Welcome to BasicMed

A Smarter Path to Pilot Health Assessment

Third class medical reform was an AOPA priority for years, and since 2017 it has been a reality. If you held a regular or special-issuance medical anytime on or after July 15, 2006, you are likely eligible to take advantage of and fly under BasicMed—a simplified alternative to the traditional FAA medical.

On this page you will find basic information about the program that can help you determine if you're eligible, and we'll guide you through a series of steps to get you to that BasicMed approval.

To qualify for BasicMed you must:

• Hold a valid U.S. driver's license and comply with any restrictions (for example, corrective lenses, prosthetic aids required, daylight driving only, etc.);
• Have held a valid FAA medical certificate, regular or special issuance, on or after July 15, 2006;
• If you've never held a medical certificate, you will need to be issued an FAA medical certificate, regular or special issuance, from an AME one time only.
• If your regular or special-issuance medical certificate expired before July 15, 2006, you will need to get a medical certificate from an AME one time only.
• If you have a medical history or diagnosis of certain cardiac, neurological, or mental health conditions, you will need a one-time-only special issuance for each condition, learn more.
• Your FAA Medical must not have been denied, revoked, or suspended, or have had your most recent authorization for a special issuance was withdrawn, for any reason.

If your most recent application for an FAA medical certificate or the certificate itself has been denied, revoked, or suspended or your most recent authorization for special issuance was withdrawn, you will need to obtain a new medical certificate before you can operate under BasicMed. Learn more about common disqualifications and how you may be able to fly under BasicMed in the future.

Whether you're new to the BasicMed program, or if you're ready to renew or requalify for your FAA medical certificate, AOPA is here to help you. Join the 80,000 pilots who have qualified to fly safely under the program since 2017.