Is sleep apnea disqualifying for FAA?


Is sleep apnea disqualifying for FAA? Sleep apnea has significant safety implications due to cognitive impairment secondary to the lack of restorative sleep and is disqualifying for airman medical certification. The condition is part of a group of sleep disorders with varied etiologies.


How do I know if my CPAP is FAA approved?

This is especially important if you are flying internationally. Only FAA-approved CPAP machines can be used on the plane so make sure to check your machine specifications before you pack. If your machine is FAA-approved, it will be clearly stated in your machine's user manual.


Is ADHD allowed in pilots?

Due to the risks to flight safety posed by ADHD, regulatory authorities worldwide consider ADHD a disqualifying condition for pilots. Unfortunately, pilots sometimes fail to disclose ADHD to their Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).


What diseases disqualify you from the FAA?

What medical conditions does FAA consider disqualifying?
  • Angina pectoris.
  • Bipolar disease.
  • Cardiac valve replacement.
  • Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant.
  • Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications.


Does FAA look at medical records?

If you ever need to submit medical records to the FAA, they will review everything you give them. Many pilots have waited months or years for their medical certificates because each new record they provide to justify their medical certificate eligibility reveals another ailment they did not disclose before.