The FAA recently updated its BasicMed regulations to allow pilots to operate larger aircraft and carry more passengers.
BasicMed, which took effect in 2017, allows pilots to fly without holding an FAA medical certificate provided they meet certain conditions.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 required the FAA to expand BasicMed to:
- Increase the number of allowable passengers to six from five, and the number of occupants to seven from six.
- Increase the maximum aircraft takeoff weight to 12,500 pounds from 6,000 pounds, excluding transport category helicopters.
- Allow pilot examiners to conduct flight checks using BasicMed in aircraft that are covered by the BasicMed rule.
Pilots must meet specific conditions to operate under BasicMed, FAA officials note.
Among other things, they must have held a valid medical certificate at some point after July 14, 2006; the most recent medical certificate cannot have been denied, revoked, or suspended; they must complete a medical exam by a state-licensed physician; they must complete an online medical education course; and they must hold a valid U.S. driver’s license.
BasicMed also includes certain limitations, FAA officials said. Pilots cannot fly for compensation or hire and are restricted to flying at or below 18,000 feet altitude and at a speed no greater than 250 knots.
For more information: FAA.gov
Last 3rd class expired 2004, so missed the look back 2006 date and only way in is via a FAA 3rd class first, well now I’m 70 and have been flying using the drivers license LSA option. My big hope is when MOSAIC passed next year, only then I will be able to fly every GA single engine plane I flew in the 80’s & 90’s. Lot of AME’s going to asking where did all my old patients go? Now we have to school Dpe’s that a Drivers License Is a valid medical so we can do simple checkride like SEL
I feel your pain. I got hit with the same restriction and to make it worse, it was mandated by one of the senators from my own state. Fortunately he lost the next election but the damage is done.
Now, like you I am relegated to LSA and put my hopes on MOSAIC to loosen the restrictions. I have an aircraft in the early stages of construction but that damned restriction on the no-flaps stall speed drives the wing area beyond what is really reasonable. It seriously eats into the gross weight and creates a lot of excess drag, not to mention the additional materials cost and build complexity.
My project is collecting dust while I await the final version of the rule change and I think that is BasicMed can be opened up so much, they can do something for those of us who are stuck in LSA. I could try for a 3rd class which would be an expensive undertaking but if I lose, I am barred for LSA. It is the sort of a Shut-Up and Be Grateful or we take it ALL Away class now.
The biggest problem is for a lot of pilots is we failed a medical and that makes basic med useless, a lot of us have minor issues and were not aware that would make us go to special issue which takes forever to get answers and get cleared for a physical,you’re talking months
Don’t give up, Mark! I got COVID at the very beginning and was pretty spaced for a while so I grounded myself for 5 months and almost quit flying .
Thx to several pilot friends encouragement I didn’t and now ,@ 77 years old , feel that I’m back to my original,proficiency level and have passed a BFR and two ins Ck rides since then and am looking to fly at least until my rental FBOs ins co. Cuts me loose when turning 85!
It’s nice to know of the upgrades, but most of us don’t fly a 6,000 lb gross aircraft, let alone a 12,500 lb. one!!
I think that a much more important story is that the FAA has rescinded the ‘Moss Decision’, and it’s back to usual for A&P training and owner assisted annuals.
Only one aviation news source reported it….why ?
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-11-03/faa-rescinds-burdensome-maintenance-interpretation.
reported on Nov. o4..!!