FAA proposes new medical certification rules for pilots with non‑insulin diabetes

The FAA has proposed updating its medical certification process to allow pilots with non‑insulin dependent diabetes mellitus to obtain a medical certificate after evaluation by an aviation medical examiner, without needing special issuance authorization.

The proposal is supported by the NBAA and about a dozen other aviation groups, and the FAA estimates the change could save between $39.7 million and $80.19 million in industry labor hours over five years.