The FAA has released a final rule on third class medical reform, though it will be several months before pilots can fly under the new program that the agency has named BasicMed.
eams of AOPA experts are examining the Jan. 10 announcement, which at first look appears to closely mirror the legislation signed into law on July 15, 2016. Pilots should note that BasicMed will not be effective until May 1, so they cannot fly under the rule until then.
“BasicMed is the best thing to happen to general aviation in decades,” said AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker. “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.”
During the announcement, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said, “I believe BasicMed is a win for the general aviation community, and I’m happy that our FAA team has brought it across the finish line.”
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