BasicMed Vs The Third-Class Medical: What Each One Actually Lets You Do

An alternative to holding a current FAA medical certificate, created by Congress in 2016 and in effect since 2017, set out in FAR 61.113(i) and 14 CFR Part 68. A pilot on BasicMed holds a valid US driver's license, completes a physical examination with any state-licensed physician using FAA Form 8700-2 every 48 calendar months, and completes an FAA-approved online medical course every 24 calendar months. Nothing is submitted to the FAA.

Anyone who has held an FAA medical certificate issued at some point after 14 July 2006 that was not later suspended, revoked or withdrawn, whose most recent medical application was not denied, and who holds a valid US driver's license. Pilots clinically diagnosed with one of the cardiovascular, mental health or neurological conditions listed in 14 CFR 68.9 must have obtained a special issuance for that condition after that date before they can use BasicMed. Only the cardiovascular list carries the one-time wording, in 14 CFR 68.9(a)(3); a pilot diagnosed with a mental health or neurological condition must also certify every 2 years, under 14 CFR 68.9(c)(2) or (d)(2), that they remain under the care of a State-licensed medical specialist.

Only if they have already held an FAA medical certificate issued after 14 July 2006, which almost no new student has. In practice every first-time student needs a third-class medical from an aviation medical examiner before their first solo. BasicMed is a way to stay flying later, not a way to start.

Private pilot privileges only, so never for compensation or hire. No flight above 18,000 feet MSL, no operation above 250 knots, and no flight outside the United States unless that country has specifically authorized it. Aircraft size limits were expanded by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 from 6,000 pounds and six occupants to 12,500 pounds and seven occupants.

For most pilots yes, because the recurring FAA process disappears. A third-class medical means an FAA-designated aviation medical examiner every 60 calendar months under 40, or every 24 calendar months at 40 and over. BasicMed means any state-licensed physician every 48 calendar months plus a free online course every 24. The saving in effort is real for pilots over 40 and modest for pilots under it.

Not by default. BasicMed is a United States rule and the aircraft must be operated within US airspace unless the destination country has authorized its use. A small number of countries do accept it and most do not, and the position changes, so confirm with that country's civil aviation authority before planning an international trip. If you fly abroad regularly, keep a third-class medical.

A certificated flight instructor who is not acting as pilot in command does not need any medical certificate at all. When the instructor is acting as pilot in command, they need at least a third-class medical or a valid BasicMed. The rules around instructing for compensation under BasicMed were addressed in recent FAA legislation, so confirm the current position with the FAA before relying on it commercially.

Stay on a third-class medical if you are a student, if you might ever be paid to fly, if you are working toward a commercial certificate or instructor rating, or if you fly internationally. Move to BasicMed if you are a settled private pilot flying domestically, particularly if you are over 40 and facing a 24-month FAA cycle, or if you carry a stable managed condition whose special issuance paperwork has become a recurring burden.