3rd Class Medical vs Basic Med

[don.olandese]

i'd like to do some flying in Panama next year but don't know status there, for instance...

[FlyingBanker]

Are any of the advocacy groups like EAA or AOPA trying to get further reform to allow an otherwise qualified pilot to act as safety pilot under BasicMed without having to also act as PIC for the entire duration of the flight? Seems absurdly silly that I can act as PIC but can't act as safety pilot.

[tdhanson]

I had thought Basic Med would be an easier and cheaper process. Nope. Northern CA Kaiser won't sign off on the Basic Med even though they promote health and the opportunity to 'Thrive' in their HMO program. Didn't fulfill my needs at all.

So I ended up at my regular airmed doctor who offered either class 3 or Basic Med at the same price. I had already filled out the paperwork for Basic Med so I went with that. Next time I'll revert back to class 3.

Lawmakers and FAA/AOPA and lobbyists need to push for more acceptance of the Basic Med process and alleviate any liability concerns.

[Ted RV8]

Really it’s half the price since basic med is good for four years between doctor visits. Depending on your age for class three duration.

Which doctor did your medical? Cost?

[Mel]

Also remember that if you fail Class III, you fail and enter into FAA Medical ****.

If there is a problem you don't fail Basic Med. You simply don't pass. You and your doctor work out the problem and then he issues Basic Med!

[dreed]

I live in the PNW so with Canada so close I need at least a 3rd but do 2nd (used to do 1st but my AME quit doing first class since he's in his 80's- cool dude though, former Navy F-4 driver from Vietnam).

Kind of a bummer too because my best friend a several others are doc's and could sign me off for free.

[Don E]

Originally Posted by Ted RV8

Really it?s half the price since basic med is good for four years between doctor visits. Depending on your age for class three duration.

Which doctor did your medical? Cost?

I went Basic Med and true, it?s four years but at twice the cost of a third class for two years.

[springer]

Originally Posted by dreed

I live in the PNW so with Canada so close I need at least a 3rd but do 2nd (used to do 1st but my AME quit doing first class since he's in his 80's- cool dude though, former Navy F-4 driver from Vietnam)

Interesting as my AME in TUS is a former AF F-4 driver.

[svyolo]

Easiest and cheapest route is probably class 1. Sounds crazy. Trust me.

[emuyshondt]

Originally Posted by Don E

I went Basic Med and true, it?s four years but at twice the cost of a third class for two years.

For me, my primary care doctor was willing to sign the BasicMed forms at the end of a standard physical exam, which is covered by my medical insurance as preventive care. Thus, BasicMed lasts longer than a 3rd class medical, and I have no out of pocket cost.