q46: Can a physician extender (such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant) conduct the
medical exam?
A: A physician extender is a health care provider who is not a physician but who
performs some medical activities typically done by a physician. Physician extender
practice privileges and requirements for physician supervision vary by state. Physician
extenders are generally nurse practitioners or physician assistants. Registered nurses,
medical technicians, and medical support personnel also assist with certain elements of
an examination but are not considered physician extenders. Section 2307 of FESSA did
not specifically exclude participation of a physician extender. However, under BasicMed
the physician is responsible for conducting the medical examination and must be the
signatory on the CMEC.

 

Q47: The CMEC requires that I list medications and visits to health care professionals. On my
prior applications for medical certification, I used to just write, “previously reported, no change”.
Can I still do that with the CMEC?
A: No. The CMEC isn’t routinely collected by the FAA. The CMEC is how you let
your physician know about your health history. So, using the phrase “previously
reported, no change” does not help the physician who is reviewing your CMEC. You are
required to provide complete and truthful answers on the CMEC each time you complete
a CMEC for your BasicMed physical exam.

Q48: Can a physician place restrictions or conditions on the airman in conjunction with the signoff
of the comprehensive medical exam? Can a physician later rescind his sign-off?
A: No. The physician declaration is simply yes-or-no. Section 2307 of FESSA
provided no provision for the physician to allow conditional approval of an airman in
BasicMed or to later withdraw approval. The physician is only declaring at the time of
the examination that he or she is not aware of any medical condition that, as presently
treated, could interfere with the individual’s ability to safely operate an aircraft. If a
physician has reservations regarding an airman’s current or future health status, he or she
should discuss the concerns with the airman and use clinical judgment to determine
whether he or she should sign the CMEC.
Aviation Medical Examiners

Q49: Does my Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) designation require me to do a medical
examination under BasicMed?
A: No. Your AME designation only allows you to perform examinations for
purposes of airman medical certification under 14 CFR Part 67. BasicMed is completely
separate, and it is your professional decision whether or not to participate in BasicMed.

Q50: Can I do BasicMed medical examinations outside of my AME designation?
A: Yes. The decision of an AME to participate in BasicMed is an individual choice.
This work would be outside of the AME designation, and instead would be part of the
physician’s non-AME practice. However, you should avoid giving any perception that
you represent or are acting in any FAA capacity when performing BasicMed functions.
Also, pilots may choose to get both a BasicMed examination and a FAA airman medical
examination so they can operate under BasicMed or a medical certificate. When
conducting a BasicMed exam, you are acting as a health care provider and must comply
with laws and regulations on the delivery of medical care. When you perform a FAA
exam as an AME, you are functioning strictly as a designee of the FAA solely for the
purpose of medical certification under 14 CFR Part 67. Also, payment issues may come
into play (e.g., what is covered by insurance vs. what is out-of-pocket).

Q51: What should I do if I get a call from a local non-AME physician doing a BasicMed
examination who is looking for advice because I am an AME?
A: Though you are trained and designated as an AME, that designation only applies
to FAA medical examinations conducted for airman medical certification under 14 CFR
part 67. Any advice that you give would be under the scope of your non-AME medical
practice and would be fully at your discretion. You should avoid giving any perception
that you represent or are acting in any FAA capacity when answering questions about
BasicMed. You are free to direct the physician to publically available resources below.
The FAA provides these resources for informational purposes only, to include:
• The FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners (AME Guide) at
http://www.faa.gov/go/ameguide;
• The FAA Pharmaceuticals (Therapeutic Medications) Do Not Issue – Do Not Fly
list at http://www.faa.gov/go/dni;
• Chapter 8 of the FAA’s Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM 8-1-1), which
addresses medical facts for pilots and is available at
http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/;
• www.faa.gov/go/basicmed;
• www.faa.gov/GO/AME.

Q52: Why did the FAA use an old 8500-8 as the basis for the BasicMed Comprehensive
Medical Examination Checklist, and not the current MedXPress version?
A: Congress specified in the FESSA legislation that the 3-99 version of the 8500-8
be used as the basis for the medical history questions.

 

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