The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has updated its BasicMed regulations to allow pilots to operate larger aircraft and carry more passengers.
Traditionally, pilots in the US need a third-class medical certificate to ensure that minimum medical standards necessary for safe flight operations are met. Pilots are assessed in various health aspects, including vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, general physical condition, and mental fitness.
In order to obtain this, a medical examination must be conducted by an FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
BasicMed, which took effect in 2017, is an alternate way for pilots to fly without holding an FAA medical certificate as long as they meet certain requirements.
Any US state-licensed physician may conduct a BasicMed exam. Doctors of medicine and doctors of osteopathic medicine that are state-licensed physicians are allowed to conduct the examination..
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 required the FAA to expand BasicMed to:
- Increase the number of allowable passengers to six from five, and the number of occupants to seven from six.
- Increase the maximum aircraft takeoff weight to 12,500lbs. from 6,000lbs., excluding transport category helicopters.
- Allow pilot examiners to conduct flight checks using BasicMed in aircraft that are covered by the BasicMed rule. Information for examiners is available here.
The FAA has expanded #BasicMed, allowing pilots to fly aircraft with 6 passengers and a maximum takeoff weight of 12,500lbs. Pilot examiners will also be able to use BasicMed while conducting flight checks in qualified aircraft. Read more at https://t.co/xytHlNEQIa pic.twitter.com/vM9gDYhorj
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) November 15, 2024
Despite the expansion of operational requirements, BasicMed still includes certain limitations. Pilots cannot fly for compensation or hire and are restricted to flying at or below 18,000 feet altitude and at a speed no greater than 250 knots.