BasicMed Guide 2026: Requirements, Eligibility & How to Apply
By Renzo, CPL · Updated March 2026
No AME. No MedXPress. See your own doctor. Fly for 48 months.
BasicMed is the FAA's alternative to the traditional medical certificate — letting private pilots skip the Aviation Medical Examiner, see any state-licensed physician, and fly without the stress of FAA medical bureaucracy. This guide covers everything: who qualifies, what the limitations are, the exact step-by-step process, cost comparison, and every common question pilots ask.
48 mo
Physical Validity
$50–150
Typical Cost
Any MD
No AME Required
Since 2017
Public Law 115-254
What is BasicMed?
BasicMed is an alternative pathway to medical certification for pilots in the United States, established by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-190, Section 2307), with the final rule codified in 14 CFR 68 and effective since May 1, 2017. It was later strengthened by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254).
Before BasicMed, every pilot who wanted to fly (except Sport Pilots) needed a traditional FAA medical certificate issued by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). This process required scheduling with a designated AME, undergoing a standardized exam, and having results reported directly to the FAA in Oklahoma City. For pilots with any medical history — even minor issues like controlled hypertension or treated depression — this process could mean months of paperwork, special issuance applications, and uncertainty.
BasicMed eliminates the AME requirement entirely. Instead, you see any state-licensed physician — your family doctor, internist, or any MD/DO — who completes a standardized checklist. The results are not reported to the FAA. Your medical fitness is a matter between you and your doctor.
For the estimated 80% of general aviation pilots who fly recreationally and meet the eligibility criteria, BasicMed is simpler, cheaper, and less stressful than the traditional medical certificate process. For more on how the traditional medical system works, see our Pilot Medical Certificate Guide.
BasicMed vs Traditional Medical Certificate
Understanding the differences is critical. Here is a side-by-side comparison of every medical certification option available to US pilots.
| Certificate | Who Needs It | Validity | Examiner | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Class Medical | Airline Transport Pilots (ATP) | Under 40: 12 months · Over 40: 6 months | FAA-designated AME | $100–$200+ |
| 2nd Class Medical | Commercial Pilots | 12 months | FAA-designated AME | $100–$200 |
| 3rd Class Medical | Private / Recreational Pilots | Under 40: 60 months · Over 40: 24 months | FAA-designated AME | $75–$150 |
| BasicMedRecommended | Private Pilots (with limitations) | 48 months (physical) + 24 months (course) | ANY state-licensed physician | $50–$150 |
Validity periods are for exercising the privileges of the certificate class. A 1st Class medical downgrades to 3rd Class privileges after the 1st Class validity expires.
Why Pilots Choose BasicMed
- No AME visit — see your own doctor who knows your medical history
- Results NOT reported to the FAA — no risk of denial on your record
- 48-month physical validity — longest of any medical option
- Lower cost — $50-$150 vs $100-$200+ for AME visits
- No MedXPress paperwork — no FAA bureaucracy
- Faster process — schedule like any doctor appointment, no AME availability issues
Who Qualifies for BasicMed?
Not every pilot can use BasicMed. There are specific eligibility requirements that must be met before you can take advantage of this alternative pathway.
You Qualify If...
- You held a valid FAA medical certificate at any point after July 15, 2006
- Your most recent medical application was not revoked, suspended, or withdrawn
- You have not been convicted of a transportation-related controlled substance violation
- You do not have a condition on the disqualifying conditions list (see below)
- You hold (or are applying for) a private pilot, recreational pilot, or flight instructor certificate
You Do NOT Qualify If...
- You have never held a valid FAA medical certificate after July 15, 2006
- Your most recent medical certificate was revoked or suspended
- You need to exercise ATP or commercial pilot privileges
- You want to fly for compensation or hire
- You have a condition on the disqualifying list and have not obtained special issuance
Important note about the July 15, 2006 date: You do not need to have held a medical on that exact date. You just need to have held a valid medical certificate at any point after that date. So if you got your 3rd Class medical in 2010, even if it has since expired, you qualify. If your only medical was issued in 2004 and expired in 2005, you do not qualify.
BasicMed Limitations
BasicMed is not a blanket replacement for the medical certificate system. It comes with specific operational limitations that restrict the type of flying you can do.
👥
Maximum 6 passengers
Cannot carry more than 6 passengers (including crew, excluding pilot)
⚖️
Maximum 6,000 lbs MTOW
Aircraft must not exceed 6,000 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight
🏔️
Below 18,000 feet MSL
Cannot fly at or above FL180 (Class A airspace)
⚡
Maximum 250 knots
Cannot exceed 250 knots indicated airspeed
🇺🇸
United States only
BasicMed is not recognized by ICAO or any foreign country — US domestic flights only
💰
No compensation
Cannot fly for compensation or hire — private pilot privileges only
These limitations mean BasicMed covers the vast majority of general aviation flying. Most single-engine piston aircraft (Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee, Cirrus SR22, Beechcraft Bonanza) are well under 6,000 lbs. Most GA flying happens below 18,000 feet. And most private pilots do not fly for compensation.
