bdboyle
Flying since '17 under Basic Med. While I agree with the premise that pilots need to have at least one interaction with an AME for an initial certificate (hence having to get at minimum a 3rd class before taking advantage of Basic or after a listed medical issue for a one-time SI), the success of the program has to do more with success of medical science to keep us healthier for longer, the awareness of taking care of ourselves better, and better access to medical knowledge.
Basic also kind of throws shade at the whole aeromedical institution with regards to, at least, the logic behind the 3rd class medical (except for cross-border operations under ICAO rules). For the limitations of going into the flight levels or exceeding 250kts, the privileges 99% of the casual flyers will exercise are not limited by Basic. And the experience of the last 7 years since it came into effect have proven that out so far.
I just have my GP (who sees me every year) do the exam and sign it off…do the self-study every 2 years when I get pinged (which is around the time I have to do my CFI FIRC)…and it’s good to go and current.
This is an example of the FAA (being forced to) treat us as responsible adults who will, given the opportunity, make a good decision rather than have to be constantly ‘managed’ by bureaucratic fiat.
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