|
|
|
FAA
Issues General Aviation Final Medical Rule |
| |
January 9, 2017 - The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) today issued a final rule
(PDF) that allows general aviation pilots to fly
without holding an FAA medical certificate as
long as they meet certain requirements outlined
in Congressional legislation.
“The United States has the world’s most robust
general aviation community, and we’re committed
to continuing to make it safer and more
efficient to become a private pilot,” said FAA
Administrator Michael Huerta. “The BasicMed rule
will keep our pilots safe but will simplify our
regulations and keep general aviation flying
affordable.”
Until now, the FAA has required private,
recreational, and student pilots, as well as
flight instructors, to meet the requirements of
and hold a third class medical certificate.
They are required to complete an online
application and undergo a physical examination
with an FAA-designated Aviation Medical
Examiner. A medical certificate is valid for
five years for pilots under age 40 and two years
for pilots age 40 and over. |
|
 |
Beginning on May 1, pilots may take advantage of
the regulatory relief in the BasicMed rule or
opt to continue to use their FAA medical
certificate. Under BasicMed, a pilot will be
required to complete a medical education course,
undergo a medical examination every four years,
and comply with aircraft and operating
restrictions. For example, pilots using BasicMed
cannot operate an aircraft with more than six
people onboard and the aircraft must not weigh
more than 6,000 pounds. A pilot flying under the
BasicMed rule must:
- Possess a valid driver’s license;
- Have held a medical certificate at any time
after July 15, 2006;
- Have not had the most recently held medical
certificate revoked, suspended, or withdrawn;
- Have not had the most recent application for
airman medical certification completed and
denied;
- Have taken a medical education course within
the past 24 calendar months;
- Have completed a comprehensive medical
examination with a physician within the past 48
months;
- Be under the care of a physician for certain
medical conditions;
- Have been found eligible for special issuance
of a medical certificate for certain specified
mental health, neurological, or cardiovascular
conditions, when applicable;
- Consent to a National Driver Register check;
- Fly only certain small aircraft, at a limited
altitude and speed, and only within the United
States; and
- Not fly for compensation or hire. |
|
|
