Expert Opinion
AINsight: Update on Sleep Apnea for Pilots
FAA has simplified aeromedical process for pilots with sleep apnea
medical implements
Photo: Pixabay

The medical aspects and ramifications of sleep apnea cannot be overstated. In 2018, I wrote a two-part series on this important subject. Please refer to those for a more detailed discussion of the physiologic impacts of sleep apnea, the more common treatment modalities, and why treating it is essential for the long-term health of a significant portion of the general population.

This piece today is primarily intended to give an update on the FAA medical certification protocols for sleep apnea. I am pleased to state that the process has recently been greatly simplified.

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Robert Sancetta, M.D.
AIN Contributor
About the author

Dr. Robert Sancetta is a former DC-10 captain with 11,000 flight hours. He has worked as a Senior AME since 1993 and is appointed as AME Consultant to the FAA Federal Air Surgeon.

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