Why can't diabetics fly?

[DouglasMcArthur]

I've been wondering, why can diabetics not get a medical? Now, I know those with the type of diabetes that requires insulin injections could be very dangerous. But those who are very healthy other than the fact that they need to watch their sugar intake should be allowed to fly. The way I see it, even if you are a diabetic, if you want to fly badly enough, and are willing to follow certain rules and regulations, you should be allowed to fly.

[SuperCub.Org]

Actually, there are lots of pilots flying with diabetes, but usually it requires a special issuance medical. There is a lot of information on this on the internet.

Try this link: EAA Diabetes Update

HOpe that helps!

sj

[Denny of Oakland]

This is only a myth about medicals and diabetics. You can get a medical from the FAA. You can only get a third class for insulin injection or if you use oral medical with certain conditions you can apply for second class medical. Contact the Aerospace Medicine Division in your region and they will explain the whole process to you.

Western Pacific (310) 725-3750
Alaskan Region (907) 271-5431
Central Region (816) 329-3252
Eastern Region (718) 553-3300
Greatlakes Region (847) 294-7491
New England (781) 238-7300
Northwest Mountain Region (425) 227-2300
Southern Region (404) 305-6150
Southwest Region (817) 222-5300

Denny of Oakland

[DouglasMcArthur]

Thanks for the info! But I went to that website and it said October 1997 at the top. That info. is fairly old. I get AOPA magazines every month, and I never heard anything about diabetics legally flying in there.

[Denny of Oakland]

Go to your search engine and type in (CAMI) FAA. CAMI is the medical office in Oklahoma City that has control over all medical certificates and make all the call on who get them or not. Their web site covers all kinds of subjects and gives a telephone number to call with questions.

Denny of Oakland

[raquelb]

This was an advertisement for a shady looking product to treat diabetes. It is the second one I have deleted from the end of this thread. Please do not spam this forum.

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[JMsoundscape]

isnt it funny that you can fly a plane as a diabetic, but you cannot drive a comercial vehicle .... weird huh?? by the way who decided to make these planes so damn addicting???

[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!

[Wingtipvortex]

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?