House Aviation Subcommittee Clears Bill Addressing FAA’s New Apnea Rule

The House aviation subcommittee cleared legislation yesterday that would force the FAA to follow established rulemaking processes before implementing a new requirement that some pilots be screened for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) before receiving a medical certificate. The bill, H.R. 3578, was introduced on November 21 by Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.), chairman of the Transportation Committee’s aviation subcommittee. Last month, the FAA said it planned to implement a new policy in which the agency would soon begin subjecting pilots with a body mass index of 40 or greater to OSA screening.