FAA BasicMed Exam in Seattle
Seattle Aviation Medical provides FAA BasicMed exams for pilots in Seattle, West Seattle, and the greater King County area.
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Our physician-led BasicMed evaluations are efficient, straightforward, and designed to help you meet FAA BasicMed requirements with confidence. Most visits take about 20–30 minutes, and you’ll leave with a completed BasicMed exam form ready for your online course submission.
What Is BasicMed?
BasicMed is an FAA alternative medical qualification pathway that allows many general aviation pilots to fly certain aircraft without holding a current FAA medical certificate.
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Instead of obtaining a traditional FAA medical certificate, eligible pilots can complete a BasicMed physical exam with a state-licensed physician and take an approved online medical education course.
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Once completed, pilots may continue flying non-commercial aircraft under BasicMed privileges while meeting the ongoing BasicMed requirements.
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Seattle Aviation Medical provides BasicMed exams in Seattle for pilots seeking a convenient and physician-led evaluation.
Prior Certification
You have held a valid FAA medical certificate at any time after July 14, 2006.
Education Course
You must complete an FAA-approved BasicMed online medical education course every 24 months.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for BasicMed, you can review the FAA’s current BasicMed guidance or schedule a consultation to discuss your eligibility before your BasicMed exam.
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​Certain medical conditions may require additional FAA review before flying under BasicMed. If you have previously had a special issuance medical certificate, additional documentation may be required.
Who May Qualify for BasicMed?
Eligibility for BasicMed depends on several FAA rules, including your prior FAA medical certification history and the type of flying you plan to do. Every pilot’s situation is unique, so you should always review the current FAA BasicMed requirements and confirm your own eligibility.
Flight Operations
BasicMed allows pilots to operate aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of up to 12,500 pounds and authorized for up to seven occupants (six passengers).
Physician Checklist
You complete a BasicMed physical exam with a state-licensed physician, who completes the required FAA BasicMed physical examination checklist.
What Happens During a BasicMed Exam?
A BasicMed exam at Seattle Aviation Medical is designed to be clear, efficient, and focused on aviation safety. During your visit, our physician reviews your health in the context of your flying so you understand how your medical history, medications, and conditions relate to your ability to safely operate an aircraft.
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Review of your medical history, including prior medical conditions, surgeries, and hospitalizations
Review of your current medications and whether they may affect aviation safety or flight duties
A focused physical exam based on the FAA BasicMed physician examination checklist
Discussion of any symptoms, medical concerns, or aviation-related questions you may have.
Completion of the FAA BasicMed physical examination checklist, which you will keep with your records after completing your online BasicMed course.
Our goal is to make your FAA BasicMed exam in Seattle straightforward and efficient, so you leave with a clear understanding of your results and the next steps to complete your BasicMed certification.
What to Bring to Your BasicMed Appointment
To help your BasicMed exam in Seattle run smoothly and efficiently, please bring the following items to your appointment at Seattle Aviation Medical.
ID
Photo Identification
A government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
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Visual Aids
Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you use them for distance or reading.
Rx
Medication List
An up-to-date list of all medications, including exact dosages and frequencies.
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Medical Records
Relevant medical records or reports, especially for chronic conditions or prior FAA special issuance medical certificates.
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BasicMed Checklist
Bring the FAA Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) with the pilot portion completed before your visit.
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Previous FAA Medical Certificate
If available, bring a copy of your most recent FAA medical certificate.
Bringing these items helps your physician complete your BasicMed physical exam efficiently and accurately.
How Long Does a BasicMed Exam Take?
Most BasicMed exams at Seattle Aviation Medical take about 20–30 minutes, depending on your medical history and any questions you may have. Our goal is to keep your visit efficient, respectful of your time, and focused on aviation safety so you can get back to flying without unnecessary delays.
Why Choose Seattle Aviation Medical for BasicMed?
Physician-performed BasicMed exams with experience working with pilots in the Pacific Northwest.
Convenient Seattle location for pilots in West Seattle and throughout King County.
Straightforward scheduling and clear communication throughout your BasicMed exam process.
Respectful, efficient visits focused on your safety, comfort, and FAA regulatory compliance.
Experience with FAA aviation medical exams, including pilots flying under BasicMed.
BasicMed Exam
We offer clear, transparent pricing for FAA BasicMed exams in Seattle.
Your BasicMed exam fee covers the office visit, medical evaluation, and completion of the FAA BasicMed physician examination checklist. If additional testing or documentation is needed, we will discuss this with you in advance.
Questions about pricing or payment options?
If you have questions about payment options for your BasicMed exam in Seattle, please contact our office. Our team is happy to help you plan your visit. BasicMed exams are cash-pay services and are not billed to insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions About BasicMed Exams
What is the difference between BasicMed and a regular FAA medical exam?
Do I need to bring forms to my BasicMed visit?
A traditional FAA medical exam results in an FAA medical certificate issued by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). BasicMed is an alternative pathway that allows certain qualified pilots to fly without holding a current FAA medical certificate, provided they complete a BasicMed physical exam with a state-licensed physician and an FAA-approved online medical education course.
Pilots should bring the FAA Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) with the pilot portion completed before the visit.
Can I do a BasicMed exam if I wear glasses?
How often do I need a BasicMed exam?
Yes. Many pilots safely fly under BasicMed while wearing glasses or contact lenses. We will check your vision with your usual correction during your visit. As long as you meet the appropriate vision standards with correction and otherwise meet FAA requirements, wearing glasses or contact lenses does not prevent you from qualifying for BasicMed as long as FAA vision standards are met with correction.
The BasicMed physical exam must be completed every 48 months, and the FAA-approved BasicMed online medical education course must be completed every 24 months.
What if I have a medical condition?
Having a medical condition does not automatically prevent you from flying under BasicMed. During your visit we will review your history, current treatment, and any relevant specialist documentation. Certain conditions may require additional FAA evaluation before flying under BasicMed, but many pilots with stable medical conditions are able to qualify.
Book Your BasicMed Exam
If you're a pilot in Seattle, West Seattle, or anywhere in King County, schedule your BasicMed exam with Seattle Aviation Medical. Our goal is a clear, efficient visit so you can get back to flying with confidence.
Prefer to talk first? Email our office if you have questions before scheduling your BasicMed exam.