BasicMed vs Third Class Medical: Which Should You Use in 2026?

Complete comparison of BasicMed vs FAA third class medical certificate for pilots in 2026. Covers eligibility, aircraft limitations, cost, process, and when each option makes sense.

When Congress passed the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, it created BasicMed — a simplified medical pathway that lets eligible pilots fly without an FAA-issued medical certificate. Since May 2017, BasicMed has allowed pilots who held a valid medical certificate after July 14, 2006 to fly without going back to an aviation medical examiner (AME).

But BasicMed comes with limitations that a third-class medical does not. Choosing between them isn't complicated once you understand the tradeoffs.

Who Qualifies for BasicMed?

• You must have held a valid FAA medical certificate at any point after July 14, 2006
• Your most recent FAA medical must not have been denied, revoked, suspended, or withdrawn
• You must hold a valid US driver's license
• You must have completed the online medical education course (AOPA or FAA-approved) within the past 24 calendar months
• You must have had a physical exam with a state-licensed physician within the past 48 calendar months, with the CMEC form completed

BasicMed Aircraft and Operation Limitations

BasicMed is more restrictive than a third-class medical. Under 14 CFR §61.113(i) and the applicable sections of PHSA §2307, you may only fly under BasicMed if:

• The aircraft has <strong>no more than 6 seats</strong> (including pilot)
• Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is <strong>6,000 lbs or less</strong>
• Maximum airspeed is <strong>250 knots IAS or less</strong>
• Flight altitude is <strong>at or below 18,000 feet MSL</strong>
• You are <strong>not flying for compensation or hire</strong>
• Flight is <strong>within the US</strong> (some bilateral agreements allow international operations)

Third Class Medical: What It Allows

A third-class FAA medical certificate, issued by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), has fewer aircraft restrictions. With a valid third-class medical, you can fly any aircraft you're certificated and rated for as a private pilot, without weight, speed, or altitude restrictions specific to the medical class.

Third-class medicals are valid for 60 calendar months if you're under 40 years old at the time of exam, and 24 calendar months if you're 40 or older.

Cost and Process Comparison

BasicMed Process

1. Complete the free online AOPA BasicMed course (takes about 30-60 minutes, valid 24 months)
2. Schedule a physical with any state-licensed physician — your regular doctor qualifies
3. Physician reviews the CMEC checklist (FAA Form 8700-2) with you and completes it
4. Keep the completed CMEC in your logbook/records — no FAA submission required
5. Repeat the online course every 24 months; repeat the physician visit every 48 months

Third Class Medical Process

1. Schedule with an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) — find one at FAA's AME locator
2. Complete the MedXPress form online (FAA Form 8500-8) within 60 days of your exam
3. Attend the exam — vision, hearing, blood pressure, urine test, physical exam
4. If issued: certificate is valid immediately
5. If deferred: paperwork goes to AMCD in Oklahoma City for review (can take weeks to months)

When Third Class Is Still the Better Choice

• You want to fly aircraft over 6,000 lbs MTOW (e.g., Cessna 210, Piper Seneca, most twins)
• You plan to fly internationally without bilateral agreement coverage
• You want the flexibility to fly above 18,000 ft MSL in the future
• You are pursuing a career in aviation (any commercial operation requires at least second class)
• Your physician is unfamiliar with aviation and you'd rather have an AME handle the evaluation

When BasicMed Makes Perfect Sense

• You fly recreationally in a typical GA airplane (Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee, RV-7, etc.)
• You have a medical condition that might complicate an AME exam (controlled hypertension, history of depression treatment, etc.)
• You want to avoid the AMCD deferral process and its associated waiting and uncertainty
• Your last medical lapsed and re-qualifying would require an SI (Special Issuance)
• Cost matters — your regular doctor visit is usually far cheaper than an AME exam

The Bottom Line

For recreational pilots flying typical GA aircraft under 6,000 lbs, BasicMed is a practical, lower-cost option that lets you use your own doctor. For pilots who want maximum flexibility, fly heavier aircraft, or have career aspirations, a traditional FAA medical certificate remains the right choice. Many pilots maintain both — keeping a current CMEC for BasicMed while also holding a valid FAA third-class.

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