The FAA has established a policy that permits the special issuance medical certification of insulin-treated applicants for a third-class medical certification. Consideration will be given only to those individuals who have been clinically stable on their current treatment regime for a period of six months or more. Consideration is not being given for first-of the second class certification.

Individuals certification under the policy will be required to provide substantial documentation regarding their history of treatment, accidents related to their disease, and current medical status. If certificated, they'll be required to adhere to stringent monitoring requirements and are prohibited from operating aircraft outside the United States. The following is a summary of the evaluation protocol and an outline of the conditions that the FAA will apply:

The applicant must have had no recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia in the past five years, and not in the preceding one-year resulting in loss consciousness, seizure, impaired cognitive function or requiring intervention by another party, or occurring without warning.

The applicant will be required to provide copies of all his or her medical records as well as accident and incident records pertaining to their history of diabetes.

The report of a complete medical examination, preferably by a physician who specializes in the treatment of diabetes, will be required. The report must include as a minimum of:

Two measurements of calculated hemoglobin (Hgb1AC), the first at least 90 days before the current measurement.

Specific reference to the applicants insulin dosages and diet.

Specific reference to the presence or absence of cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, or peripheral vascular disease or neuropathy.

Confirmation by an opthomologist of the absence of clinically significant eye disease.

Dedication that the applicant has been educated in diabetes and its controlled and understands the actions that should be taken if complications, especially hypoglycemia, should arise. The examining physician must verify that the applicant has the ability and willingness to monitor properly and manage his or her diabetes.

If the applicants ages 40 or older, a report with EKG tracings of a maximal graded exercise stress test.

The applicants shall submit a statement from his or her treating physician, aviation medical examiner, or other knowledgeable person attesting the applicants dexterity and ability to determine blood glucose levels using a recording glucometer.

Reference Medical Bulletin-FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute

About the author...

Dr. Stephen W. Roberts, M.D., in addition to being a mult-engine, instrument rated private pilot, is also a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner for the Federal Aviation Administration. Dr. Roberts specializes in Aviation Medicine, and is considered by many to be an expert in his field, with over twelve years experience! He is also a member of the Civil Aviation Medical Association and the AOPA. He is truly an advocate of aviation medicine as well as general aviation. Dr. Roberts has also authored numerous articles in Air Progress magazine, and frequently lectures for the Department of Aviation at Mount San Antonio College.