Can a Diabetic Become A Pilot?

BettyJo Wolf
5 min read
Pilot flying a plane

 

Have you dreamed of flying like a bird high up in the clear blue sky, but you have diabetes? You are probably wondering, can a diabetic become a pilot? Yes. People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can become pilots in the US, including pilots who use insulin. The FAA reviews each case, and what you need depends on how you treat your diabetes and which medical certificate you want.

 

Pen Needles from Pip

Will Diabetes Prevent You from Getting Your Pilot’s License? 

There are several factors that must be taken into consideration if you are a diabetic, and you want to fly a plane. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the only licensing authority. They handle all pilot licenses. They grant certain privileges to pilots that are completely dependent on the pilot’s fitness. Special protocols are in place for those who suffer from type 1 and type 2 diabetes, including those who are classified as pre-diabetic or have some other metabolic syndrome. 

FAA Medical Certificate Classes 

  • Third-class medical certificate: needed to fly as a private, recreational or student pilot. If you use insulin, you can apply through an FAA special issuance, using either the FAA's CGM option or its non-CGM option.  
  • Second-class medical certificate: needed to fly for pay as a commercial pilot, for example charter or corporate flying. Since 2019, pilots who use insulin can apply for a second-class special issuance through the FAA's CGM option. 
  • First-class medical certificate: needed to fly as an airline transport pilot. Pilots with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who use insulin can apply for a first-class special issuance through the same CGM option. 

This route is called a special issuance. Your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) sends your records to the FAA, and the FAA decides whether to issue the certificate, usually with follow-up reports to keep it. Interestingly, a pilot must undergo regular health exams to maintain their license and it is at the physical that they discover they have diabetes or some health-related problem.

Medications and Diabetes

If you do not take insulin to control your diabetes but instead use some other medication to maintain your blood glucose levels, then you can hold any class of medical certificate (first, second or third) once you show your diabetes is stable on that medicine. The FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners lists the current reports and waiting period your AME will ask for. If you experience a change in your health situation then you must immediately refrain from flying until you again get your condition under control. Many metabolic syndromes fall into this category such as impaired glucose tolerance, glucose intolerance, impaired fasting glucose, pre-diabetes, and insulin resistance. 

Diet and Medical Certification

Many people strive to control their type 2 diabetes using diet. You can receive a medical certificate for flight if you show that you have managed to control your glucose using only a stringent diet. However, if you cannot show the results then you might have a hard time getting flight clearance. 

Diabetes Insipidus

If you suffer from diabetes insipidus then you’ll need to follow the FAA’s special protocol. You’ll be required to submit all medical information and a list of medications that you are taking. The FAA will then evaluate the case to determine if you are fit to fly. 

Can you Fly if You Suffer from Diabetes?

Yes, including if you use insulin. Since 2019 the FAA has let pilots who use insulin apply for a first-, second- or third-class medical certificate through a special issuance. The CGM option, the route for first and second class, asks you to wear a continuous glucose monitor and send the FAA your CGM data along with an evaluation from your endocrinologist. Third class can also use the non-CGM option. Either way, the FAA wants to see stable glucose control. The FAA's insulin-treated diabetes (ITDM) guidance for examiners has the full, current requirements. 

Diabetes and A1C

The FAA asks for regular A1C results as part of your records, along with your CGM data or glucose logs. The A1C level it accepts is set out in the FAA's ITDM guidance linked above, so check the current version there rather than relying on an old number. The FAA also reviews you for diabetes complications and for any episodes of severe low blood sugar. 

Third-Class Limits

A third-class certificate does not let you fly for hire as a commercial pilot. The common exception is working as a Certified Flight Instructor, who is paid for teaching. To fly passengers or cargo for pay, you need a second-class certificate or higher, which insulin users can now apply for through the CGM option. 

If you are dreaming of being a pilot or you want to keep your license, then you must check your glucose levels regularly. With Pip Lancets, you can quickly check your blood. The lancets are shipped directly to your doorstep Please contact us to learn more. 

Try Pip Lancets for yourself. We’re pretty sure you’ll never go back to traditional lancets!

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