As of November 12, the FAA fully implemented the final rules of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, allowing pilots holding a BasicMed certificate to fly aircraft up to 12,500 pounds, and carry 6 passengers.
The full list of updates to BasicMed include:
1. Increasing the number of allowable passengers from 5 to 6.
2. Increasing the number of occupants from 6 to 7.
3. Increasing the maximum takeoff weight from 6,000 pounds to 12,500 pounds.
**Excluding transport category rotorcraft certified to airworthiness standards under part 29.
4. Extends BasicMed medical eligibility to pilot examiners conducting practical tests or proficiency checks if they meet the requirements for operating covered aircraft under BasicMed.
5. Changing the duration of the comprehensive medical examination from 48 months to 48 calendar months.
6. Updating which versions of FAA Form 8500-8 (MedXpress) may be used to populate the questions in the BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist.
Please see our Blog Post for further information on BasicMed for Pilots here: https://barnettlegal.com/transitioning-3rd-class-basicmed/
If you have questions about your eligibility for BasicMed, please contact us for a consultation.
