![]() As CGM technology has advanced, it has had a huge impact in the world of diabetes management and aviation. All which meet the criteria for overseas medical fitness. The appeal also involved submission of CGM blood glucose, HbA1C data and reports from treating endocrinologist, a cardiologist and an ophthalmologist (a very expensive exercise). This is often referred to international best practise. These are recognised as some of the world’s leading aviation bodies when it comes to aviation legislation. I submitted a thorough appeal, constructed with legislation gathered from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and United States. I strongly believed that if other countries can implement change to recognise advancements in diabetes management, then so could South Africa. I had been exploring published research and legislation in overseas countries that permit people with Type 1 diabetes to fly commercially. In their letter, they indicated that I could appeal their decision. This seemed like a major disappointment, but it was a necessary step to begin the process of challenging beliefs. I applied to the SACAA Aeromedical Committee panel for recertification of my medical, notifying them of my diagnosis.Įxpectantly, they declared me “ permanently medically unfit” for my Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) Class 1 Medical Certificate. It has that much of a positive impact on my life. In terms of diabetes management, I believe that CGM is about as important as the discovery of insulin. Currently, I’m on Humalog (insulin lispro) and Tresiba (insulin degludec injection) and use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). I was experiencing the typical symptoms, the four Ts: thirstier, thinner, toilet and tired, and gradually they became more intense.Ī friend suggested I go to a pharmacy and the nurse took a blood glucose reading of 33mmol/L. I recall falling ill at the beginning of 2020. Needless to say, I was highly disappointed as this brought my airline career to an abrupt end as current protocols in South Africa prohibit Type 1 diabetic applicants from exercising the privileges of a Class 1 medical Certificate to fly commercially. However, after my endocrinologist received the results of a GAD antibody test, he re- diagnosed me with Type 1 diabetes. Initially, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, because of my age and weight. A lot of people would ask me how work is going, and I would always tell them, “I have never worked a day in my life.” I think this in part because I enjoyed my job so much that it never really felt like work. A very cool aircraft to fly.īased in Johannesburg, we would often fly up to four flights a day. I was flying domestically as First Officer on the Boeing 737 fleet. I was working as an airline pilot for a low-cost carrier in South Africa. My career in aviation training eventually led to a position as an airline pilot. I had a marvellous time in Port Alfred and after I completed my training in 2011, I returned to work there after qualifying as a flight instructor. He is a very accomplished aerobatic pilot and someone I looked up to as a child.Īfter years of playing Microsoft Flight Simulator and spending time at the local aeroclub, my parents eventually caved in and allowed me to fulfil my passion and dream and start flying training for my private pilot’s license (PPL) at the Algoa Flying Club in PE, where I originally come from.Īfter completing matric, I enrolled at 43 Air School in Port Alfred to complete my commercial pilot’s license (CPL). ![]() Patrick went solo in this airplane and eventually went on to compete in the Red Bull Air Races. My favourite experience must have been a flight with legendary aerobatic pilot, Patrick Davidson, in his North American Harvard. I was fortunate enough to be exposed to aviation from a very young age. Jonathan Collins (29) lives in Johannesburg. Share Jonathan Collins tells us about his successful appeal for being declared permanently medically unfit to temporary medically unfit as a pilot after being diagnosed with diabetes.
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