Who may perform the physical examination required for BasicMed?

• A. A state-licensed physician
• B. A flight instructor
• C. A nurse practitioner
• D. The pilot

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that BasicMed requires a medical examination performed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in the United States. This ensures the evaluation is done by a clinician with the authority and training to assess medical conditions that could affect flight safety. A state-licensed physician (typically an MD or DO) is the person who can legally perform this exam under BasicMed.

Other providers, like a flight instructor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, are not considered physicians for this specific requirement, so they do not meet the BasicMed exam requirement. The pilot also cannot perform the exam themselves. After the exam, you’d still need to complete the BasicMed course and the accompanying checklist to fly under BasicMed.