The biggest limitation for many pilots is the US-only restriction. If you regularly fly to Canada, the Bahamas, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you will still need a traditional medical certificate for those flights.
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How to Get BasicMed — Step by Step
The BasicMed process is straightforward and can be completed in under a week. Here is exactly what to do.
Complete the BasicMed Online Medical Course
Take the free AOPA BasicMed online course (approximately 30 minutes). The course covers aeromedical factors, self-assessment techniques, and how medical conditions affect flight safety. You will receive a course completion certificate valid for 24 months.
Pro tip: The course is available at basicmed.aopa.org — it is free for AOPA members and non-members alike.
Schedule a Physical with Any State-Licensed Physician
Unlike the traditional medical certificate process, you do not need to find an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Any state-licensed physician — your family doctor, internist, or general practitioner — can perform the BasicMed physical examination. This is one of the biggest advantages of BasicMed.
Pro tip: Bring the CMEC checklist to your appointment. Many doctors have never seen it before, so having it ready saves time.
Doctor Completes the CMEC Checklist
Your physician fills out the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC), which covers vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, neurological function, mental health, and general physical condition. The doctor signs the checklist confirming you are fit to fly. There is no FAA reporting — results stay between you and your doctor.
Pro tip: The CMEC is NOT reported to the FAA. Your doctor assesses you and signs the form. No data goes to Oklahoma City.
Keep Your Records and Fly
Retain your completed CMEC checklist and course completion certificate. You do not need to upload anything to MedXPress or submit paperwork to the FAA. Simply carry the documentation with you (or keep it accessible) and note 'BasicMed' in your logbook. You are now authorized to exercise private pilot privileges under BasicMed for up to 48 months.
Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder for your 24-month course renewal and 48-month physical renewal.
What the Doctor Checks — The CMEC Checklist
The Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) is the standardized form your physician completes during your BasicMed physical. It covers seven categories of health assessment. The doctor evaluates each area and signs off that you are fit to exercise the privileges of a private pilot.
Unlike the traditional AME exam, the CMEC results are NOT reported to the FAA. Your physician assesses your fitness to fly and signs the form. The completed checklist stays with you — the FAA never sees it unless there is an investigation or ramp check.
| Category | What Is Checked |
|---|---|
| Vision | Distance acuity, near acuity, color vision, peripheral vision, ocular motility |
| Hearing | Conversational voice test or audiometric screening |
| Cardiovascular | Blood pressure, heart rate, heart rhythm, peripheral pulses |
| Pulmonary | Lung auscultation, respiratory function assessment |
| Neurological | Mental status, cranial nerves, motor function, sensory function, reflexes, coordination |
| Mental Health | Cognitive function, psychiatric screening, medication review |
| General | Head/neck, abdomen, musculoskeletal, skin, lymphatics, endocrine |
What to bring to your appointment: A printed copy of the CMEC form (available at faa.gov/go/basicmed), your pilot certificate, a list of current medications, and your medical history summary. Many primary care physicians have never seen the CMEC form, so bringing it yourself ensures a smooth appointment.
Disqualifying Conditions
Certain medical conditions prevent you from using BasicMed. If you have ever been diagnosed with any of the following conditions, you must pursue a traditional FAA medical certificate (which may require special issuance) instead of BasicMed.
Conditions That Disqualify You from BasicMed
- Cardiac valve replacement
- Heart transplant
- Implanted cardiac defibrillator
- Pacemaker implantation
- Myocardial infarction requiring special issuance
- Coronary heart disease treated with coronary bypass or stent
- Psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar I)
- Substance dependence requiring FAA action
- Epilepsy or unexplained seizures
- Disturbance of consciousness without adequate explanation
- Transient ischemic attack or stroke
Important: Having one of these conditions does not necessarily ground you permanently. The FAA's special issuance (SI) process allows many pilots with these conditions to obtain a traditional medical certificate after providing additional documentation and testing. The SI process is more involved, but thousands of pilots fly with special issuance medicals. See our medical certificate guide for details on the special issuance process.
Cost Comparison: BasicMed vs Traditional Medical
One of BasicMed's biggest advantages is cost savings — both in dollars and in time. Here is what you can expect to spend with each option.
BasicMed Cost
3rd Class Medical Cost
Over a 10-year period, a pilot under 40 using a 3rd Class medical (renewing every 60 months) might spend $150–$400 total. The same pilot using BasicMed (renewing every 48 months) would spend $100–$375. The savings are modest for healthy pilots, but the real value is convenience and privacy. No AME scheduling, no results going to the FAA, no risk of denial on your permanent record, and no special issuance headaches if you have a manageable medical condition.
Common Questions About BasicMed
These are the questions pilots ask most often — and where misconceptions cause the most confusion.
Can I fly IFR with BasicMed?
Yes. This is the single most common misconception. BasicMed places no restriction on flight rules. You can file and fly IFR, VFR, or SVFR. You can fly in IMC. You can shoot approaches to minimums. As long as you hold an instrument rating and are current, BasicMed does not limit how you fly — only where and in what aircraft.
Can I fly at night with BasicMed?
