AMA supports EAA’s “Call to Action”

EAA Urges Support for Bill on Sleep Apnea Policy

In November, the FAA introduced a new policy regarding obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), This policy requires any airman applying for a medical certificate with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater and a neck size of 17 inches or greater to be evaluated by a sleep specialist and, if diagnosed with a disorder, receive any treatment deemed necessary prior to receiving certification.

EAA and its Aeromedical Advisory Council believe the new FAA policy is unnecessary and overreaching, and would place additional burdens and expense on individual aviators. EAA believes this policy should undergo a formal rulemaking process before going into effect. This process would provide an opportunity for public comment and would include a cost-benefit analysis.

Though AMA believes that OSA needs to be addressed when medically evaluating a pilot’s ability to perform his/her flight duties, the Academy agrees with EAA’s assertion that the FAA policy has far-reaching implications for those holding airman medical certificates and has the potential for posing a significant economic hardship on members of the aviation community. As such, this issue should be vetted through the rulemaking process.

AMA recognizes that many of our members hold airmen certificates, are employed in the aerospace industry and may be impacted by FAA’s policy decision. We urge AMA members to learn about this issue by clicking on the link below, and if you share their concern, support EAA’s “Call to Action”…

EAA Urges Support for Bill on Sleep Apnea Policy

Contact Your Congressional Representatives

Rich Hanson
AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs.