The Basic-Med Pilots Examination
NEWS
Edmund D. Brundell
DC
An interesting development in the field of general aviation has made it possible for chiropractors to perform flight physicals for aviators. To better understand this development, a bit of history is required.
Prior to May 1, 2017, the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) required private, recreational, and student pilots, as well as flight instructors, to meet the requirements of and possess a third-class medical certificate. They were required to complete an online application and undergo a physical examination with an FAA-designated aviation medical examiner. Once issued a medical certificate is valid for five years for pilots under age 40 and for two years for pilots age 40 and older.
However, the U.S. Congress enacted the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (PL 114-190) (FESSA) on July 15, 2016—section 2307 of FESSA includes Medical Certification of Certain Small Aircraft Pilots. Within this Act, Congress directed the FAA to “issue or revise regulations to ensure that an individual may operate as pilot in command of a covered aircraft” if the pilot and aircraft meet certain prescribed conditions as outlined in FESSA. The FAA regulations implemented the provisions in § 2307 of FESSA.
From this, the basic-med exam was formed. While the third-class medical still exists, basic-med differs from it in the following areas:
• Restricts the pilot to aircraft gross weight at takeoff and airspeed maximums. Fortunately, the vast majority of general aviation aircraft are acceptable.
• Restricts maximum altitude a pilot may fly at and that they may not fly outside the U.S.
• Only has three medical conditions that are disqualifying, which are specific: mental, neurological, and cardiac issues. These conditions require a onetime formal FAA special issuance before using or reusing the basic-med exam. Substance abuse issues may also delay using basic-med.
• Does not require the examination be performed by an FAA-designated aviation medical examiner. Under basic-med, all that is required is that the individual performing the examination be a licensed physician.
Therefore, any chiropractor licensed by his or her state as a chiropractic physician may perform the basic-med exam and issue a medical clearance to fly. States that issue licenses designated as “doctor of chiropractic” or “chiropractor” may not perform these exams. There is no qualifying exam, such as with the DOT medical examiner. If your state license indicates you are a physician, the FAA accepts this as sufficient to perform the basic-med exam.
It is not necessary for the physician also to be a pilot. You are not evaluating someone’s abilities as a pilot, only if they are physically able to safely operate the vehicle as set forth within the FAA medical regulations.
If you are considering the possibility of adding this to your practice, TeamCme (TeamCme.com) offers a course on it. Other sources of excellent information can be found through the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Organization (AOPA.org) and the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA.gov).
Dr. Brundell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Counseling along with his DC. He is a Certified Medical Examiner and can be contacted directly at [email protected] or (239) 362-0881.
