FAA BasicMed Exam Training for Medical Providers
Learn how to perform FAA BasicMed exams for private pilots, sport pilots, recreational pilots, flight instructors, and student pilots.
- This comprehensive training covers FAA regulations, procedures, forms, and requirements, equipping medical professionals with the skills to conduct these exams confidently and accurately.
Training Video
One training module of 52 minutes in length.
BasicMed Exam Checklist
The BasicMed exam consists of a 22-point checklist.
FAA Documents
FAA Aviation Medical Examiner Guide and guide summary
Visual Acuity Chart
Pilots are tested for distance vision and near/intermediate vision.
What you’ll learn
- Learn how to perform FAA BasicMed exams
- Know the role of FAA BasicMed examiners
- Identify the pilots eligible for the FAA BasicMed program
- Recognize common disqualifications
- Effectively utilize the FAA BasicMed exam checklist
- Recognize medications prohibited under FAA BasicMed regulations
Curriculum
There is 1 video module in this course with a 52 minute duration.
Introduction
Understand FAA BasicMed Requirements
- Performing comprehensive FAA BasicMed exams
- Differenting BasicMed from FAA medical certificates
BasicMed Overview
Definition and Scope
- BasicMed as an alternative to the 3rd Class Airman Medical Certificate
- Eligibility for private and recreational pilots
Aircraft and Flight Restrictions
- Limitations on aircraft weight, speed, and altitude
- U.S. airspace restrictions
Physician Role and Responsibilities
State-Licensed Physicians
- Who can perform the FAA BasicMed Exam
- Conducting exams and discussing medical conditions and medications
Medical Discretion
- Identifying conditions or medications that may impair safe operation
- Using clinical judgment to sign or withhold the medical checklist
Pilot Eligibility and Requirements
Eligible Pilots
- Private pilots
- Recreational pilots
- Sport pilots
- Flight instructors
Medical Education Course:
- Biannual training requirement for pilots
- Course providers like AOPA offering free online resources
Special Issuance Requirements
Conditions Necessitating Special Issuance
- Mental health (e.g., bipolar disorder, psychosis)
- Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, transient loss of consciousness)
- Cardiovascular conditions (e.g., myocardial infarction, valve replacements)
Past and Current Medical Certificates
- Special issuance certificates required after July 14, 2006, for certain conditions
Conducting the FAA BasicMed Exam
Exam Components
- Comprehensive physical exam following FAA guidelines
- Review of pilot’s medical history and aeromedical self-assessment
Common Disqualifications
- Impaired cognition
- Untreated medical conditions
- Unsafe medication use
Physician Checklist
- Documenting findings and ensuring compliance with safety standards
Medication Guidelines
Prohibited Medications:
- Sedatives, narcotics, psychotropic drugs, certain antihistamines.
Medication Safety Evaluation:
- Determining flight safety risks for prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
BasicMed and AME Support
Resources for Physicians:
- FAA AME Guide, Aeronautical Information Manual, and BasicMed checklists.
- Online tools and support for understanding complex conditions.
AME Involvement:
- Collaboration on medical decisions as needed but without official FAA capacity.
Key Considerations for Safety
Clinical Judgment:
- Balancing medical conditions against aviation safety requirements.
Recordkeeping:
- Pilots responsible for maintaining all documentation; no FAA reporting required.
Conclusion and Resources
Summary of Training:
- Reinforcing the physician’s role in safe aviation practices.
Additional Resources:
- FAA BasicMed course links, AME support contact information, and regulatory documents.
FAQs
What is the FAA BasicMed exam?
The BasicMed exam is not a FAA Medical certificate. It allows private pilots to use the BasicMed requirements in lieu of holding a 3rd Class Airman Medical Certificate. These requirements are not nearly as stringent. A BasicMed certificate is valid for 4 years.
Is the BasicMed exam the same as a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class Airman Medical Certificate?
FAA Medical certificates are 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Class Airman Medical Certificates performed by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
The BasicMed exam is not a FAA Medical certificate. It allows private pilots to use the BasicMed requirements in lieu of holding a 3rd Class Airman Medical Certificate.
Who can perform the FAA BasicMed exam?
The BasicMed exam can be performed by “state-licensed physicians”. The FAA relies on the determination of each state as to which persons it will license as physicians. If the person holds a license as a physician, then he or she meets the requirement.
Eligible state-licensed physicians
MDs/DOs: Are considered “Physicians” in all States with scope to perform the BasicMed exam.
DCs: Are eligible to perform the BasicMed exam as a “Specialist Physician” when considered by their State Chiropractic Licensing Board to be a “Chiropractic Physician”.
ANPs/PAs: Are physician extenders (who are not physicians) but who perform some medical activities typically done by a physician. Privileges vary by state. They are not specifically excluded, but the BasicMed Physician is responsible for conducting the exam. “As long as the physician is the signatory for the medical checklist, he or she can delegate some or all elements of the actual physical exam to a physician extender.”
What types of pilots are eligible for a BasicMed exam?
Student pilots, sport pilots, recreational pilots, private pilots, and flight instructors are all eligible to get a BasicMed exam.
What is included in the training?
This training program consists of one learning module of 42 minutes duration.
Training Includes:
- One training video
- The BasicMed Exam checklist
- FAA documents
- Visual acuity chart for near/intermediate vision
How long is the FAA BasicMed training course?
There is one video module lasting approximately 52 minutes in length.
Can I stop and start the training as needed?
Yes. The course and all its content is available at any time. When you pause your training, the course will keep track of where you left off. Even after completion, you can go back and review the material.
Can I review the material multiple times?
Yes. Your training is valid for one year. All of the material including the video module and documents can be reviewed as often as desired.