Would a diabetic be denied a medical certificate to become a private pilot?

Question

I'm interested in a private pilot's license but fear that my recently found diabetes would be cause to fail the medical required to get the license.

I have diabetes type II and I'm currently taking pills. My sugar levels with the pills are under control and there is no disabling symptom that I know of.

Answer 1

What region (of the FAA) are you in?

You can also call the Region Flight Surgeon and get the same answer for free.

And, some diabetic conditions are allowable for a Class III Medical if it is controlled and has been for a specifed time period.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

Don't let it stop you from flying - if you are interested, go and learn, enjoy! you may be limited with your medical, but we live with limits everyday -

Answer 3

If it is type 2, then this is less of a concern than type 1 where someone has had a fainting spell.

If your levels are under control, then talk to someone in the FAA etc. about this and get their answer.

Answer 4

The best way to find out is to go get an Airman Medical Examination.  I believe you can find a list of doctors on faa.gov .   They cost from $50-$80 I believe and it shouldn't take more than a half hour to complete.  If you tell them your exact condition over the phone, they may let you know ahead of time what your chances of obtaining the medical certificate are.  According to the FAR/AIM (Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual), you'll need a Third-Class Medical Certificate to obtain a Private License.  According to the definition of a 3rd Class Medical, and it is the law, there are certain types of diabetes that will not allow you to get your medical certificate.

Specifically, it states:

(67.313) <--where it's located in the FAR/AIM--

(a)No established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus that requires insulin or any other hypoglycemic drug for control.

There are ways to get a special medical certificate called a SODA as well.  I'm not sure what the chances are of obtaining a SODA are for someone with diabetes, but it is also worth a try.  So the short of it is that you should go and get this exam done.