If you’re a private, recreational, or student pilot — or a flight instructor — BasicMed offers a simpler, more affordable alternative to the FAA’s third-class medical certificate. Crosby Chiropractic & Acupuncture Centre performs BasicMed exams for eligible pilots right here in St. Peters, in a single visit.
Cost: $170. Call 636-928-5588 to schedule.
What is BasicMed?
BasicMed is an FAA medical qualification program created under the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016. It lets eligible pilots fly as pilot in command of certain aircraft without obtaining a third-class medical certificate from an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Instead, the exam is performed by a state-licensed physician using the FAA’s Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC), and the pilot retains the signed checklist in their logbook.
A BasicMed exam, once complete, is valid for 48 months under 14 CFR 61.23(c)(3)(i).
Who is BasicMed for?
BasicMed is available to pilots who:
- Hold (or have held since July 14, 2006) a valid FAA medical certificate
- Possess a current and valid U.S. driver’s license
- Are flying aircraft authorized under federal law to carry no more than 7 occupants, with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of not more than 12,500 pounds
- Are operating under VFR or IFR within the United States, at or below 18,000 feet MSL, and not exceeding 250 knots
Airline transport and commercial pilots are not eligible for BasicMed and must continue to use the FAA medical certificate program.
How the BasicMed exam works at our office
Per FAA requirements, the BasicMed process has four steps:
- You complete Section 2Â of the FAA’s Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist before your visit and bring the full form (with Section 2 completed) to your appointment.
- Our state-licensed physician performs a comprehensive medical examination addressing all items in Section 3 of the checklist. The physician completes the Physician’s Signature and Declaration if there is no medical condition known to the physician that, as presently treated, could interfere with your ability to safely operate an aircraft.
- You retain the completed checklist in your logbook (in any legible paper or electronic format) and make it available on request.
- You must receive this comprehensive medical exam by a state-licensed physician during the previous 48 months to act as PIC under BasicMed (14 CFR 61.23(c)(3)(i)).
You’ll also need to complete the FAA’s free online BasicMed medical education course separately — keep the completion certificate in your logbook alongside the signed CMEC.
Before your visit
Download and print the FAA’s BasicMed checklist (Form 8700-2), complete Section 2, and bring the full form with you:
Download FAA Form 8700-2 (BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist)
Also bring:
- Your current U.S. driver’s license
- A list of any medications you take
- Contact information for any treating physicians or specialists
- Glasses, contacts, or hearing aids if you use them
Pricing
- FAA BasicMed Exam: $170
Payment is due at the time of service. Call 636-928-5588 to schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor perform my BasicMed exam?
Yes. The FAA requires the BasicMed exam to be performed by a state-licensed physician. Missouri recognizes Doctors of Chiropractic as chiropractic physicians, and the FAA has confirmed that DCs who are recognized as physicians by their state and whose scope of practice covers the BasicMed exam components are eligible to perform and sign the CMEC. Both Dr. Crosby and Dr. Hinzman are Missouri-licensed.
Do I still need to see an AME?
Not for BasicMed. BasicMed is a separate pathway from the third-class medical certificate. If you choose to maintain a traditional FAA medical certificate (first, second, or third class), you’ll need to see an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner for that exam — BasicMed does not replace medical certificates for pilots who need one.
How long is the exam valid?
The physical exam portion is valid for 48 months. You’ll also need to retake the free FAA online medical education course every 24 months and retain the certificate in your logbook.
What happens if I have a medical condition?
Most medical conditions are not disqualifying under BasicMed. There are three categories — certain cardiovascular, neurological, and mental health conditions — that require a one-time FAA special issuance before flying under BasicMed. Beyond those, your physician uses clinical judgment to determine whether you can safely operate an aircraft.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Please call 636-928-5588 to schedule. Bringing the completed Section 2 of Form 8700-2 with you keeps the visit efficient.
