BasicMed Explained: Eligibility, Limits and Intervals (Current Rules)
Quick answer. BasicMed lets a pilot act as PIC (or required crewmember) without a Part 67 medical certificate if they hold a U.S. driver's license, held a Part 67 medical at some point after July 14, 2006, had a comprehensive exam by a state-licensed physician within the preceding 48 months, and completed an approved medical education course within the preceding 24 calendar months. 14 CFR 61.23(c)(3)
Aircraft and operating limits
Under 14 CFR 61.113(i) (text current as of Oct 15, 2026):
| Limit | Current rule |
|---|---|
| Occupants the aircraft is authorized to carry | No more than 7 |
| Maximum certificated takeoff weight | No more than 12,500 lb |
| Passengers carried | No more than 6 |
| Altitude | At or below 18,000 ft MSL |
| Speed | Not more than 250 knots indicated |
| Compensation | Not for compensation or hire |
| Location | Within the U.S., unless the foreign country authorizes the flight |
| Not eligible | Transport-category rotorcraft (Part 29) |
Correction. An earlier version of this page listed the older limits (6 seats, 6,000 lb, 5 passengers). Congress expanded BasicMed in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and the current eCFR text reflects the larger limits above. VFR and IFR are both permitted. FAA BasicMed page
Who can use it
- Pilots exercising student, recreational or private privileges as PIC, or a required crewmember such as a safety pilot.
- Flight instructors acting as PIC or required crewmember, and examiners, under the same conditions (61.23(c)(1)).
- Sport pilots who want night privileges can use BasicMed as the medical element of 61.329.
Medical history conditions
- Your most recent medical certificate may be expired (and may have had a special issuance), but it must not have been suspended or revoked.
- Your most recent special issuance must not have been withdrawn, and your most recent application must not have been completed and denied.
- If diagnosed with a condition that may affect your ability to fly, you must be under the care of a state-licensed physician.
- Certain mental health, neurological and cardiovascular conditions require a one-time special issuance before you can operate under BasicMed (the FAA page lists them, e.g. bipolar disorder, epilepsy, myocardial infarction, heart valve replacement).
Keeping it valid
| Item | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (FAA Form 8700-2) with a state-licensed physician | Within the preceding 48 months | Keep the signed checklist with your logbook |
| BasicMed medical education course (e.g. AOPA or Mayo Clinic) | Within the preceding 24 calendar months | Keep the completion certificate |