Agency Plans Stakeholder Discussions

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced it will put its controversial sleep apnea policy on hold, opting instead to work with stakeholders to find a more acceptable way to address concerns about undiagnosed sleep disorders in pilots.

Federal Air Surgeon Fred Tilton contacted AOPA Thursday, Dec. 19, to say that the FAA would not move forward with implementing the policy, which is a reversal from statements made on Dec. 12 when the FAA said the policy was a “process enhancement” and would move forward in January.

“This is an important win for the aviation community, and we appreciate the FAA’s willingness to step back from its previous position, open discussions with stakeholders and find a better path forward,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “We look forward to collaborating with the FAA to resolve their safety concerns in a way that makes sense.”