Loosens Restrictions on Passenger and Payload for Covered Aircraft

As of November 12, 2024, expansions to BasicMed operations have officially gone into effect. These are included in Section 828 of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935), which was signed into law in May.

Under these new regulations, pilots flying under BasicMed privileges can operate aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of up to 12,500 pounds. This is over double the original limit of 6,000 pounds, giving pilots the option to fly heavier aircraft like the Cessna 402 or Piper Navajo The other primary bump is the ability to carry 6 passengers in an aircraft certified for seven seats. The previous regulation was one person less.

These changes increase flexibility for recreational and personal flying while still keeping safety limits in place.

Several original BasicMed rules were unchanged in the expansion. Pilots flying under these privileges are still restricted to flying at 250 knots or below, staying at or under 18,000 feet MSL, and not flying for hire.

Pilots who have held a valid FAA medical certificate at any point after July 14, 2006, are eligible to use BasicMed as long as they complete a medical exam with a physician every four years and an online aeromedical course every two years. This system eliminates the need for regular FAA medical exams, offering greater convenience for many private pilots.

Additionally, BasicMed will now be extended to Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs). This allows them to conduct practical tests and proficiency checks using BasicMed in spite of FAR 61.23. While the FAA is still working to come up with guidelines, this change supports broader accessibility to pilot certification resources.

For many pilots, BasicMed offers financial and regulatory relief, particularly for those with special issuance medicals. If a pilot previously held a special issuance medical and does not have certain specified cardiac, neurological, or mental health conditions, they may avoid the special issuance process entirely under BasicMed.

The recent expansion to weight and passenger limits approved under BasicMed enhances pilots’ flexibility in choosing aircraft and makes this certification a more appealing alternative for the general aviation community.

FMI: www.faa.gov