FAA Renews Pilot Exam Skip Program—Fly Without the Full Checkup?
Published Date: 4/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA is renewing its approval to collect info from pilots who want to fly small planes without the usual medical exam, thanks to a special law called BasicMed. This affects pilots who meet certain health and education rules, letting them skip the traditional medical certificate. If you’re a pilot or interested, you can comment on this plan by June 22, 2026—no extra fees, just a quick form to keep flying safe and simple!
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Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
BasicMed Eligibility Info Collection Continues
The FAA is renewing its approval to collect information under the BasicMed rule (section 2307 of Pub. L. 114-190). This collection lets eligible pilots establish with the FAA that they meet the BasicMed health and education requirements so they can operate covered small aircraft without the usual FAA medical certificate.
Paperwork and Time Requirements for BasicMed
Pilots using BasicMed must provide information to the FAA; the FAA estimates about 50,000 respondents, an average burden of 21 minutes per response, and a total annual burden of 17,500 hours. BasicMed-related training is once every two years and the medical exam is once every four years.
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