FAA Private Pilot Medical Information

July 6th, 2017

David A. Tushin AGI, IGI

FAA Medical Requirements

The FAA requires all private pilots to have a valid 3rd class medical or higher, which is issued by an
Aviation Medical Examiner in order to exercise their privileges as a private pilot. As of May 1, 2017 the
FAA released BasicMed which provides an exception to the
rule, as long as they comply with the general BasicMed
requirements (possess a U.S. driver's license, have held an
FAA medical after July 14, 2006).
NOTE: That if you have never held an class of FAA medical
you will be required to obtain at least a 3rd class medical or
higher from an Aviation Medical Examiner.

BasicMed
Pursuant to 61.113(i) of the FARs, private pilots will be able to
exercise the privileges of their pilot certificate without a medical
certificate effective May 1, 2017. In order to do so, pilots will
have to comply with the medical requirements contained in a
new FAR Part 68, known as BasicMed.

BasicMed is an alternative to a 3rd Class Medical Certificate

issued by the FAA. Pilots will have the option of complying with
the BasicMed regulations or continuing to obtain their medical
certificates as in the past. In addition to a physical examination
and certification by any licensed physician every 4 years, pilots
will have to complete a course on aero-medical issues every
24 months.

In general, pilots must have held a valid Medical Certificate at

any point after July 14, 2006 which has not been suspended or revoked and their most recent application
for a Medical Certificate must not have been denied, suspended or revoked.
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There are also restrictions as to the aircraft and operations under which pilots can operate with
BasicMed. In summary: Aircraft must be authorized by the FAA to carry not more than six occupants
and its maximum certified takeoff weight cannot exceed 6,000 pounds. Flight operations are limited to the
United States including Puerto Rico and US possessions. No flight may be conducted in excess of 250
knots or above 18,000 feet MSL.

The above is a summary and there are many other important details. Therefore, pilots must become
familiar with the BasicMed regulation at FAR 61.113(i) and through FAA Advisory Circular AC 68.1 which
can be found at:

https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_68-1.pdf

FAA Aviation Medical Examiners (AME)

Aviation Medical Examiners is a physician designated by the FAA and given authority to perform
flight examinations and issue aviation medical certificates. To find an FAA approved AME
please go to the following website and enter your address:

https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/

Below is a list of FAA AMEs within Ventura County. Please note that Camarillo Flight Instruction
does not endorse or recommend any particular AME over another.

Ventura Co. FAA Aviation Medical Examiners

1240
WESTLAKE WESTLAKE
DAYA, ANIL VENTURA CA 913611988 8053714820
BLVD., VILLAGE
SUITE 137
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1429 E
DOODY, THOUSAND THOUSAND
VENTURA CA 913620000 8054955827
WILLIAM OAKS BLVD , OAKS
STE 102

1240
HANZELIK, WESTLAKE WESTLAKE
VENTURA CA 913610000 8054464444
EDWARD S. BLVD SUITE VILLAGE
231

SCOTT,
305 DURLEY VENTURA CAMARILLO CA 930109102 8059870516
WILLIAM

247 W
WIKHOLM, SANTA
HARVARD VENTURA CA 93060 8055250907
GARY D PAULA
BLVD