AC 68-1A

Advisory circular · BasicMed

Approved
May 3, 2017
Last reviewed
July 17, 2024
Cancels
AC68-1
Family
AC 68-1 · 2 versions
Revision
A
14 CFR parts
91, 67, 68, 61, 1, 121, 135

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed August 14, 2026.

Show pages 11–22

8-1 CHAPTER 8. SPECIAL BASICMED REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN

MEDICAL CONDITIONS

8.1 General. BasicMed contains several provisions that require specific actions for individuals who have mental, cardiac, or neurological health conditions.

8.2 Special Issuance Medical Certificates Required. For certain conditions, a person wishing to operate under BasicMed must complete the process for obtaining an authorization for special issuance of a medical certificate in accordance with § 68.9. The person is required to obtain only one special issuance medical certificate for each condition, and may subsequently operate under BasicMed. Persons who have, or are newly diagnosed with, a cardiovascular, neurological, or mental health condition described in FESSA, may not use BasicMed until they have been found eligible for special issuance of a medical certificate. Once issued a medical certificate, the person may then use BasicMed if they meet all other requirements of FESSA. These conditions are listed below:

8.2.1 A mental health disorder, limited to an established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following:

1. Personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts.

2. Psychosis, defined as a case in which an individual:

• Has manifested delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of psychosis; or

• May reasonably be expected to manifest delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of psychosis.

3. Bipolar disorder.

4. Substance dependence within the previous 2 years, as defined in part 67, § 67.307(a)(4).

8.2.2 A neurological disorder, limited to an established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following:

1. Epilepsy.

2. Disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause.

3. A transient loss of control of nervous system functions without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause.

8-2

8.2.3 A cardiovascular condition, limited to a one-time special issuance for each diagnosis of the following:

1. Myocardial infarction.

2. Coronary heart disease that has required treatment.

3. Cardiac valve replacement.

4. Heart replacement.

8.3 BasicMed Prohibitions for Persons with Mental Health Conditions.

8.3.1 Section 68.9(c)(1)(i) prohibits an individual with a clinically diagnosed mental health condition from operating under BasicMed if, in the judgment of the individual’s State-licensed medical specialist, the condition:

1. Renders the individual unable to safely operate under BasicMed; or

2. May reasonably be expected to make the individual unable to operate under BasicMed.

8.3.2 Section 68.9(c)(1)(ii) prohibits a person from operating under BasicMed if the person’s driver’s license is revoked by the issuing agency as a result of a clinically diagnosed mental health condition.

8.4 BasicMed Prohibitions for Persons with Neurological Health Conditions. Under § 68.9(d)(1), an individual with a clinically diagnosed neurological condition may not operate under BasicMed if the individual’s driver’s license is revoked by the issuing agency as a result of a clinically diagnosed neurological condition, or if, in the judgment of the individual’s State-licensed medical specialist, the condition:

1. Renders the individual unable to safely operate under BasicMed; or

2. May reasonably be expected to make the individual unable to safely operate under BasicMed.

Page 25OCROpen in PDF

Appendix А APPENDIX A. COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL EXAMINATION CHECKLIST Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist SECTION 1 - Instructions to the Individual and State-Licensed Physician This checklist is to be used by individuals seeking to operate certain small aircraft in accordance with Title14 of Code of the Federal Regulations (14 CFR), § 61.113(i). This rule (BasicMed) allows pilots to use this checklist, and other requirements, in lieu of holding a third-class FAA Airman Medical Certificate.

Under BasicMed, an individual may only act as pilot-in-command (PIC) of an aircraft that is authorized to carry not more than 6 occupants, and that has a maximum certificated takeoff weight of not more than

1. The individual must complete SECTION 2 of this checklist and provide the checklist in its entirety (including the completed SECTION 2) to the state-licensed physician performing the medical examination.

2. The state-licensed physician must perform a comprehensive medical examination addressing all items in SECTION 3 of this checklist. The physician completes the "Physician's Signature and Declaration" if the physician determines that he/she is not aware of any medical condition that, as presently treated, could

3. The completed checklist shall be retained in the individual's logbook (in any legible paper or electronic format) and made available on request.

4. In order to act as PIC under BasicMed, an individual must receive a comprehensive medical examination by a state-licensed physician during the previous 48 months in accordance with 14 CFR 61.23(c)(3)(i).

