The FAA, working with industry, is preparing for the formal rollout of the BasicMed option on May 1, releasing the requisite Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist and link to the free Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Self-Assessment Course.

Under a rule released on January 10, pilots who complete a medical education course every two years and undergo a medical examination every four years can qualify to fly under the BasicMed alternative without holding a current third-class medical certificate. Pilots also must meet certain other requirements, such as having a valid drivers license, and comply with certain operational restrictions. “General aviation pilots can now prepare to fly under BasicMed,” the FAA declared yesterday in a statement.

“We fought long and hard for this on behalf of our members, and we’re excited that pilots can now start the BasicMed process,” added AOPA president Mark Baker. “You’re now cleared to take the necessary steps to get in the air as of May 1.”

AOPA believes BasicMed has the potential to affect thousands of pilots and is hopeful that it will bring back former pilots who have stopped flying for fear of losing their medical certificate or because of the bureaucracy and costs involved with special issuance medicals.