FAA предлагает упростить получение меддокументов пилотам с диабетом, не требующим инсулина

Wed, Sep 09, 2026 The Proposed Rule Would Remove The Words “Or Any Other Hypoglycemic Drug” From The Medical Standards Governing First-, Second-, And Third-Class Certificates The FAA is proposing a long-overdue modernization of its medical-certification standards that could eliminate the automatic Special Issuance process for thousands of pilots whose diabetes is successfully controlled without insulin. Under current regulations, an applicant diagnosed with diabetes requiring insulin—or any other hypoglycemic medication—is considered to have a specifically disqualifying condition. Even when the condition is stable and well controlled, the applicant must normally be deferred by an Aviation Medical Examiner, or AME, while the FAA reviews the case and determines whether to grant an Authorization for Special Issuance. The proposed rule would remove the words “or any other hypoglycemic drug” from the medical standards governing first-, second-, and third-class certificates. That seemingly modest language change would allow an AME to issue a medical certificate at the time of examination to a qualified applicant whose diabetes is controlled through non-insulin medication, provided that all other medical requirements are satisfied. This would not mean automatic certification, nor would it eliminate appropriate medical scrutiny. Applicants would still be expected to provide documentation from their treating physician, relevant medical history, and an acceptable Hemoglobin A1C test. The AME would evaluate the stability of the condition, the medication being used, possible side effects, and any evidence of diabetes-related complications. Higher-risk cases could still be deferred to the FAA. Those might include applicants with recent hypoglycemic episodes requiring assistance, unacceptable A1C levels, medication side effects that could interfere with flight duties, or evidence of diabetes-related organ disease. Importantly, the proposal does not change the requirements for insulin-treated diabetes. Applicants requiring insulin would remain subject to the Special Issuance process and any continuing monitoring ordered by the Federal Air Surgeon. The FAA says modern treatments have substantially reduced the risks once associated with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. In reviewing 51 fatal aviation accidents between 2008 and 2025 involving airmen using non-insulin diabetes medications, the agency determined that diabetes, related complications, or medication were unlikely to have contributed in 50 cases. One case remains under investigation. The agency estimates that approximately 3,000 applicants annually could avoid automatic FAA deferral under the revised standard. Another 1,200 pilots presently monitored through Special Issuance could potentially have future certification handled directly by their AMEs. The FAA also estimates five-year industry savings ranging from approximately $39.7 million to $80.2 million, largely through reduced delays and reclaimed pilot labor hours. Beyond helping affected pilots, the change could reduce the FAA’s medical backlog and allow agency physicians to concentrate on more complicated—and potentially higher-risk—cases. This is currently only a proposed rule, not a final regulatory change. Public comments must be submitted by October 5, 2026, under Docket FAA-2026-10990. If adopted substantially as written, the proposal would represent a practical recognition that medical science has advanced considerably since the FAA’s underlying diabetes language was adopted in 1959—and that a manageable diagnosis should not automatically condemn an otherwise qualified aviator to months of federal paperwork and delay. FMI:  https://www.govinfo.gov