1 FAA 8700-2 Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (04-17) A-1

Page 26OCROpen in PDF

Appendix А Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist NOTICE: Whoever in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States knowingly and willingly falsifies, conceals or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact, or who makes any false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations, or entry, may be fined up to $250,000 or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. (18 U.S.C Secs. 1001; 3571) Paperwork Reduction Act Statement:

The information collection is conducted in accordance with the requirements of 44 USC § 3507, as amended by section 2 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information collected on this form is necessary to determine eligibility to exercise pilot privileges under BasicMed and is consistent with the FAA's authority to regulate and promote safety in air commerce under 49 USC 44701; see also the Federal Aviation Administration Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, Pub. L. 114-190 § 2307, Medical Certification of Certain Small Aircraft Pilots. The FAA estimated that it will take each user O.5 hours per user to complete the BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist. The information is required to be eligible to exercise pilot privileges under BasicMed. Note that an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

The control number for this collection of information is 2120-0770.

2 FAA 8700-2 Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (04-17) A-2

Page 27OCROpen in PDF

Appendix А Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist SECTION 2 - Information to be completed by the Airman To operate an aircraft under BasicMed, you may only use this checklist to comply with 14 CFR 61.113(i) if you:

• Hold or have held a valid first-, second-, or third-class medical certificate issued by the FAA at

• The most recent medical certificate held (including an authorization for a special issuance certificate) must have not been denied, suspended, revoked, or withdrawn.

INSTRUCTIONS: After completing all mandatory fields in SECTION 2, provide both SECTION 2 and SECTION 3 to the state-licensed physician who will perform your medical examination.

1. OMITTED: Leave blank

2. OMITTED: Leave blank

3. FULL NAME: List current name. List any former name(s) in the "additional comments or explanation" box found in #18 of the checklist form.

4. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: Entry is optional.

5. ADDRESS: Enter permanent mailing address and country of residence. Include the nine digit ZIP code, if known. (e.g., 20003-3230). Provide your current telephone number, including area code.

6. DATE OF BIRTH: List month, day, and year (e.g., 01/31/1960). COUNTRY OF CITIZENSHIP: Enter citizenship (e.g., USA).

7. COLOR OF HAIR: Specify as black, blond, brown, gray, red, or bald.

8. COLOR OF EYES: Specify actual (not contact lenses) eye color as black, blue, brown, green, gray, or hazel.

9. SEX: Indicate male or female.

10. TYPE OF AIRMAN CERTIFICATE(S) YOU HOLD: Select the checkboxes that apply. If "Other" is selected, write in the name of the type of certificate.

11. OCCUPATION: Enter major employment. Entry is optional.

12. EMPLOYER: Enter your employer. Entry is optional.

13. HAS YOUR FAA AIRMAN MEDICAL CERTIFICATE EVER BEEN DENIED, SUSPENDED, REVOKED, OR WITHDRAWN: Select "Yes" or "No." If "Yes" is selected, list the month and year (e.g., 01/1999) of the action.

14. OMITTED: Leave blank

15. OMITTED: Leave blank

16. DATE OF LAST FAA MEDICAL APPLICATION: Enter month and year. If you have no prior application, you cannot use BasicMed.

17. a. DO YOU CURRENTLY USE ANY MEDICATION (prescription or non-prescription): Select "Yes" or "No." If "Yes" is selected, enter the name of the medication(s), dosage, and frequency used.

b. DO YOU EVER USE NEAR VISION CONTACT LENSES WHILE FLYING: Select "Yes" or "No."

Example: If you have one contact that is calibrated to give you near vision and one that is calibrated to give you distant vision, check "Yes." If you wear a contact in only one eye to correct for near vision, check "Yes."

18. a - x. MEDICAL HISTORY: Select "Yes" or "No" for each item listed. For every condition you have ever been diagnosed with, had, or presently have, you must answer "Yes." Give the approximate date, description of the condition, its severity, treatment, and any medication(s) you used or continue to use for treatment. You must give an explanation for each item marked "Yes" in the "additional comments or

• Do not report common, occasional illnesses such as colds or sore throats.

