Expert Opinion
AINsight: Special Issuance for Sleep Apnea
Fortunately, from the standpoint of the pilot, obtaining a special issuance in the setting of sleep apnea is reasonably straightforward.
(Illustration: Pixabay)
(Illustration: Pixabay)

Screening for sleep apnea became a mandatory part of routine FAA medical exams in 2015. This was in response to DOT and NTSB recommendations, given that fatigue has been found to be a factor in many transportation incidents, including both in aviation and the trucking industry.

I previously discussed the physiologic effects of sleep apnea and why treating it is not only worthwhile for day-to-day living, but might also be a lifesaving therapy in the long run. As pilots who are diagnosed for sleep apnea will require a special issuance authorization, I’ll now discuss more of the nuts and bolts of the program.

Robert Sancetta, M.D.
AIN Contributor
About the author

Dr. Robert Sancetta is a former DC-10 captain with 11,000 flight hours. He has worked as a Senior AME since 1993 and is appointed as AME Consultant to the FAA Federal Air Surgeon.

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