The crew who fly with a disability or a chronic condition: what is possible, what the medical allows, and the ones who make it work
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#1 US carrier, and I have type 1 diabetes, and I fly. That surprises people, including candidates who message me thinking they cannot apply. So this is the thread for crew with a condition, because the answer is more often yes than the internet says.
Mine
Diagnosed at 19, applied at 24, passed the medical with a letter from my endocrinologist and a management plan. The airline's medical department asked good questions, put conditions on the file (I carry my kit, I test at set times, I have a plan for hypos), and cleared me. Eight years, no incidents, and I have handled two passenger hypos better than any crew member without diabetes could have.
What is generally possible, from crew I know
Well controlled diabetes, both types. Asthma with a good history. Epilepsy that has been seizure free for a long period with a specialist's letter. Coeliac disease and other dietary conditions, which mostly affect the crew meal and nothing else. Hearing aids at some airlines. Mental health conditions that are stable and managed, which is a whole conversation and a real one.
What is generally not
Anything uncontrolled. Anything that could incapacitate suddenly without warning. Certain heart conditions. Conditions that need medication that is not permitted. And some airlines are stricter than others, with the Gulf and Asian carriers generally more conservative and the US and European carriers more case by case.
How it works
The medical is the gate. Be honest on the form, bring the specialist's letter, have the management plan written down. The airline's doctor is not looking for reasons to reject, mostly. They are looking for evidence that you can do the job safely. Give them the evidence.
The ones who make it work
A colleague with a prosthetic below the knee who has flown for twelve years. A purser with well managed epilepsy. Several crew with insulin pumps. A crew member with a hearing aid who is the best PA voice on the fleet.
For candidates
Do not self reject. Ask the airline's medical department before applying if you are unsure. And ask here, because there is almost certainly a crew member with your condition on this forum.
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#2 United, and asthma with an inhaler, cleared at the medical with a letter, eight years, never an issue on the aircraft. The self reject point is the one. I nearly did not apply.
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#3 Lufthansa, and the German AME process is thorough and case by case and I know two crew with type 1 and one with epilepsy on our fleet. Honest form, specialist letter, management plan. The three things.
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#4 SIA, and the honest version for the Asian carriers: more conservative, and a type 1 diagnosis would be a difficult conversation with our medical. Not impossible. Difficult. Candidates should know the difference by region.
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#6 Cabin manager, and I have had crew with diabetes, coeliac and a hearing aid on my crews and none of it has ever been a safety concern. The management plan on the file means I know what to do. That is all a cabin manager needs.
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#7 Applying, and I have well controlled asthma and had assumed it was a no. Reading this thread I am applying with a letter from my doctor instead of not applying. Thank you.