"Substances" include alcohol, PCP, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, opiates, and 3 FAA 8700-2 Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (04-17) A-3

Page 28OCROpen in PDF

Appendix A Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist

• "Substance dependence" is defined by any of the following: increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, impaired control of use, or continued use despite damage to health, or impairment of social, personal, or occupational functioning

• "Substance abuse" is defined as the following: use of an illegal substance, use of a substance or substances in situations in which such use is physically hazardous, or misuse of a substance when such misuse has impaired health or social or occupational functioning.

18. V. CONVICTION, AND/OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION HISTORY:

(1) Have you ever been convicted (which may include paying a fine or forfeiting bond or collateral) of an offense involving driving while intoxicated by, while impaired by, or while under the influence of alcohol or a drug;

(2) Have you ever been convicted, and/or subject to an administrative action by a state or other jurisdiction for an offense for which your driver's license was denied, suspended, cancelled, or revoked or which resulted in attendance at an educational or rehabilitation program? Individual traffic convictions are not required to be reported if they did not involve alcohol/drugs, suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of driving privileges, or attendance at an educational or rehabilitation program. If "Yes" is checked, you must give a description of the conviction(s) and/or administrative action(s) in theiadditional comments or explanation" box. The description must include:

The alcohol or drug offense for which you were arrested and/or convicted or the type of administrative action involved (e.g., attendance at an alcohol treatment program in lieu of conviction;

license denial, suspension, cancellation, or revocation for refusal to be tested; educational safe driving program for multiple speeding convictions, etc.);

The name of the state or other jurisdiction involved; and The date of the conviction(s) and/or administrative action(s). The FAA may check state motor vehicle driving licensing records to verify your responses.

18. W. HISTORY OF NON-TRAFFIC CONVICTIONS(S) (MISDEANORS OR FELONIES): Have you ever had any other (non-traffic) convictions (e.g., assault, battery, public intoxication, robbery, etc.)? If so, name the charge for which you were convicted and the date of conviction in the "additional comments or explanation" box.

List all visits in the last 3 years to a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, psychologist, clinical social worker, or substance abuse specialist for treatment, examination, or medical/mental evaluation. List visits for counseling only if it was related to a personal substance abuse or psychiatric condition.

Enter the date of visit as month and year (e.g., 01/1990), name, address, and type of health professional consulted and briefly state reason for consultation. Repeat this process to add all relevant visits to medical professionals in the past 3 years. Multiple visits to one health professional for the same condition may be grouped together on one line. You do not need to

• Occasional common illnesses such as colds or sore throats that resolved;

Routine dental, eye, and FAA periodic medical examinations; or

• Consultations with your employer-sponsored employee assistance program (EAP) unless the consultations were for substance abuse or unless the consultations resulted in referral for psychiatric evaluation or treatment.

NOTE: After completing SECTION 2, carefully review and read the affirmation statements under the Airman's Signature and Declarations." If you agree with the statements, sign and date the document. Once you have completed, signed, and dated SECTION 2, you must provide ALL sections (SECTION 1-3) of this checklist to the state-licensed physician who will perform and complete the comprehensive medical examination, as required by Section 2307(a)(7) of FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (FESSA).

4 FAA 8700-2 Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (04-17) A-4

Page 29OCROpen in PDF

Appendix A Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist BASICMED SECTION 2: INDIVIDUAL INFORMATION (To be completed by the airman) Form approved OMB No: 2120-0770 Expires: 04/30/2020 1-2 Omitted Name: Last: First: Middle: 4 SS # (optional) Address/street: Telephone:

City State/Country Zip Code:

6. Date of birth: Country of Citizenship:

Color of hair: Color of eyes: Sex:

• Airline Transport • ATC Specialist • Commercial a Flight Engineer • Flight Instructor 10 Type of airman certificate(s) you hold: • Flight Navigator • Private • Recreational • Student • None

• Other 11 Occupation (optional): 12 Employer (optional):

Has your FAA Airman Medical 14. Omitted 13 suspended, revoked, or withdrawn? Certificate ever been denied, • No DYes If yes, give date MM/YYYY 15. Omitted 16 Date of Last FAA Medical Application MM/YYYY or • No Prior Application (If no prior application, STOP. You cannot use BasicMed.)

Do You Currently Use Any Medication? • No •Yes (If yes, list medication(s) and dosage used below.)

