FAA BasicMed Exams in Charlotte, NC
Get your FAA BasicMed medical certification from an experienced provider. I offer BasicMed exam certifications for pilots in the Charlotte area.
$100
322 Lamar Ave, Suite 101
Charotte, NC 28204
980-272-7708
Same-day Appointments
What is a FAA BasicMed Certificate
BasicMed is an alternate way for pilots to fly without holding an FAA medical certificate as long as they meet certain requirements. The BasicMed exam can be performed by any state-licensed physician, making it more convenient and accessible than traditional FAA medical certifications.
BasicMed cert allows pilots to fly aircraft up to 12,500 pounds with up to 6 passengers at speeds below 250 knots and altitudes under 18,000 feet.
What is a 3rd Class Medical Certificate
A 3rd Class FAA medical certificate is required for pilots exercising the privileges of a private pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, or student pilot certificate.
This initial examination must be performed by an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). As a chiropractor, I am not permitted to perform 3rd Class medical exams.
Which Exam Do You Need?
Choose BasicMed if:
- You’ve held an FAA medical certificate before
- You fly smaller aircraft recreationally
- You want more flexibility in providers
- You prefer less frequent renewals (48 months)
Choose 3rd Class if:
- You’ve never held an FAA medical certificate
- You’re a student pilot
- You plan to fly commercially in the future
- Your flying exceeds BasicMed limitations
BasicMed Requirements
Any pilot who has already held a 1st, 2nd or 3rd class medical Certificate at some point after July 14, 2006
Hold a valid U.S. driver's license
Complete a medical education course every 24 months
Undergo a physical exam with a state-licensed physician every 48 months
Not have had your most recent medical certificate revoked, suspended, or withdrawn
3rd Class Medical Certificate Requirements
Required for initial student pilots and private pilots
More comprehensive than BasicMed
Performed by FAA-designated AME
Valid for 24 months if age 40 or older
Valid for 60 months if under age 40
Why choose BasicMed over a 3rd Class Medical?
1. Easily Find a Doctor
The most significant advantage of BasicMed is that any state-licensed physician can perform the exam rather than an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
- Easily find a physician quickly and cheaply to get your exam done at your convenience.
2. No "Special Issuance" Bureaucracy
For pilots with certain manageable conditions (like stable diabetes or mild heart issues), the FAA often requires a Special Issuance (SI) for a 3rd Class Medical.
The 3rd Class Burden: An SI often requires expensive annual tests and months of waiting for the FAA to process paperwork in Oklahoma City.
The BasicMed Solution: As long as you have held a medical certificate (even an SI) that was valid after July 14, 2006, you can transition to BasicMed. Once there, you and your doctor manage your condition locally. You don’t have to send your files to the FAA for approval every year.
3. Cost and Convenience
Availability: Finding an AME can be difficult depending on your location, and they often charge a premium for the specialized exam. Almost any state-licensed physician can perform a BasicMed exam during a routine physical.
Frequency: A BasicMed physical is required every 48 months (regardless of age), whereas a 3rd Class Medical requires a visit every 24 months if you are over age 40.
Why Choose Carolina MedWorks for Your BasicMed Exam
Quick Turnaround
Fast, efficient exams with same-day certification processing available.
Experienced Provider
Dr. Ryan McGrann has extensive experience with aviation medical exams.
Convenient Location
Accessible location near Uptown Charlotte with flexible scheduling.
While the 3rd Class Medical is the traditional route, BasicMed was designed specifically to keep pilots flying without the administrative hurdles and anxieties often associated with the FAA’s medical bureaucracy. For many recreational pilots, it is the more practical, “user-friendly” choice.
How BasicMed Works
1
Complete the Online Course
First, you’ll need to complete an FAA-approved online medical education course.
2
Fill Out Your CMEC
Download the FAA’s Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) and fill out the pilot information section.
Schedule Today
Visit Carolina MedWorks for all your testing needs.