FAA Proposed Rules for Pilots With Diabetes

The FAA has proposed updates to allow medical certification for pilots managing diabetes without insulin use.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Diabetes

FAA Proposed Rules for Pilots With Diabetes

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Should the government simplify medical certification requirements for pilots using modern medical standards?

The Federal Aviation Administration has released a notice of proposed rulemaking to simplify the medical certification process for pilots with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. This change seeks to allow aviation medical examiners to certify these pilots directly, removing the need for special issuance authorization.

Why it matters

The proposal intends to reduce administrative burdens for both the agency and applicants by streamlining the certification process. The FAA has determined that diabetes controlled by non-insulin medication is a condition that can be managed safely under standard medical evaluation.

The FAA estimates that the regulatory shift could generate between $39.7 million and $80.19 million in administrative savings over five years. Twelve aviation industry organizations have officially submitted comments in support of the proposal.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration

The Federal Aviation Administration is the national aviation authority of the United States responsible for the regulation of all aspects of civil aviation.

The details

The proposed rule change would amend federal aviation regulation sections 67.113(a), 67.213(a), and 67.313(a). By enabling aviation medical examiners to certify eligible pilots without requiring special issuance, the FAA aims to streamline the process for those managing their condition without insulin.

The projected cost savings are estimated over a five-year period.

Health Landscape

This proposal marks a departure from the legacy requirements of federal aviation regulations 67.113(a) by removing special issuance mandates for specific diabetic conditions. It reflects a broader movement toward evidence-based medical standards in aviation that prioritize functional fitness over rigid categorical exclusions.

For pilots currently managing non-insulin-dependent diabetes, this change would simplify the path to obtaining medical certification by eliminating the need for special issuance. This adjustment would standardize the medical evaluation process, making it more predictable for applicants seeking to maintain their flight status.

The takeaway

The FAA's proposal acknowledges that non-insulin-dependent diabetes can be effectively managed without compromising safety in the cockpit. Pilots impacted by these changes should monitor the rulemaking process to understand how new certification procedures may apply to their health records.