Quote:
Originally Posted by lcrane
I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2005 and currently fly with a special issuance medical certificate. It's a HUGE pain filling out the paperwork and dealing with FAA incompatance every year when I have to fill out the paperwork all over again. Have my 2nd class back and now finishing up my IFR. My fustration is that FAA's regs is based on diabetes research from the 1980's. They need to wake up and step into the 21st century. I keep my AOPA membership up to date and am in contact with my local senator who has helped me in the past. FYI. A1C's 5.6, Fasting Blood Glucose is under 100 every morning. Total Colesterol is 125. My blood work beats out most non-diabetics and still I have to fight to have the privilage to fly. Talk about discrimination!  |
This is an interesting topic. You do make a good point that would anger many people. I don't have my PPL yet but I find myself fascinated with all aspects of aviation, such as this. My uncle has diabetes but all he does is watch what he eats and tests himself twice a day. It seems counterintuitive that people such as yourself has to give up any priviledges compared to other people, even if it's just extra paperwork that's the issue.
Pilots are expected to be responsible for their own and others' safety, and there are many actions or inactions that could compromise this, and yet the FAA issues licenses in good faith that the pilots will be safe and responsible. Why would it be any different for pilots with diabetes? I am sure you do not put yourself or others at risk needlessly anymore than another pilot without your condition.
If insulin injection is needed for the pilot to function, I can understand that the FAA would have concerns. That's essentially a medical procedure that needs to be self-administered mid flight and that is understandably dangerous, but in your case it does seem like it is discrimination.
How does one get involved with issues like this? Just by joining AOPA?