New medical rules for pilots, known as BasicMed, take effect May 1, but starting today, pilots can start to prepare for the new requirements. Forms and checklists for both pilots and doctors are posted online at the FAA website. The FAA also has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions, and said the Medical Self-Assessment course developed by AOPA (and available free online for anyone) can be used to fulfill its requirement to complete a medical education course every two years. The rule also requires a medical exam every four years, and compliance with certain operating restrictions — for example, BasicMed pilots can’t fly with more than six people in the aircraft, and the aircraft must weigh 6,000 pounds or less.
While waiting for May 1 to arrive, pilots can go ahead and make their doctor appointment, have a doctor fill out the FAA checklist and complete the free AOPA online medical course. “Once these requirements are met, pilots just have to wait until May 1 to exercise the privileges of BasicMed,” said AOPA. Pilots must retain the completed exam checklist with their logbook, along with the certificate of completion from the online course.