(Prescription or over-the-counter) Medication Name Dosage If additional space is needed, check this box • 17 and list information on an additional sheet of paper Do you ever use near vision contact • No •Yes Answer "Yes" if you wear a contact in one eye only to correct for near vision or if you have one 17b. contact that adjusts for near vision and one in the other eye that adjusts for distant vision.

ens(es) while flying Medical History: Mark "Yes" if you have or had any of the following conditions at ANY TIME in your life. Explain when it occurred, the severity, how it was treated, and if you are currently taking any medication or having treatment for the condition or have to see a physician for the condition. Discuss any "Yes" 18 responses with the physician doing this exam.

Additional comments or explanations (Give details in the space below) No Yes

a. Frequent or severe headaches:

b. Dizziness or fainting spell:

c. Unconsciousness for any reason:

d. Eye or vision trouble (except for glasses):

e. Hay fever or allergy:

f. Asthma or lung disease:

g. Heart or vascular trouble:

h. High or low blood pressure:

i. Stomach, liver, or intestinal trouble:

j. Kidney stone or blood in urine:

k. Diabetes:

I. Neurological disorders (epilepsy, seizures, stroke, paralysis, etc.):

No Yes FAA 8700-2 Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (04-17) A-5

Page 30OCROpen in PDF

Appendix A Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist

m. Mental disorders of any sort (depression, anxiety, etc.):

n. or use of illegal substance in the last 2 years: Substance dependence, failed a drug test ever, or substance abuse O. Alcohol dependence or abuse:

p. Suicide attempt:

q. Motion sickness requiring medication:

r. Military medical discharge:

s. Medical rejection by military service:

t. Rejection for life or health insurance:

u. Admitted to a hospital:

x. Other illness, disability, or surgery:

History of (1) any conviction(s) involving driving while intoxicated by,

v. or (2) history of any convictions) or administrative action(s) involving while impaired by, or while under the influence of alcohol or a drug; an offense(s) which resulted in the denial, suspension, cancellation, or revocation of driving privileges or which resulted in attendance at an educational or a rehabilitation program:

w. History of non-traffic conviction(s) (misdemeanors or felonies):

(e.g. battery, assault, public intoxication, robbery, etc.)

Any visits to a health professional Date Name Address Type of Provider Reason within the last 3 years?

19. | No _ Yes If "Yes, list the date, name, address, type of provider and why you saw them.

If additional space is needed, check this box • and list information on an additional sheet of paper Airman's Signature and Declarations In accordance with section 2307(b)(2) (A) of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-190), I affirm that:

• The answers provided by me on this checklist, including my answers regarding my medical history, are true and complete;

• I understand that I am prohibited under Federal Aviation Administration regulations from acting as pilot in command, or in any other capacity as a required flight crewmember, if I know or have reason to know of any medical deficiency or medically disqualifying condition that would make me unable to operate the aircraft in a safe manner; and

• I am aware of the regulations pertaining to the prohibition on operations during medical deficiency and I have no medically disqualifying conditions in accordance with applicable law.

Printed Name Airman Signature NOTE: You must provide ALL sections (SECTION 1-3) of this checklist to your state-licensed physician who will perform and complete the comprehensive medical examination as required by Section 2307(a)(7) of FESSA.

6 FAA 8700-2 Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (04-17) A-6

Page 31OCROpen in PDF

Appendix А BasicMed SECTION 3: Instructions for State-Licensed Physician Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist This checklist is being submitted by an individual seeking to operate certain small aircraft in accordance with 14 CFR 61.113(i). This rule (BasicMed) allows pilots to use this checklist, and other requirements, in lieu of holding a FAA Airman Medical Certificate. The examination checklist may only be completed by a statelicensed physician. Under BasicMed, an individual may only act as pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft that is authorized to carry not more than 6 occupants, and that has a maximum certificated takeoff weight of not more than 6,000 pounds.

As the examining physician, you are required to:

1. Review all sections of the checklist, particularly SECTION 2 completed by the airman.

2. Conduct a comprehensive medical examination in accordance with the checklist by:

a. Examining each item specified;

b. Exercising medical discretion, address, as medically appropriate, any medical conditions identified; and

c. Exercising medical discretion, determine whether any medical tests are warranted as part of the comprehensive medical examination.

3. Review and discuss all prescription and non-prescription medication(s) the individual reports taking and any potential to interfere with the safe operation of an aircraft or motor vehicle.

