Comments from LifeStyle Aviation’s President, John Armstrong:
The long awaited medical reform law is making its way through the processes at the FAA and is scheduled to take effect this year. This changes the medical requirements for pilots to use general aviation aircraft for non-commercial uses and enhances the freedom that general aviation offers with less overhead to pilots.“General Aviation is all about convenience and freedom.” states John Armstrong, Founder and CEO of LifeStyle Aviation. “This new approach will reduce the complexities of maintaining a private pilot’s certificate for all those that want to use airplanes to enhance their lives and their lifestyles. We applaud the work of all those that were involved in making this new law and look forward to its final implementation.”LifeStyle Aviation offers a wide range of modern personal aircraft and anticipates the new law will allow them to help more people enjoy personal modern aviation.
FAA Update: Medical Certification of Small Aircraft Pilots (BasicMed)
On July 15, 2016, Congress passed legislation to extend the FAA’s funding. This legislation, FAA Extension, Safety, Security Act of 2016 (FESSA) includes relief from holding an FAA medical certificate for certain pilots.
When does the legislation take effect?
In the legislation, Congress required that the FAA issue regulations within six months using the guidance in FESSA. The FAA is required to issue or revise regulations to codify the relief in FESSA by January 10, 2017. The FAA has met this deadline, and the regulation will be made available by the Federal Register on Tuesday, January 10. The new relief in the regulations is called BasicMed.
When can I operate under BasicMed?
Although the FAA has published the BasicMed rules, the regulations do not go into effect until May 1, 2017. This is to allow time for a comment period on the information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. After that point, if you meet the BasicMed requirements, you can operate without an FAA medical certificate. The FAA anticipates an online medical course that meets the BasicMed requirements will be available by March 2017.
Basic Pilot Requirements:
- Possess a U.S. driver’s license
- Have held a medical that was valid at any time after July 15, 2006.
- Have completed a medical education course described in FESSA within the past 24 calendar months
- Have received a comprehensive medical examination from a State-licensed physician within the previous 48 months.
- Is under the care and treatment of a physician for certain conditions
- Make certain health attestations and agree to a National Driver Register check
Basic Aircraft Requirements:
- Any aircraft authorized under federal law to carry not more than 6 occupants
- Has a maximum certificated takeoff weight of not more than 6,000 pounds
Basic Operating Requirements:
- Carries not more than five passengers
- Operates under VFR or IFR, within the United States, at less than 18,000 feet MSL, not exceeding 250 knots.
- Flight not operated for compensation or hire