Under BasicMed, could a pilot who has had a cardiac valve replacement operate legally?

Under BasicMed, could a pilot who has had a cardiac valve replacement operate legally?

• A. Yes, with a one-time Special Issuance FAA medical certificate
• B. Yes, automatically with BasicMed no extra action
• C. No, BasicMed forbids any prior cardiac surgery
• D. Only if the replacement is less than 1 year old

Answer: (A)

Having a cardiac valve replacement is a major medical history that isn’t automatically allowed under BasicMed. It can be permitted if the FAA issues a one-time Special Issuance medical certificate for that condition, recognizing your cardiologist’s clearance and the stability of your condition. With that Special Issuance in place, you can operate legally under BasicMed, as long as you continue to meet BasicMed requirements (the physician’s examination, a completed medical education course, and the ongoing self-assessment). BasicMed does not automatically grant approval for this history, and there isn’t a rule that the replacement must be less than a year old.

Having a cardiac valve replacement is a major medical history that isn’t automatically allowed under BasicMed. It can be permitted if the FAA issues a one-time Special Issuance medical certificate for that condition, recognizing your cardiologist’s clearance and the stability of your condition. With that Special Issuance in place, you can operate legally under BasicMed, as long as you continue to meet BasicMed requirements (the physician’s examination, a completed medical education course, and the ongoing self-assessment). BasicMed does not automatically grant approval for this history, and there isn’t a rule that the replacement must be less than a year old.