Pilot thinking about getting my CDL
Posted by Funked__Up@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 21 comments
So I’m an airline pilot that just got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and have to go on a medical leave for the foreseeable future. Been told it will be over a year before I fly again. I was thinking about getting my CDL and doing that for a year? Is it feasible? Does the diabetes diagnosis ruin my chances? I know you guys have to get physicals done too. Also, last year I was in a nasty at fault accident which, I didn’t get any tickets though. Just wanting to see if this may or may not be a good choice? I’m on disability with my company and already going crazy being home and not working.
notbannd4cussingmods@reddit
A quick google says you can pilot with diabetes so what's the real story here?
daixso@reddit
This is a list I found on a pilot advocacy group for T1 diabetes:
Submit A1C (or glycated hemoglobin) results covering a year; Use a continuous glucose monitor and submit six months of recorded glucose data, along with time-in-range details; Prove they’re under the care of an endocrinologist, an ophthalmologist, and a cardiologist and get ECG heart health tests; and If they’re 40 or older, take a physical stress test.
notbannd4cussingmods@reddit
Soooo you can pilot with diabetes like I said?
daixso@reddit
Right if he waits a year without an income. So he needs to find something in the meantime?
notbannd4cussingmods@reddit
Got cha.
daixso@reddit
Sorry I’m grouchy I am behind on sleep and irritable lol
daixso@reddit
Not with a recent diagnosis for T1 especially if needing insulin you have to show a doctor that you’re well controlled over a certain time probably 6-12 months but if he was just diagnosed he won’t be able to do that
notbannd4cussingmods@reddit
Why's it take so long you reckon?
daixso@reddit
Shows that you’re well under control if you’re using insulin you can overshoot or undershoot the dosing and cause serious and potentially fatal issues plus diabetes is long term care it’s not something that becomes under control quickly
papisilla@reddit
It can be done but honestly the hassle isn't worth it for the amount of money you'll make the first year
lowballbertman@reddit
Have you thought about transitioning into flight control in an airport terminal tower? Also does your current employer offer any light duty office work that would be compatible with your current situation? Maybe there’s opportunities within your current airline you can transition into? Is there any help you can get from your union?
CakewalkNOLA@reddit
If you're type 1 and on insulin, you'll have to get a medical waiver. In order to do that, you'll have to meet certain criteria. It can be done, but your glucose levels will have to be in check and you'll have to have your doctor submit the proper paperwork.
daixso@reddit
This is the way
glassboxghost@reddit
Not a good time to get into this industry honestly. And it's not for the unhealthy. My husband has lost 40lbs and not in a healthy way he's underweight for his height now due to stress and lack of access to good food (he's prediabetic so he can't do most of the hot food)
SubstantialWonder409@reddit
I would focus on exercise and healthy eating habits while you don't have to work. Trucking will be very hard to do this. You can make having diabetes nearly vanish, but of course, you can never get rid of it completely now. You may also have medical restrictions on a cdl. FOCUS ON YOUR HEALTH FIRST.
12InchPickle@reddit
If they’re telling you, you can’t fly. Then you certainly can’t / shouldn’t drive commercially.
Odin4456@reddit
It’s pretty much the same here. You might not pass your DOT physical either
homucifer666@reddit
Honestly, I wouldn't.
Starting out in trucking usually means OTR (local jobs are highly competitive and usually want experience), and that's going to make any health issues you have even worse due to long odd hours, stress, poor nutrition, few opportunities for exercise, etc.
Having a recent at-fault accident will also make it harder for you to find a job. Not impossible, but it's going to be rough for a while, longer than your medical leave. Pay is also going to be terrible at the start, along with atrocious work-life balance. Hope you don't have a family you want to see more often than a few days a month.
If your disability pay is adequate for your needs and you're just bored, go find a hobby. There are a lot better ways to spend your time than this.
babyyodaistoocute@reddit
If they are making you leave bc of health concerns I highly suggest you stay as far away from trucking possible. 70 hours a week schedule, lack of healthy food on the road, shit sleep schedule. Best of luck
MostlyUseful@reddit
I have a friend who drives OTR with type 1 diabetes. As long as it’s being managed, getting a med cert shouldn’t be a problem. The recent accident may be a deterrent to several companies though. They look for accidents or tickets within the past three years.
Lazyyyyy48@reddit
I am friends with a driver that have diabetes and drives locally. I also know of a family friend that got into an at fault accident in his personal vehicle and still got hired (he was employed at the time and got a new job a few months after the accident) I hope this helps and I know the trucking vets will get your questions answered more thoroughly. I’m only speaking from things I’ve seen and heard