The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introduced the BasicMed rule to provide an alternative to holding a medical certificate for pilots. This regulation allows pilots to operate small aircraft, including private flights and some commercial operations, under less stringent medical requirements. However, ensuring that your BasicMed paperwork is correctly mailed to the FAA is crucial for compliance with these regulations. Here are five steps to know if your BasicMed paperwork has been successfully sent to the FAA:
1. Review the BasicMed Eligibility Criteria
Before delving into whether your paperwork has been mailed, ensure you meet the BasicMed eligibility criteria:
- You must hold or have previously held a medical certificate issued under 14 CFR part 67 that expired within the past 10 years.
- You must not have had a denial, revocation, or suspension of your medical certificate within the past 10 years.
- You must undergo a medical examination by a state-licensed physician, completing the CMEC (Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist).
2. Complete the BasicMed Paperwork
To apply for BasicMed, you need to complete the following documentation:
- CMEC - This is the form your state-licensed physician must fill out after conducting a physical examination. It confirms that you meet the medical standards for flying under BasicMed.
- Comprehensive BasicMed Checklist - This is to ensure that you have met all the educational requirements, including the online Aeromedical Factor course.
- Application for BasicMed - This form includes your personal details and medical information, signed by both you and your physician.
These documents need to be mailed to the FAA.
3. Check for Confirmation Receipt
After mailing your BasicMed paperwork:
- Look for a receipt of confirmation from the FAA. This could be either a physical receipt in your mail or an email notification. The FAA typically uses the email address provided on your application.
- If you provided a self-addressed stamped envelope with your paperwork, the FAA will use this to return your confirmation or any issues with your application.
📩 Note: If you do not receive confirmation within 3-4 weeks, contact the FAA directly for follow-up.
4. Online Verification
Visit the FAA’s Medical Certification System online to check the status of your BasicMed application:
- Log into the FAA MedXPress portal using your credentials.
- Navigate to the section where you can track the status of your medical certificates or BasicMed eligibility.
- Look for any updates or notifications regarding your BasicMed paperwork.
If the status shows as ‘Processed’ or ‘Completed,’ your paperwork has been successfully mailed and received.
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Submitted | Your application has been received but not yet processed. |
| In Review | Your application is currently under review by FAA staff. |
| Processed | Your paperwork has been processed and is now in the system. |
| Completed | Your BasicMed eligibility has been confirmed. |
5. Contact the FAA Directly
If all the above steps yield no clear results:
- Reach out to the FAA’s Airmen Certification Branch through phone or email. Provide them with your Airmen Certificate Number, name, and date of submission.
- They can check if your paperwork has been received or if there are any issues with your application that need your attention.
Make sure you have your documents at hand when contacting them, as they might need to refer to specific parts of your application.
🔍 Note: Keep records of all correspondence with the FAA, including dates and times of calls, as well as email exchanges.
In summary, knowing if your BasicMed paperwork has been successfully mailed to the FAA involves several steps. Start by reviewing the eligibility criteria, completing the necessary forms accurately, and looking out for confirmation from the FAA. Utilize online tools to check the status of your application, and if needed, directly contact the FAA for further assurance. Ensuring compliance with these steps will not only keep your flying privileges intact but also make your experience as a pilot more straightforward and stress-free.
What are the basic requirements for BasicMed eligibility?
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To be eligible for BasicMed, you must have held a medical certificate under 14 CFR part 67 within the past 10 years, not had a medical certificate denied, revoked, or suspended within the past 10 years, and complete a medical examination with a state-licensed physician using the CMEC form.
How long does it take to receive confirmation from the FAA for BasicMed paperwork?
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You should expect to receive confirmation from the FAA within 3-4 weeks. If you don’t receive any notification, it’s advisable to contact the FAA directly to inquire about the status of your application.
Can I fly under BasicMed before receiving FAA confirmation?
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No, you cannot fly under BasicMed until your eligibility has been confirmed by the FAA. You must ensure that your physician has completed the CMEC form, and you have met all educational requirements before operating under BasicMed.
What should I do if my BasicMed paperwork is lost or delayed?
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If your paperwork is lost or delayed, contact the FAA’s Airmen Certification Branch directly. Have your Airmen Certificate Number, name, and date of submission ready to assist in locating your application or resolving any issues.
Is there an alternative to mailing BasicMed paperwork?
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Currently, the FAA requires physical mailing of BasicMed paperwork. There are no official electronic submission options available, ensuring that all required documentation is appropriately completed and authenticated by medical professionals.
