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Case reports of insulin-dependent glider pilots in the United Kingdom
1British Gliding Association, Crickhowell, Powys, UK.
Background:
Insulin-dependent diabetics have not been licensed to fly as pilots. In the United Kingdom, the standards for flying gliders solo were adopted from those required for driving licences, allowing diabetics to fly gliders. No accidents had been reported.
Hypothesis:
My hypothesis was that insulin-dependent diabetics can fly as pilots without danger.
Method:
A survey was conducted among insulin-dependent glider pilots, using a questionnaire to determine their flying experience and establish any difficulties arising from their disease.
Results:
Respondents reported that their blood sugar level could be managed in flight and that while complications of diabetes occurred, they had not presented a flight safety hazard.
Conclusion:
Insulin dependent diabetic pilots flying solo recreational aircraft are not at greater risk than when driving road vehicles. The decision by the British Gliding Association to allow insulin dependent pilots to fly gliders solo has been justified by experience.