Resources

The links worth having.

Every link here was checked on September 5, 2026. The external links go to the sources themselves — the FAA, the device manufacturers, the diabetes organizations, and two aeromedical advisory services — not to summaries of them. DAPA is not affiliated with any organization listed and does not endorse their content.

FAA & regulations

Start with the source.

The documents your certification actually depends on.

faa.gov ITDM – CGM Option protocol The FAA's complete insulin-treated diabetes protocol in the Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners: pilot information, initial and renewal requirements, certification aid, submission instructions, report examples, and FAQ. The basis for DAPA's Medical page. Visit designee.faa.gov FAA Designee Locator Find every current Aviation Medical Examiner by city, state, or ZIP. Call before booking and ask whether they have handled an insulin-treated Special Issuance. Visit medxpress.faa.gov FAA MedXPress Where you complete the medical application (Form 8500-8) online before your AME visit. The FAA's own instructions: you receive a confirmation number on submission, and your AME cannot access your application without it, so bring it to the exam. Visit faa.gov FAA Medical Certification The FAA's overview of medical certificate classes, what each is for, how long they last, and how the process works. Visit

Aeromedical help

People who do this for a living.

aviationmedicine.com Aviation Medicine Advisory Service (AMAS) Aviation medicine physicians who work directly with pilots on FAA medical certification, confidentially. Worth a consultation before a Special Issuance package goes to the FAA. Some pilot unions provide access as a member benefit. Visit aopa.org AOPA Medical Resources The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's medical certification resource center, with condition-specific guidance and member medical support services. Visit

Diabetes organizations

The diabetes side of the equation.

diabetes.org American Diabetes Association Standards of care, education, and advocacy. The FAA's ITDM protocol references ADA standards for its glucose targets and the content of the endocrinologist evaluation. Visit diabetes.org ADA – Know Your Rights The ADA's guidance on legal protections for people with diabetes at work, at school, and in public accommodations, including how to raise a discrimination concern. Visit breakthrought1d.org Breakthrough T1D Formerly JDRF. Type 1 research funding, community programs, and resources for newly diagnosed adults and families. Visit

Devices at the checkpoint

What the manufacturers say.

Airport screening rules differ by device and generation. These are the manufacturers' own pages. Read yours before your next trip, and see DAPA's Travel Logistics & Airport Security guide for how it plays out in practice.

dexcom.com Dexcom G7 – security and flying Dexcom's FAQ on wearing G7 through metal detectors and AIT body scanners, luggage scanning, and use during flight. Visit dexcom.com Dexcom G6 – airport security Dexcom's guidance for G6 users, including its recommendation to keep system components out of X-ray machines and request alternative screening. Visit omnipod.com Omnipod – traveling with diabetes Insulet's travel guide for Podders. Note that Insulet's screening guidance differs between the Omnipod DASH and Omnipod 5 systems; confirm the current advice for yours. Visit minimed.com Medtronic – traveling with a diabetes device Medtronic's guidance on X-ray, body scanners, and metal detectors for MiniMed pumps and Guardian CGM components, plus the airport information card. Visit tandemdiabetes.com Tandem – traveling with a Tandem pump Tandem's TSA guidance for t:slim X2 and Mobi, printable travel notes, and its traveler loaner-pump program for trips outside the U.S. Visit support.freestyle.abbott FreeStyle Libre 3 – airport security Abbott's FAQ on which airport screening technologies the Libre 3 sensor can and cannot be exposed to. Visit

Security & travel

At the airport.

tsa.gov TSA Cares TSA's assistance program for travelers with medical conditions and disabilities: what to expect at screening, how to request a Passenger Support Specialist, and the TSA notification card. Visit

On this site

DAPA's own material.

dapaaviation.org The FAA Medical The Special Issuance pathway for insulin-treated diabetes, in plain language, from the FAA's protocol. Open dapaaviation.org Life on the Line Operational field guide: readiness, nutrition, redundancy, and travel, with printable checklists. Open dapaaviation.org My Flight Kit Building a redundant preflight kit for long operational days. Open dapaaviation.org Time Zones & Early Reports Managing circadian disruption on the line. Open dapaaviation.org Duty Day Nutrition Fueling patterns that hold up through delays, turns, and overnights. Open dapaaviation.org Travel & Airport Security Cross-border operations and smoother checkpoint transitions. Open

About these links. External sites are not under DAPA's control and may change without notice. A link is not an endorsement. Manufacturer guidance changes with each device generation — always check the page for the exact device you use. See our Disclaimer & Terms of Use. Know a resource that belongs here?

Compare notes with people who've been there.

DAPA members have worked through the medical, the checkpoint, and the duty day. Join and ask.