(15) Never before: A Pilot Overcomes Diabetes and Returns to the Cockpit! Artwork

Everyday Heroes

Welcome Everyday Heroes, I’m Bert Botta, the creator of the Everyday Heroes podcast series and welcome. One day about 3 years ago I experienced something that would forever change how I look at relationships! Here's what happened …I was the editor of the Private Jet Pilots newsletter and I was doing interviews for pilot profiles in the newsletter. I’ve always been a “people person” but so much of the time my relationships were like “Hey, how you doing, gotta run!” That usually left me wanting more. But during the interviews, I got to really know my fellow pilots, I discovered how much I really enjoyed getting to know them on a more personal level by working with them that way. That feeling of connection made me realize that I found something that I’ve always been good at, connecting people with something that I really enjoyed doing, TURNING INTERVIEWS INTO PODCASTS that connect everyone, the guys and gals who I interview with the ones who listen to my podcasts and me! Perfect! Long story short, everyone wins! My podcasts are more than random stories; they are powerful messages of entertainment, hope, education, connection, and community for my listeners, especially for those of us in the aviation community. You can listen to the podcasts by clicking the Subscribe button below; it’s FREE and you’ll be able to hear a new and different podcast that comes out every Tuesday, 9 am Pacific time. And if you have a story that needs telling, let me know and we’ll make you the next Everyday Hero! Bert

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Everyday Heroes

(15) Never before: A Pilot Overcomes Diabetes and Returns to the Cockpit!

November 23, 2020 • Bert Botta

Heroes, this used to be the "kiss of death" for pilots! Diabetes has for a long time been disqualifying for a pilot to continue flying.

In Pietro's story you'll hear about what he had to go through, after learning he was diabetic at 21 years old, especially since he had been actively flying and his life came to a screeching halt after this discovery.

You'll hear how he had to fight his way back to health and in the process, did a ton of research that led to the FAA completely changing the protocol that they require for a pilot to continue flying with diabetes.

But very soon into his fight to remain in the cockpit he realized that this was much more than him trying to maintain his license; it was a fight for all the young pilots, and general population, who come after him who have felt hopeless in their fight for health.

Hear how he describes that, as a kid he was able to "eat all the good stuff, like pizza and cake" and how that all came crashing down as he helps discover an amazing technological breakthrough to treat diabetes, a device called a "continuous glucose monitor."

But I'll let Pietro tell you his story in this interview and if you know of anyone who needs to hear of this technology, please refer them to me at: botajet@gmail.com

Here's to your amazing health,

Bert