Pilots May Get Grounded Over Sleep Apnea

Ever think about the pilot and co-pilot who fly the plane you’re in? Are they alert? Well rested? Or are they sleep deprived, distracted and unfocused? While airline disasters are rare, pilot error does contribute to plane crashes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is taking notice.

“Overweight pilots and air traffic controllers will soon be required to undergo sleep apnea screening according to a newly announced policy from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If diagnosed with the condition, which can cause daytime sleepiness and potentially jeopardize passenger safety, pilots will be required to undergo treatment before receiving their medical certificate. According to CNN, this new policy could affect as many as 125,000 commercial and private pilots.”