Pilot BasicMed Physical
What is a Pilot BasicMed Physical?
Pilot BasicMed Physicals are an alternative to the traditional FAA medical exam pilots use to confirm their flying ability. The BasicMed physical is administered by an aviation medical practitioner (often a family doctor, like Dr. McElya) using a checklist that includes the pilot's medical history, physical exam, and ECG.
Dr. McElya follows the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist for BasicMed that has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. This physical must be updated every four years.
How Does Pilot BasicMed Physical Work?
A Pilot BasicMed physical will include a complete medical history, physical examination, an evaluation of any special medical needs, and a referral for an electrocardiogram (ECG). This ensures that the pilot does not have any underlying medical conditions or physiological conditions that would prevent them from safely flying an aircraft. The ECG is also important for evaluating the pilot's heart health, as well as for detecting abnormal rhythms of the heart.