4. Complete the Physician's Signature and Declaration.

5. Complete the Physician's Information.

You should consider consulting available aeromedical resources on the flight hazards associated with medical conditions/medications, to include:

• The FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners (AME Guide) at http://www.faa.gov/go/ameguide;

• The FAA Pharmaceuticals (Therapeutic Medications) Do Not Issue - Do Not Fly list at http://www.faa.gov/go/dni;

• Chapter 8 of the FAA's Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM 8-1-1), which addresses medical facts for pilots and is available at http://www.faa.gov/air traffic/publications/;

• www.taa.gov/go/basicmed.

7 FAA 8700-2 Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (04-17) A-7

Page 32OCROpen in PDF

Appendix A Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist BASICMED SECTION 3: MEDICAL EXAMINATION (To be performed by state-licensed physician only) Physician Use Only Patient/Pilot name:

Patient/Pilot Date of Birth: Examined

1. Head, face, neck and scalp:

2. Nose, sinuses, mouth, and throat:

3. Ears, general:

(Internal and external (canals) and eardrums (perforation):

4. Eyes (general), ophthalmoscopic, pupils, (equality and reaction), and ocular motility (associated parallel movement, nystagmus):

5. Lungs and chest:

(Not including breast examination):

6. Heart:

(precordial activity, rhythm, sounds, and murmurs):

7. Vascular system:

(pulse, amplitude, and character and arms, legs, and others):

8. Abdomen and viscera:

(including hernia):

9. Anus:

(not including digital examination):

10. Skin:

11. G-U system:

(not including pelvic examination):

12. Upper and lower extremities:

(strength and range of motion):

13. Spine and other musculoskeletal:

14. Identifying body marks, scars, and tattoos (size and location):

15. Lymphatics:

16. Neurologic:

(tendon reflexes, equilibrium, senses, cranial nerves, coordination, etc.):

17. Psychiatric:

(appearance, behavior, mood, communication, and memory):

18. General systemic:

19. Hearing:

20. Vision:

(distant, near, and intermediate vision, field of vision, color vision, and ocular alignment):

21. Blood pressure and pulse:

22. Anything else the physician, in his or her medical judgment, considers necessary.

8 FAA 8700-2 Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (04-17) A-8

Page 33OCROpen in PDF

Appendix A Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist In accordance with 14 CFR 68.5 and 68.7, the examining physician is instructed to:

• Exercise medical discretion to address, as medically appropriate, any medical conditions identified, and to exercise medical discretion in determining whether any medical tests are warranted as part of the comprehensive medical examination; and

• Discuss all drugs the individual reports taking (prescription and nonprescription) and their potential to interfere with the safe operation of an aircraft or motor vehicle.

Physician's Signature and Declaration

• In accordance with section 2307(b)(2)(C)(iv), of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-190), I certify that I discussed all items on this checklist with the individual during my examination, discussed any medications the individual is taking that could interfere with their ability to safely operate an aircraft or motor vehicle, and performed an examination that included all of the items on this checklist. I certify that I am not aware of any medical condition that, as presently treated, could interfere with the individual's ability to sately operate an aircraft.

Patient/Pilot Name (printed) Patient/Pilot Date of Birth Signature of Physician who performed the exam Physician's Information Full name of physician who performed the Last : First: Middle Initial:

1. exam:

Printed or Stamp State license number: State Medical license number

2.

3. Telephone number:

Street address: Address: Suite:

4.

City: State: Zip Code:

Date of Examination:

5.

(MMIDDIYYYY) 9 FAA 8700-2 Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (04-17) A-9

Advisory Circular Feedback Form If you find an error in this AC, have recommendations for improving it, or have suggestions for new items/subjects to be added, you may let us know by contacting the General Aviation and Commercial Division (AFS-800) at 9-AFS-800-Correspondence@faa.gov or the Flight Standards Directives Management Officer at 9-AWA-AFS-140-Directives@faa.gov.

Subject: AC 68-1A, BasicMed Date: _____________________ Please check all appropriate line items:

An error (procedural or typographical) has been noted in paragraph ____________ on page _______.

Recommend paragraph _____________ on page __________ be changed as follows:

______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ In a future change to this AC, please cover the following subject:

(Briefly describe what you want added.)

______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Other comments:

______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ I would like to discuss the above. Please contact me.

Submitted by: Date: ______________________