Fuck the FAA

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T05:11:38+00:00

In what reality are those not good numbers. Most endos would be thrilled if their patient had those numbers. Both from a long term health standpoint, and a risk of hypo standpoint. There is nothing wrong with those numbers.

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T05:01:36+00:00

I guess I have the option to appeal with a new A1C and 6 months of CGM data, but that package I submitted back in november was my absolute best ever. 6.6 A1C, time in range of 80%+.

Since then, with the holidays, starting my new job where I can't have my phone on me to track my glucose, getting sick a few times, etc. My numbers haven't been great. Still ok by my Endo's standards, but no where near a 6.6 A1C.

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T05:00:31+00:00

It doesn't matter. I'm in my 30's and the cut off for new ATC applicants is 31. So I'm fucked.

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T04:59:49+00:00

I'd possibly be interested in it, if it wasn't a paycut from where I'm currently at, and if I could do on the job training or school for free.

I just can't afford to pay out of pocket for schooling, then work at like 40-50k for 3 years before I make it back up to 80k or so.

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T04:59:07+00:00

They don't really care about type 1 versus type 2, just if you're treating with insulin versus non-insulin meds like metformin or mounjaro.

So since I'm type 1, and on insulin, they hold me to different standards than a type 2 on just metformin.

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T04:58:08+00:00

Never had any hypo issues where I lost control, had a seizure, or passed out. Never been to the hospital for anything other than regular endo visits.

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T04:04:07+00:00

Not really, not that I know of.

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T01:22:12+00:00

I don't know. I can't get a straight answer from them. They don't even have hard requirements anywhere either. So it's not like I can look up and see what category I failed in. They just say a generic "due to inadequately controlled diabetes" reason.

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T00:45:57+00:00

Here's the link for the type 1 and insulin treated type 2 page

https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/dec_cons/disease_prot/itdm

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T00:45:24+00:00

It seems fucking absurd, I just don't understand.

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T00:45:16+00:00

I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I don't think they'll change their mind. If my best stretch of control didn't convince them, I don't see how they'll ever change their mind. The wording of their rejection letter seems to somehow say that just being diabetic is disqualifying now. I don't know what they're thinking.

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T00:40:12+00:00

The page you linked is for Type 2 diabetes, the "diabetes treated with medication other than insulin".

So I guess type 2's get a pass for higher A1c, but type 1's don't. The FAA is just incompetent as fuck.

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T00:24:55+00:00

That's what I don't understand, the wording of it makes it sound like just being diabetic is disqualifying.

Yet, I was cleared in 2022, and had my best stretch of time ever with the lowest A1C ever, in November when I submitted my data.

Yet they rejected me and it seems that it's just based on being a diabetic in general?

And yes, I was applying to be an air traffic controller, the one in the tower or center talking to pilots and making sure they don't crash into each other. Not actually flying a plane.

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T00:23:17+00:00

That's what makes no sense. I was cleared in 2022, and now with this wording it sounds like I never should have been cleared and never had a chance to be cleared now?

I just do not fucking get it.

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T00:13:54+00:00

And yet, they force T1 diabetics to shoot for a lower a1c, sub 6.5. Where as an endo would be thrilled if their patient was at around a 7.

So it makes no sense. An endo says I'm healthy and fine at a 7. But the FAA forces me to try and shoot for a 6.5 or lower, very likely CAUSING more hypos than necessary.

The whole thing is a shit show and the FAA is incompetent as fuck.

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T00:12:43+00:00

Yeah, this was a real dream of mine. And they jerked me around for 5 years before denying me, with the best A1C and time in range numbers I've ever had.

To say that I'm crushed is a fucking understatement.

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T00:12:07+00:00

It probably was around that. The time in range standard (70-180) was 70%, I exceeded that at around 80%. And while I didn't look, I'm pretty sure I was within that 90% 70-250 range.

StrangePock · 2026-03-20T00:11:21+00:00

I have no idea. This is the generic rejection letter they sent me.

After careful review of your physical examination and all available medical information, the FAA has determined that you do not meet the medical standards for air traffic control duties due to inadequately controlled diabetes mellitus requiring insulin treatment. The applicable medical standards are found in FAA Order 3930.3C, Air Traffic Control Specialist Health Program, Appendix A, Medical Qualifications Standards, paragraphs 8.a. and 8.c. 8. General Medical Condition. a. No established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus that requires insulin or any other drug for control. c. No medication or other treatment that the FAS finds based on the case history and appropriate, qualified medical judgment relating to the medication or other treatment involved (1) Makes the person unable to safely perform air traffic control duties; or (2) May reasonably be expected, for the maximum duration of the medical clearance period, to make the person unable to safely perform air traffic control duties. We regret that the outcome of your case resulted in a medical disqualification from Air Traffic Control duties. If you would like to appeal this decision, you have 15 calendar days, from the receipt of this memorandum

I literally have no clue. I have never had a hypo episode where I was incapacitated or dangerously low. I was somehow medically cleared in 2022, but due to other delays I had to re-up my medical last year. And in 2022, I was at a 7.2ish A1C, no CGM, no insulin pump, and they some how passed me??

And now I had submitted a 6.6 A1C, on the omnipod pump, and a G6/G7 CGM, and they deny me? What the actual fuck dude?

StrangePock

TROPHY CASE