Decided to come clean to the FAA.
#31
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Position: B-737NG preferably in first class with a glass of champagne and caviar
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Perhaps those, who read that book you will write, will find the strength to you and to take tha exit to seek help. Good luck to you sir, and others that choose to follow you.
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#32
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I tell my AME everything. I haven't had a personal doctor in something like 35 years; I use my AME. I only see him twice a year, but if anything's going on, I bring it to him. If anything crops up, I call him or email and talk about it. A few surgeries on the side, and I've consulted with him before and after. Consult with AMAS, too.
My AME has written prescriptions for me, and at one point I was having headaches; the AME correctly determined that I had a sinus infection. I didn't know I had it; no outward signs, but he prescribed, got over it, and the headaches went away. The AME has been able to pinpoint things for me that I hadn't caught, which was immensely useful. I have been grounded a time or two, but used the AME to work through the issue to get back on the line.
Anything at all that comes up, I research and stufy thoroughly, with a know-before-you-go attitude.
There is often more than one way to skin a cat . Sometimes, the cat is grateful.
The chances of being discovered are greater than you might think, with numerous avenues for discovery, from inadvertent self-disclosal to a gift from a non-friend, to an incident inviting a closer look, to increasing database access, to other medical issues which might arise. As mentioned before, I'm acquainted with a case in which the airman was found out by a talk he gave in his church; an inspector at the local FSDO was visiting and in the congregation that day, and took it upon himself to pursue the matter.
The original poster indicated the secret has been weighing on him for a long time, and he elected to unburden. Moreover, should he have been discovered and prosecuted without coming forward, the vigor of action against him would have been heightened considerably. If anything else, proactive disclosure equates to an eventual attitude of compliance, albeit having hidden the matter for an extended period. Still, he came to a decision, grounded himself, and has stated a willingness to face the consequences.
I've long been of the opinion that one ought not reveal what is not discovered, but there are limitations tied to a point of diminishing returns. What goes around can come back around to bite.
Once the matter is addressed and put to bed, and finally approved by special issuance, then it's either previously reported, no changes, or compliance in accordance with the requirements established in the special issuance waiver. That's a guilt and worry-free future that's been organized. That's a good thing.
My AME has written prescriptions for me, and at one point I was having headaches; the AME correctly determined that I had a sinus infection. I didn't know I had it; no outward signs, but he prescribed, got over it, and the headaches went away. The AME has been able to pinpoint things for me that I hadn't caught, which was immensely useful. I have been grounded a time or two, but used the AME to work through the issue to get back on the line.
Anything at all that comes up, I research and stufy thoroughly, with a know-before-you-go attitude.
There is often more than one way to skin a cat . Sometimes, the cat is grateful.
The chances of being discovered are greater than you might think, with numerous avenues for discovery, from inadvertent self-disclosal to a gift from a non-friend, to an incident inviting a closer look, to increasing database access, to other medical issues which might arise. As mentioned before, I'm acquainted with a case in which the airman was found out by a talk he gave in his church; an inspector at the local FSDO was visiting and in the congregation that day, and took it upon himself to pursue the matter.
The original poster indicated the secret has been weighing on him for a long time, and he elected to unburden. Moreover, should he have been discovered and prosecuted without coming forward, the vigor of action against him would have been heightened considerably. If anything else, proactive disclosure equates to an eventual attitude of compliance, albeit having hidden the matter for an extended period. Still, he came to a decision, grounded himself, and has stated a willingness to face the consequences.
I've long been of the opinion that one ought not reveal what is not discovered, but there are limitations tied to a point of diminishing returns. What goes around can come back around to bite.
Once the matter is addressed and put to bed, and finally approved by special issuance, then it's either previously reported, no changes, or compliance in accordance with the requirements established in the special issuance waiver. That's a guilt and worry-free future that's been organized. That's a good thing.
That's good John and I suppose that is how it should be for everybody. I don't know how to change the culture but there is indeed a culture of being terrified of the FAA. I am sure the feds know this and are pondering how to handle it. After the Alaska incident they formed a mental health committee, hopefully there are some improvements there.
#33
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Trucks can be (are) a hard life. Owner-operator gives you flexibility but you have to drive your arse off to get ahead, and ten hours in a truck is longer than ten hours in most airplanes. I don't think you're going to make any real money unless you own multiple trucks and employ drivers. Low barrier to entry, so low common denominator. Maybe the driver shortage favors drivers right now?
Look into UPS... their over the road operations are almost all out-and-back day trips from their local hubs, home every night, M-F with holidays off. Historically you had to start driving package delivery vans and do that for years before you could bid into the "big iron" but right now it's common to get hired right into over-the-road. Operates like an airline... seniority, quarterly(?) bids for schedules, reserves, etc.
