Another Basic Med/Third Class Question...

[bgreenhaw]

I started flight training back in 2008, got a second class medical and logged about 40 hours before changing jobs/moving and that ended my flight training. Now I want to finish my training and am looking for the place to start.

Health-wise since my last medical in 10/2008 the only major medical issue was a herniated disc and surgery in 2011. I also had DOT physicals most years and the occasional Dr. visit for flu/virus/whatever.

So my question is: Can I go Basic Med (assuming I can find a Dr. to do it) or should I go for the Third Class?
In addition do the DOT physicals have to be listed on the application?

 

[bflynn]

Yes, you can go with BasicMed if you choose. Requirements and restrictions are at https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/basic_med/ You've passed the big one by having held a valid physical after June 2006.

There are very few things you cannot do under BasicMed, but there are a few minor ones. For example, you cannot be a safety pilot because it was simply overlooked in the legislation. You cannot do the FAA high altitude/low O2 training. Overall, those are probably minor. You cannot fly higher than 18,000 ft, cannot fly an airplane over 6,000 lbs or which has more than 6 seats.

In exchange for that, your doctor does your exam and you're good for 4 years. Sounds like this is good for you. For me, it is virtually impossible for me to list every doctors appt I've had since my last physical because I've had one every 3 months to monitor blood sugar.

 

[PaulMillner]

And at this point, you can’t fly in Mexico or Canada

 

[midlifeflyer]

Yes, you can go with BasicMed if you choose. Requirements and restrictions are at https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/basic_med/ You've passed the big one by having held a valid physical after June 2006.

There are very few things you cannot do under BasicMed, but there are a few minor ones. For example, you cannot be a safety pilot because it was simply overlooked in the legislation.

One correction. You can be a safety pilot but only if also acting as PIC. The legislation only covers acting as PIC, not as another type of required crewmember.

Most of the limitations are discussed in the FAA's BasicMed FAQ.