FAA To Release New Sleep Apnea Policy
February 3, 2014
The FAA Federal Air Surgeon announced that the FAA plans to release a policy which will require pilots and air traffic controllers with a BMI of 40 or greater and a neck size of 17 inches or greater to undergo screening for sleep apnea prior to receiving a medical certificate. The FAA will lower the BMI over time and require other pilots to get screened for sleep apnea. Currently, the FAA requires anyone diagnosed with sleep apnea to be treated before receiving a medical certificate. The FAA has also issued special medical certificates to 4,917 pilots who are being treated for sleep apnea.