Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/221123

Title

Diabetes mellitus and its effects on pilot performance and flight safety: a review

Author(s)

Newman, David G.

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a disease with a wide spectrum of severity and many potential complications if inadequately treated. Historically, diabetic pilots have been permanently disqualified from flying duties. This policy was based on the increased risk of sudden incapacitation in-flight due to hypoglycaemia and cardiovascular disease in diabetics. In recent decades, a shift in worldwide aeromedical policy has occurred. This has resulted in diabetic pilots in several countries, including the United States and Australia, being granted limited flying certification. These pilots are required to satisfy a number of stringent medical criteria to achieve this certification. Aeromedical policy must be based on an appropriate risk management strategy, taking into account all relevant issues. Australian guidelines for the certification of diabetic pilots are designed to limit certification to all but the most well-controlled, motivated, and well supervised diabetic with no disease-related complications.

Publication type

Report

Source

Australian Transport Safety Bureau reports, No. B2005/0027 (Jun 2005)

Publication year

2005

Keyword(s)

Australia;  Diabetes mellitus;  Diabetic pilots;  Flight safety;  Health effects;  Pilot performance;  Risk management

Publisher

Australian Transport Safety Bureau

ISBN

9781921092046, 1921092041

Publisher URL

http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/2005/diabetes_effects_on_pilot_performance.aspx

Copyright

Copyright © 2005 As the ATSB believes that safety information is of greatest value if it is passed on for the use of others, copyright restrictions do not apply to material printed in this report. Readers are encouraged to copy or reprint for further distribution, but should acknowledge the ATSB as the source.