As flying season approaches, many pilots begin reviewing their medical certification status. One common question we hear at Aviation Medicine Center of Virginia is:
“Should I use BasicMed or renew my FAA medical certificate?”
Both options allow pilots to remain legally certified to fly, but the right choice depends on your aircraft, flying goals, and medical history. Understanding the differences can help you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary delays in your flying plans.
If you’re a pilot in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, or the Hampton Roads area, here’s what you need to know.
What Is BasicMed?
BasicMed is an alternative to the traditional FAA medical certificate that allows many pilots to fly without visiting an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for each renewal.
The program was introduced to simplify the medical certification process for recreational pilots while still maintaining safety standards.
To qualify for BasicMed, pilots must:
- Have previously held an FAA medical certificate after July 14, 2006
- Complete a BasicMed physical exam with any state-licensed physician
- Take an online aeromedical education course every 24 months
- Renew the physical exam every 48 months
BasicMed allows pilots to operate certain aircraft without maintaining a traditional FAA medical certificate.
What Are the Limitations of BasicMed?
While BasicMed is convenient, it does come with restrictions.
Pilots flying under BasicMed must:
- Fly aircraft with six seats or fewer
- Operate aircraft weighing 6,000 pounds or less
- Carry no more than five passengers
- Fly below 18,000 feet
- Maintain speeds below 250 knots
- Fly only within the United States (unless another country allows it)
For many recreational pilots, these limitations are perfectly acceptable. However, they may not work for every flying mission.
When You Still Need an FAA Medical Certificate
If you plan to fly commercially or professionally, BasicMed will not meet FAA requirements.
Pilots typically still need an FAA medical certificate if they:
- Hold or plan to obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate
- Fly for compensation or hire
- Operate aircraft that exceed BasicMed limitations
- Fly internationally
- Pursue airline or corporate aviation careers
FAA medical certificates are issued by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) and come in three classes:
First Class Medical
Required for airline transport pilots.
Second Class Medical
Required for commercial pilots flying for hire.
Third Class Medical
Typically used by private and recreational pilots.
Each class has different renewal intervals based on age and type of flying.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Flying
For many pilots in the Hampton Roads aviation community, the choice comes down to how and where you fly.
BasicMed may be ideal if you:
- Fly recreationally
- Operate smaller aircraft
- Do not fly internationally
- Want a simpler renewal process
An FAA medical certificate may be the better option if you:
- Fly professionally
- Plan to upgrade certificates
- Want flexibility with aircraft and international travel
- Prefer maintaining full FAA certification
Speaking with an experienced Aviation Medical Examiner can help you determine the best path forward.
Why Pilots Choose Aviation Medicine Center of Virginia
At Aviation Medicine Center of Virginia, we specialize in helping pilots navigate the FAA medical certification process.
Our team works with:
- Student pilots
- Private pilots
- Commercial and airline pilots
- Military and retired military aviators
We understand the urgency pilots face when their medical certificate is approaching expiration, and we strive to provide efficient, pilot-focused care.
With convenient locations serving Norfolk and Virginia Beach, we make it easy for pilots across Hampton Roads to stay flight-ready.
Schedule Your FAA Medical Exam
If your FAA medical certificate is coming due—or you want guidance on whether BasicMed or a traditional FAA medical certificate is the better option—our team is here to help.
⇒ Schedule your appointment online here, or call our office directly at 757-481-7788 to schedule your FAA medical exam.
Stay healthy, stay certified, and keep flying safely.