In compliance with the most recent FAA reauthorization, the agency has expanded the aircraft size and passenger load permitted under BasicMed. Those who use the self reporting medical regime can now use it to operate aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of up to 12,500 pounds (up from 6,000 pounds) and carry up to six passengers instead of the five permitted under the old rules. The new rules also allow pilot examiners to do flight checks using BasicMed on aircraft that fit the category. The provisions were mandated by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 that was enacted earlier this year.
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.
Unfortunately there are a lot of idiots who don’t fly safe, and when they make mistakes, innocent people usually die. I think that, after a certain age, being recertified EVERY year for BasicMed should be a requirement, just like driver’s licenses should require yearly renewal past a certain age. Medical science keeping people alive longer doesn’t always mean that people are healthier longer, and yearly recertification being rolled in with a yearly physical isn’t any real inconvenience and should be supported by those who give a damn about safety.