Eric Friedman - Exemption/Rulemaking

Dr. Steven Edelman, representing the non-profit organization Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD), supports Captain Eric Friedman's petition for exemption. He argues that establishing clear, stable standards for insulin-treated pilots will increase aviation safety, improve government efficiency, and prevent pilots from being sidelined by administrative delays.

Quinton Weiskittel, an insulin-dependent diabetic pilot, supports Eric Friedman's petition for an exemption from specific FAA medical certification regulations. He argues that the current discretionary process is inefficient and outdated, and that a formal exemption would provide regulatory certainty, improve safety by reducing administrative burdens, and reflect modern medical advancements in diabetes management.

The commenter argues that the FAA's medical certification process is non-transparent and unfairly bars stable individuals, such as those using insulin, from flying. They advocate for allowing these individuals to fly based on their track record of safety and demand greater public accountability from the FAA.

The commenter is requesting that the agency promptly process and issue the exemption requested in the petition. They argue that the petition's core requirements—including safety standards and the removal of regulatory deadlines—remain valid.

The commenter supports the petition for exemption, arguing that it would provide regulatory certainty and consistency for insulin-treated applicants by formalizing existing informal policies. They highlight that the request aligns with practices in other DOT agencies and would improve aviation safety by reducing administrative burdens and discretionary variability.

The commenter supports the petition to establish clear, public standards for medical certificate renewals. They argue that current private letters and vague guidance from AAM lead to inconsistent treatment and fear of retaliation, and that formal rules would ensure transparency and fairness.