Members of TOPS (Troy Oakland Pilots) gathered at the Troy-Oakland airport to renew friendships, get up to speed on “Basic Med”, and enjoy a hotdog or burger at the final summer meeting of 2018 on August 28. Over 30 attended and virtually all enjoyed chatting with fellow pilots and watching club president Dave Londal captain operations at the BBQ.
This all looks like fun but this is serious business as members were on hand to learn about a new medical certification program called “Basic Med” that provides club members an alternative path to meeting the FAA medical requirement. New federal regulations now allow pilots to visit the doctor of their choice and complete an on line course vs. visiting a doctor (AME) certified by the FAA. This new program encourages greater pilot – doctor interaction and continues upon the tradition of self certification.