FAA releases rule on private pilot medical reform

The Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday released its final rule on third-class medical reform, which is expected to help the general aviation industry attract and retain private pilots.

The gist of the revised rule – named “BasicMed” by the FAA – allows pilots with a third-class medical certificate issued at 10 years or less prior to enactment of the reform to opt out of a third-class medical certificate and continue flying without having to see an FAA aviation medical examiner again.

Instead, their personal physicians can conduct their medical examinations every four years, barring certain conditions, such as cardiovascular problems, that would constitute special issuance of a medical certificate.

Pilots who are new or whose most recent FAA medical exam was more than 10 years old as of July 2016 will have to get a one-time, third-class medical examination from an FAA-designated physician.

Pilots flying under BasicMed are limited to fly certain sizes of aircraft and face other operating restrictions such as flying at specific altitudes, speed and within the U.S.

“The BasicMed rule will keep our pilots safe but will simplify our regulations and keep general aviation flying affordable,” FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said in a news release.

Both the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association praised the final rule, which takes effect on May 1.

“EAA and AOPA worked to make this a reality through legislation in July, and since then the most common question from our members has been ‘When will the rule come out?’ ” Jack Pelton, EAA’s chairman and CEO, said in a statement Tuesday. “We now have the text and will work to educate members, pilots, and physicians about the specifics in the regulation.”

The rule changed was prompted by legislation in the FAA funding bill that was signed into law last July.

“By putting medical decisions in the hands of pilots and their doctors, instead of the FAA, these reforms will improve safety while reducing burdensome and ineffective bureaucracy that has thwarted participation in general aviation,” AOPA president and CEO Mark Baker said in a statement.

This story was originally published January 10, 2017 at 11:21 AM with the headline "FAA releases rule on private pilot medical reform."