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BasicMed (AC 68-1A)

This advisory circular (AC) describes how pilots can exercise student, recreational, and private pilot privileges in certain small aircraft without holding a current medical certificate. It outlines the required medical education course, medical requirements, and aircraft and operating restrictions that pilots must meet to act as pilot in command (PIC) for most Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91 operations. This AC is intended to be used as a resource for pilots operating under BasicMed. It is also intended to be a resource for State-licensed physicians who will be providing the required medical examination to those pilots.

Get the most recent version from FAA.gov

Read 14 CFR 67 at the National Archives website.

Read 14 CFR 68 at the National Archives website.

The FAA issued new medical regulations that became effective on May 1, 2017. These regulations permitted pilots to operate as PIC of certain aircraft without receiving a medical certificate per the process defined in 14 CFR 67.

Generally speaking, pilot's operating PIC under BasicMed must:

  • Have a valid U.S. driver's license;
  • Have received, at some point, an FAA medical certificate after July 15, 2006;
  • Complete an online medical-education course and retain the course-completion document;
  • Complete the National Driver Register (NDR) check;
  • Answer health questions on the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC);
  • Get a physical examination by a licensed physician;
  • Have the physician complete the CMEC;
  • Retain the signed CMEC document.

(Which is to say, this is a big list when compared to the standard 30-60 minute exam by an FAA Designated Medical Examiner.)

Pilots flying under BasicMed must follow a few rules:

  • Airplane must be under 6,000 lbs. (certificated takeoff weight);
  • Carry no more than five passengers in an aircraft that is designed to carry no more than six persons;
  • Remain within the United States;
  • Remain below 18,000 feet;
  • Remain below 250 kts;
  • Do not fly for compensation or hire.

Flight Instructor Test Questions

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Practical Test Standards: Flight Instructor

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Oral Exam Questions

  1. Describe what steps a pilot must take in order to operate as PIC under BasicMed.
  2. Your student tells you that s/he has never received an FAA medical certificate and plans to fly under BasicMed after receiving a private pilot certificate. Is this valid?
  3. Describe the limitations of operating as PIC under BasicMed.
  4. Can a pilot operating under BasicMed file an IFR flight plan and enter IMC?
  5. Can a pilot operating under BasicMed enter Class A airspace?
  6. Can a pilot operating under BasicMed do so in futherence of a business?
  7. Can a pilot operating under BasicMed receive financial compensation for flying?

Robert Wederquist   CP-ASEL - AGI - IGI
Commercial Pilot • Instrument Pilot
Advanced Ground Instructor • Instrument Ground Instructor

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