Yes. Night flying is fully permitted under BasicMed. There is no daylight-only restriction. You must meet standard night currency requirements (three takeoffs and landings to a full stop in the preceding 90 days to carry passengers at night), but BasicMed itself does not add any night-specific limitations.
Can I fly a complex or high-performance aircraft?
Yes, as long as the aircraft is under 6,000 lbs MTOW and does not exceed 250 knots. Most complex and high-performance single-engine aircraft (Bonanza, Cirrus, Mooney) qualify. Some light twins (Piper Seminole, Diamond DA42) also qualify. But larger twins (Baron 58, Cessna 310) may exceed the weight limit.
Can I instruct (CFI) under BasicMed?
Yes. Flight instructors can exercise their CFI privileges under BasicMed as long as they are not being compensated for flying — meaning they can instruct in the aircraft while the student is PIC, but the compensation question can be nuanced. The FAA has clarified that CFIs providing instruction where the student is PIC may use BasicMed. However, if the CFI is acting as PIC (such as during initial training flights), a traditional medical may be required depending on the compensation arrangement. Consult the FAA's BasicMed FAQ for the latest guidance.
When BasicMed Doesn't Work
BasicMed is excellent for most GA pilots, but there are specific scenarios where you will still need a traditional medical certificate.
Flying for compensation or hire
Commercial operations — charter, cargo, aerial survey, banner towing — require at least a 2nd Class medical. BasicMed only covers private pilot privileges.
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
ATP operations require a 1st Class medical certificate. BasicMed cannot be used for Part 121 or Part 135 operations.
International flights
BasicMed is not recognized by ICAO or any foreign aviation authority. Flights to Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, or any other country require a traditional medical.
Aircraft over 6,000 lbs MTOW
Larger twins, turboprops, and jets typically exceed the weight limit. If your aircraft is over 6,000 lbs, you need a traditional medical.
Flight above FL180
Operations in Class A airspace (18,000 feet MSL and above) are not permitted under BasicMed. High-altitude GA flying requires a traditional medical.
Speeds above 250 knots
Fast turboprops and light jets that exceed 250 KIAS are not covered by BasicMed, even if they meet the weight requirement.
If you are planning a career in aviation or want to fly professionally, you will need to pursue a traditional medical certificate. Check out our guide on how to become a pilot for the full career pathway including medical requirements at each stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly IFR with BasicMed?
Yes. BasicMed does not restrict the type of flight rules you operate under. You can fly IFR, VFR, or SVFR as long as you hold the appropriate ratings and certificates. Many pilots mistakenly believe BasicMed is VFR-only, but that is not the case.
Can I fly at night with BasicMed?
Yes. There is no restriction on night flying under BasicMed. You can fly at night with the same privileges as any private pilot, as long as you meet currency requirements (three takeoffs and landings to a full stop within the preceding 90 days for night passenger carrying).
Can I get a flight review (BFR) with BasicMed?
Yes. A flight review (formerly BFR) can be completed under BasicMed. You do not need a traditional medical certificate for a flight review. BasicMed satisfies the medical requirement for exercising private pilot privileges, which includes flight reviews.
Does BasicMed work for Sport Pilot?
Sport Pilots do not need BasicMed — they can fly with just a valid driver's license. However, if a Sport Pilot has been denied a medical certificate, they cannot use driver's license privileges. In that case, BasicMed could be an option if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Can I fly internationally with BasicMed?
No. BasicMed is a US-only program. ICAO does not recognize BasicMed, and no foreign country accepts it. To fly internationally (including to Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, or the Caribbean), you need a traditional FAA medical certificate. This is one of the most significant limitations of BasicMed.
What if my doctor finds a disqualifying condition?
If your physician identifies a condition on the disqualifying list, you cannot use BasicMed. You would need to pursue a traditional FAA medical certificate, which may involve a special issuance (SI) process through the FAA. The special issuance process involves additional testing and documentation but can still result in medical certification for many conditions.
Can I switch back to a traditional medical after using BasicMed?
Yes. You can switch between BasicMed and traditional medical certificates at any time. If you need a traditional medical (for example, to fly commercially or internationally), you can visit an AME and apply through MedXPress. Using BasicMed does not affect your ability to obtain a traditional medical certificate later.
Is BasicMed free?
The BasicMed online course is free. The only cost is the physical examination with your physician, which typically runs $50 to $150 depending on your doctor and location. There are no FAA fees associated with BasicMed. Compare this to an AME visit ($100-$200+) plus potential travel costs to reach an AME office.
What happens if I let my BasicMed expire?
If your BasicMed physical or course completion expires, you simply cannot act as PIC until you renew. There is no penalty for letting it lapse. To reinstate, complete the online course again (if expired) and/or get a new physical examination. There is no waiting period or reapplication process.
Can I use BasicMed if my medical was denied?
It depends on why it was denied. You must have held a valid FAA medical certificate at some point after July 15, 2006. If your most recent medical application was denied, you may still qualify for BasicMed as long as the denial was not for a condition on the disqualifying list AND you previously held a valid medical after July 15, 2006. If your certificate was revoked or suspended (not just denied), you cannot use BasicMed.
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