NAAA Supports FAA Proposal to Modernize Diabetes Medical Standards

NAAA has joined a coalition of aviation organizations representing commercial, business and general aviation in submitting comments to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supporting its proposal to modernize medical certification standards for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

As previously reported by NAAA, FAA-2026-10990 would allow applicants for First-, Second- or Third-Class medical certificates who control their diabetes with non-insulin medications and meet all other medical qualifications to receive their medical certificate at the time of their medical examination. Currently, these applications may be deferred for further review through the FAA’s special issuance process.

For agricultural aviators, reducing unnecessary delays and administrative burdens associated with medical certification is important. The coalition supports allowing Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) to certify or defer qualifying applicants under an appropriate aeromedical standard without requiring special issuance authorization.

The FAA estimates the proposal could save the industry between $39.7 million and $80.19 million in labor costs over five years while streamlining the certification process for airmen and the FAA.

NAAA also encouraged the FAA to continue modernizing Part 67 by identifying additional medical conditions that can appropriately be handled by AMEs. NAAA will continue advocating for practical, science-based medical standards that maintain safety while reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens on agricultural aviators.