Diabetes | FAA Medical Certification
The initial presentation of any carbohydrate metabolism disorder requires an evaluation be performed to establish eligibility for certification. This includes insulin or non-insulin dependant diabetes and the use of any hypoglycemic medication. FAA evaluations must be accomplished in compliance with specific protocols.
In most cases, an FAA designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) cannot approve FAA medical certification and must defer the application to the actual FAA in Oklahoma City. The FAA has an established policy that permits Special Issuance medical certification to insulin treated applicants on a case by case basis. Applicants must provide extensive medical documentation. If the FAA grants medical certification, the airman will be required to adhere to monitoring requirements and they are prohibited from operating aircraft outside the United States. An insulin using diabetic airman must carry a recording glucometer and monitor readings during flight in compliance with the FAA’s protocol.
While all classes of FAA medical certification may be considered by the FAA, the United States Federal Air Surgeon has determined that Insulin Using Diabetics cannot be approved by Aviation Medical Examiners. Class 3 applicants may be approved by the FAA’s Civil Aerospace Medical Institute in Oklahoma City. First and Second class applicants must be evaluated and may be authorized by the Federal Air Surgeon’s Office in Washington, D.C.. The Class 1 and Class 2 diabetes protocol and fail-safe support are available from Pilot Medical Solutions. The deferral process typically takes several months without our service.
We can help!
We have helped thousands of pilots with this process. We work directly with your physicians and the FAA to assure compliance with FAA medical protocols and to resolve complex aeromedical certification issues quickly.
Contact us at 405-787-0303 or via E-Mail to confidentially discuss the details of your case and to establish your eligibility for FAA medical certification.
There is no charge for an initial consultation.
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Great story. Will the FAA ever certify Class 1 or 2 medicals?
Jim,
The Federal Air Surgeon has stated that FAA is now considering Class 1 and Class 2 medicals for IDDM / insulin dependent diabetics. We are now using the new ITDM CGM protocol for Class 1 airline and Class 2 commercial pilots. Call 405-787-0303 to discuss your case in detail.
The Class 1 and Class 2 Insulin Treated Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) protocol is now FAA accepted for Insulin Dependent Diabetics seeking Class One or Class Two FAA medical certification. This protocol includes the use of a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) device. Initial certification requirements include 6 months stability on insulin and a battery of reports and testing. For more information call Pilot Medical Solutions at 405-787-0303.
Jim,
The Federal Air Surgeon approving FAA medical certification for Class 1 and Class 2 medicals with IDDM / insulin dependent diabetics.
Excellent ѡeb site. Plenty of helрful info here.
I’m sending it to sеveral friends, thank you to yⲟur effort!
I read your blog on Diabetes. It’s hard to understand how the FAA can certify pilots on insulin but won’t approve other helpful medications
Gin,
The FAA almost always has a way to obtain approval for medical conditions which are safe. The medications approved must not conflict with their drug testing process. There are often alternative drugs which can be utilized. Call 405-787-0303 to explore these options.
Clever service and good information. Keep up the good work-DJ
Delta airlines provides us with little actual flight medical support. Can Pilot Medical assist me with an issue?
Joseph,
We do provide preferred rates for all commercial operations. Please call 405-787-0303/405-787-0303 to discuss your needs.
Are there any updates or new developments regarding First and Second Class Medicals for insulin dependent diabetics?
Matt,
Thanks for your question. As you know, it’s been some time now since the FAA posted their willingness to consider class 1 and 2 insulin use cases. Many are asking “when”?. The time is now!
Contact us at 405-787-0303 to discuss your case.
Thank you for the information about the FAA now approving insulin for commercial pilots. Your service also will be a big help to us. Allowing CGM for airline pilots is a bold thing for the FAA.
How does the new Class 1 FAA medical protocol for diabetes work?
Merrill,
The protocol is extensive and each case is different. I trust you have read the brief article and other posts here: http://www.leftseat.com/diabetes-mellitus-faa-medical-certification. These cases require excellent control, extensive medical evaluation and the FAA decision will take longer than ordinary Special Issuance decisions. Contact us at 405-787-0303 to discuss your case in detail.
Perfect just what I was searching for – thank you for helping me understand the new FAA protocol.
Thanks for the FAA diabetes info on your medical blog. Your full website leftseat.com is a Godsend!
Thank you for the help, superb information. “A man will fight harder for his interests than for his rights.” Napoleon Bonaparte.
The new FAA protocols require great expense and time. What assurance of success can be provided?
JSappington
While there’s no way to guarantee FAA approval, the FAA does have a history of making certification available for previously unacceptable conditions. Call 405-787-0303 and talk with a case manager about your particular case. They will let you know if the odds are against you.
Has the FAA actually approved any Class 1 or Class 2 (commercial operators) on Insulin?
Is the protocol for commercial pilots on insulin different than the private pilot insulin protocol?
Thanks,
Sam
Sam,
The Insulin-dependent diabetes protocol for commercial operations (class I and Class II) is very different than the one for private pilots (Class 3). The commercial operator protocol for pilots using continuous glucose monitoring was released about two years ago and while it is a “high bar” with very complex requirements, the FAA has certified several pilots. Contact Pilot Medical to find out if you qualify and how to save several months with the approval process.
I was diagnosed as Insulin-Dependent in 2005, right after my first solo. I did not attempt to get my medical renewed. But I am no longer Insulin-Dependent but oral meds instead. I have been off insulin for several years and was placed back on insulin for a short period but am again off insulin and have been for a couple of years now. Is this disqualifying? Also, I take some meds that may be disqualifying, but I may be able to have my doctor switch to something that is not disqualifying. I really want to be able to fly, and have been told that the medical requirements have been eased somewhat.
Andrew,
The FAA approves most diabetic scenarios and treatments provided the condition is stable.
That said, it can be a long complex bureaucratic process which is frustrating to both you and your practitioners. Contact Pilot Medical Solutions at 405-787-0303 to discuss your options in detail.
LeftSeat.com