Strong union, good benefits, pension.
By best friend does that, started part-time night shift in college in the 80's and worked his way up. Economy sucked when he graduated so he just stayed. Probably retire in his mid-50's with a nice pension and bennies. Some guys like the money and drive until they drop (no age limit). You can make impressive money if you chase the OT.
Look into UPS... their over the road operations are almost all out-and-back day trips from their local hubs, home every night, M-F with holidays off. Historically you had to start driving package delivery vans and do that for years before you could bid into the "big iron" but right now it's common to get hired right into over-the-road. Operates like an airline... seniority, quarterly(?) bids for schedules, reserves, etc.
Strong union, good benefits, pension.
By best friend does that, started part-time night shift in college in the 80's and worked his way up. Economy sucked when he graduated so he just stayed. Probably retire in his mid-50's with a nice pension and bennies. Some guys like the money and drive until they drop (no age limit). You can make impressive money if you chase the OT.
#34
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Perhaps you should. You followed many on the peverbial highway... but chose to take the exit ramp to seek assistance from professionals in a valiant attempt to remedy your situation.
Perhaps those, who read that book you will write, will find the strength to you and to take tha exit to seek help. Good luck to you sir, and others that choose to follow you.
Perhaps those, who read that book you will write, will find the strength to you and to take tha exit to seek help. Good luck to you sir, and others that choose to follow you.
#35
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If it goes the other way, I will also post about it as well. All we have been hearing lately from the FAA is to not be scared to come forward and disclose. I am hoping they put their money where their mouth is.
Rgardless, I am willing to accept the consequences and go on with my life.
#36
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Well, I have never felt good about it and have been thinking of disclosing the past omissions for a long time. Plus, I still take the medication. I feel good and am doing good, but I am still in violation of the regulations. I want to correct that if possible. What I am hoping is that this works out and I continue with my flying career and can reach out about my experience in order to help others that are "underground" so to speak. If somebody like me who has omitted this condition for this period of time is shown mercy, then maybe others will come forward and we can start collectively ending this hiding and secretive culture regarding our health (as pilots).
If it goes the other way, I will also post about it as well. All we have been hearing lately from the FAA is to not be scared to come forward and disclose. I am hoping they put their money where their mouth is.
Rgardless, I am willing to accept the consequences and go on with my life.
If it goes the other way, I will also post about it as well. All we have been hearing lately from the FAA is to not be scared to come forward and disclose. I am hoping they put their money where their mouth is.
Rgardless, I am willing to accept the consequences and go on with my life.
Considering what they’re doing,
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/fa...es/ar-AA1mXm4b
It would behoove the FAA to maybe open a two year amnesty window to self disclose and be forgiven.
#37
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Thank you for your reply.
Considering what they’re doing,
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/faa-s-diversity-push-includes-focus-on-hiring-people-with-severe-intellectual-and-psychiatric-disabilities/ar-AA1mXm4b
It would behoove the FAA to maybe open a two year amnesty window to self disclose and be forgiven.
Considering what they’re doing,
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/faa-s-diversity-push-includes-focus-on-hiring-people-with-severe-intellectual-and-psychiatric-disabilities/ar-AA1mXm4b
It would behoove the FAA to maybe open a two year amnesty window to self disclose and be forgiven.
#39
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Year 3 ssri Rx at 50 mg. Treatment is authorized up to 300mg a day I’m told. Hard to relate. All I can really say is that each month’s tolerance, benefit seems to build on the previous as many of the initial side effects fade over time. There were/are permanent changes to sleep rhythm in my case. Continue to enjoy happy hour every so often but on a reduced vice tax hit
I see no obvious reason SSRIs can’t be prescribed at nominal dosages solely under a qualified physician’s care. i.e..without hims purview. It’s intended as therapy not punishment. Support those seeking to get better. Dedicated to do it right.
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#40
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Thank you for your reply.
Considering what they’re doing,
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/faa-s-diversity-push-includes-focus-on-hiring-people-with-severe-intellectual-and-psychiatric-disabilities/ar-AA1mXm4b
It would behoove the FAA to maybe open a two year amnesty window to self disclose and be forgiven.
Considering what they’re doing,
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/faa-s-diversity-push-includes-focus-on-hiring-people-with-severe-intellectual-and-psychiatric-disabilities/ar-AA1mXm4b
It would behoove the FAA to maybe open a two year amnesty window to self disclose and be forgiven.
I'm not advocating that bi-polar, etc be allowed to fly but garden variety *mild* depression/anxiety which is treated should be something an AME can issue. FAA could develop a standard protocol, allow mental health providers to fill out a form checking off said protocol then AME reviews and approves.
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