The Mayo Clinic is now offering a free online BasicMed course for pilots, the organization has announced. The course consists of six modules, covering medical self-assessments, warning signs of serious medical conditions, effects of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and more. The course takes about 90 minutes to complete and is followed by an online test. “We’re pleased to be able to provide this new option for pilots,” said Dr. Clayton Cowl, course director. “This course has been a culmination of efforts of many colleagues at Mayo dedicated to aviation safety. A wide range of medical experts across the organization as well as experts with civil aviation medical associations across the country have contributed medical knowledge to help pilots recognize medical risks.”
Pilots must undergo a physical exam prior to taking the course, and must submit evidence of the passed physical exam online prior to beginning the course. Once the course is completed, pilots can print a certificate to keep in their logbooks. Certification information is transmitted to the FAA to confirm participation. The clinic is the second organization to offer an online BasicMed course. AOPA’s online course was approved by the FAA in April. Pilots who choose to fly under the BasicMed rules must take an online course every two years. About 25,000 pilots so far have opted for the program, AOPA says.
