CFI NOTES DID YOU KNOW? BasicMed: How will it affect your clients? Earlier this year, the FAA published Advisory Circular AC 68-1, which describes how pilots can exercise student, recreational, and private pilot privileges in certain small aircraft without holding a current medical certificate. The AC provides guidelines on medical requirements and aircraft and operating restrictions that pilots must meet to act as pilot in command for most FAR Part 91 operations. five passengers; fly an aircraft under 6,000 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight that is authorized to carry no more than six occupants; conduct flights within the United States; fly at an indicated airspeed of 250 knots or less; fly at an altitude at or below 18,000 feet mean sea level; and not fly for compensation or hire (except as discussed in the advisory circular)." A recent AOPA online article noted that "pilots can conduct any operation that they would otherwise be able to conduct using their pilot certificate and a third class medical certificate, except that under BasicMed you may fly with no more than BasicMed will go into effect on May 1. AOPA has developed a "Fit to Fly Pilot Resources" page (aopa.org/fittofly) that includes frequently asked questions and an interactive tool your clients can use to see if they qualify. LEARN MORE: FAA Advisory Circular www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_68-1.pdf Do you qualify for BasicMed? (interactive tool) aopa.org/advocacy/pilots/medical/fit-to-fly-selector-tool AOPA Fit To Fly Resources aopa.org/fittofly BasicMed FAQs aopa.org/advocacy/pilots/medical/third-class-airman-medical-reformhttp://www.aopa.org/fittofly http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_68-1.pdf http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/pilots/medical/fit-to-fly-selector-tool http://www.aopa.org/fittofly http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/pilots/medical/third-class-airman-medical-reform