On November 20, 2013, Fred Tilton, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Federal Air Surgeon, announced a New Obstructive Sleep Apnea Policy1 (Policy) the FAA will be “releasing shortly.”2 Under the Policy, aviation medical examiners (AMEs) must calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI) β a method for identifying obesity β for every pilot. Pilots with a BMI of 403 or more will have to be evaluated by a physician who is a board-certified sleep specialist, and, if diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, treated before they can be medically certified.4 The FAA’s Policy will issue despite new legislation restricting sleep apnea screening for federally regulated commercial drivers and opposition from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
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