FAA Proposes Letting AMEs Certify Non-insulin Diabetic Pilots Directly | Aviation International News

Regulations and Government

FAA Proposes Easing Medical Approvals for Diabetic Pilots

Rule would not apply to insulin-treated diabetes

A patient sit's at a doctor's desk while she reviews information on paper in front of her — The FAA has proposed allowing aviation medical examiners to certify pilots with non-insulin diabetes directly, without requiring a special issuance review. © Vitaly Gariev | Pexels

By Amy Wilder • Writer

September 4, 2026

The FAA today issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that would allow aviation medical examiners (AMEs) to evaluate and certify applicants with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) at the time of their medical exam, removing the automatic requirement for special-issuance review by the agency for many applicants. Public comments on the proposal are due October 5.

Under current regulations, an applicant with a medical history of diabetes requiring insulin “or any other hypoglycemic drug” is automatically disqualified and must go through the special-issuance process under FAR 67.401, and the Federal Air Surgeon then determines whether the applicant can perform their duties safely.

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