Community
Build a trusted peer network where aviation professionals can connect openly, share lived experience, and learn from one another without judgment.
About DAPA
Built by aviation professionals, for aviation professionals.
Diabetic Aviation Professionals Association (DAPA) is a peer-led professional community for pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals living with diabetes.
Our mission
Responsible, disciplined health management in high-performance aviation.
We aim to provide credible, experience-based insight into medical certification pathways, operational readiness, and long-term career sustainability.
DAPA exists to foster connection, improve awareness, and reinforce the principle that aviation safety, professionalism, and chronic-condition management can coexist at the highest standards of the industry. We remain grounded in operational awareness and respect for regulatory standards.
Our goals
Four commitments.
Awareness
Improve understanding of diabetes in aviation by highlighting practical realities, responsible health management, and the professionalism of those living with it.
Future Advocacy
As DAPA grows, increase visibility and professional representation of aviation professionals living with diabetes within the broader industry.
Support
Provide practical encouragement and resource direction for certification journeys, day-to-day operations, and long-term career wellness in aviation.
Aviation careers & diabetes
Diabetes is no longer an automatic barrier.
Advances in medical monitoring, treatment, and regulatory policy have made it possible for qualified individuals living with diabetes — including insulin-dependent Type 1 — to pursue professional aviation careers.
Certification pathways require structured medical oversight and personal responsibility. DAPA aims to improve awareness of this reality while reinforcing the importance of safety, professionalism, and disciplined health management within the industry.
Our team
The founder.
Gabriel Urdaneta
Founder, Diabetic Aviation Professionals Association
Airbus A320 First Officer
Type 1 · diagnosed 2025
FAA First Class Special Issuance
In February 2025, at age 25, Gabriel was unexpectedly hospitalized and diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes following a severe episode of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Prior to that event, he had no known history of the condition.
Due to medical certification requirements, Gabriel was temporarily removed from flight status while navigating the FAA Special Issuance process for his First Class Medical. During this time, he gained firsthand experience with the regulatory and medical complexities involved in returning to active aviation duty — and with the limited availability of structured, aviation-specific resources for professionals living with diabetes.
After successfully regaining his medical certification and returning to flight status, Gabriel founded DAPA to establish a professional community focused on operational responsibility, safety, and long-term career sustainability — providing credible support and shared experience while navigating life with diabetes, including the Special Issuance certification process.
Different paths. Same destination.
Join the community.
Connect with aviation professionals who understand both the flight deck and the diagnosis.
